Page 181 of Power Play

“You wouldn’t have cared.”

“About what?”

“The robe, the apartment, or the coffee cups.”

I smiled. “I would’ve cared about the robe.”

That earned a real laugh.

“I’m serious.”

“So am I.”

She shook her head. “I mean you wouldn’t have thought I failed some kind of test.”

“No.”

“You would’ve kissed me.”

“Immediately.”

Her mouth trembled. “I realized I’ve spent my whole life trying to be ready before anyone sees me. You don’t care if I’m ready.”

“I care if you’re you.”

The words reached her.

Charm looked away, and I stepped closer before touching her chin lightly until she faced me again.

“I don’t need five versions of you.”

Her brows pulled together.

“I don’t need polished Charm for your parents, funny Charm for Bliss and Aura, nervous Charm for school, sexy Charm for me, and whatever version you think makes everybody else comfortable. I want you.”

Her eyes filled. “All of me?”

“All of you.”

I let my hand slide to the side of her neck. “I’m still serious about what I said. I know your family is complicated. They get in your head, and you spent years being trained to care about the noise around you.”

Charm nodded.

“I’ve got your back through that.”

Her expression softened.

“But I can’t commit to something deeper with you until I know you can handle that noise without letting it decide whether I matter.”

She flinched slightly, and I kept my voice even.

“You don’t have to stop caring what they think overnight. I’m not asking you to become somebody you’re not.”

“I know.”

“I’m asking you to know what you think before everybody else gets a vote.”

She exhaled slowly. “What happens if I don’t?”