“None of this is you,” I promised him. “You are a wonderful man. It’s me. I’m broken. I’m—”
“The woman I love,” he breathed. He cleared his throat when I froze and then looked up at him. “You are, Aurora. You’re the woman I love. I’m in love with you.”
It was so ridiculously sweet but also funny because he looked as if he couldn’t believe what he was saying and a bit like he might faint.
Oh dear, I was fairly sure I felt the same way about this man.
Which meant I’d at least healed enough to no longer be dead inside.
It also meant I would give this man all of me—every part even if it broke me.
16
Creed
That so wasn’t the way to tell Aurora that I loved her, but… It just kind of came out. When I realized she was crying because she was hurtingmeby her past traumas overwhelming her—how could I not?
How could I not feel it?
How could I nottell herthat she was loved?
But realizing I felt it and I’d been lying to myself when others had seen it hit me hard. I felt… Gobsmacked wasn’t strong enough.
I shook out of my spiraling thoughts when she made a noise. It wasn’t really a gasp or huff but not a chuckle either.
Whatever, it snapped me back.
I turned us so she was against the vehicle and cupped her face. “I do. I love you. I’m in love with you, Aurora. I know you’re not there yet and I accept it. I accept all of you. As long as you say I’m not hurting you—unless you tell me to walk away, I’m in this. I know you care for me and I will be patient with the rest. I can be.”
I gave her a soft kiss so she didn’t have to worry about her reply. But then a miracle happened and she came in for a second kiss when I pulled away.
“Thank you, Creed,” she breathed. “I don’t deserve it, but I want to be selfish and accept your love. I will be the mate you need, I promise.”
I swallowed down how much her saying that hurt me. She was saying she would give her body to me even if she didn’t want to.
It’s her trauma. The doc warned you and don’t be an asshole. She needs help seeing the runway—the path to what is healthy and enjoyable.
But it was hard on me. I’d been through a lot too, and feeling like I was about to mate someone who didn’twant meafter the childhood and life I’d had was beyond difficult.
“I do trust you,” she whispered. “Green light.”
I was going to take it because I knew—it was like the kissing. Once she knew it was pleasurable and safe with me, she loved kissing. I could tell and—I knew this would work.
I made sure she had her purse and then lifted her in my arms. She was too nervous and it was going to be awkward. I locked her vehicle that was basically mine now and brought her to the elevator.
She chuckled and leaned against my chest.
I let out a long breath as we waited for the elevator. “I don’t want to push you. I swear this isn’t as selfish as it’s gotta seem to you. It’s like the kissing and snuggles. I know—Iknowdown to my soul that once you see how it should be—how it will be between us that you will want me the way I want you.”
She flinched and I mentally cursed. “I’m sorry this hurts you so much. You have no idea how much you mean to me. I want you in my life forever, Creed. I do. I would choose no other but you.”
That was the soothing balm I needed right then to keep pushing forward to help her. I kissed her hair and stepped on the elevator.
We were both nervous as we rode up. I could sense it from her and it was… Of course I was nervous too.
Of course.
We chuckled when I set her on her feet and she let us in the condo. Her worry started again and I just pressed forward.
