“You shouldn’t.And that’s my fault.I own that.”He pointed to his chest, raw and determined.“I should have told you the truth the first time you asked.I didn’t.And I almost lost you because of it.”
His voice caught, and he squeezed his eyes shut.When he returned his gaze to mine, it was fierce.Unwavering.
“I won’t make that mistake again.From this moment forward, there are no more secrets.Just…” He stepped closer, his movements measured, as if approaching a wild animal.“Let me explain, Ariana.”
He reached for his waistband.I instinctively backed up.A part of me expected him to withdraw zipties, handcuffs, or some other restraints to chain me up like nothing more than property.
Instead, he drew his gun and held it out to me, pointing down.
“If, after hearing me out, you still think I’m lying, still think I’m a monster…” His throat worked as he swallowed.“Then shoot me.”
My heart slammed in my chest as I eyed the gun.“You’re giving me permission to shoot you?”
“I’m hoping you don’t.”His lips pressed into a line.“I’m hoping you believe me.I guess I’m trying to prove that youcantrust me, despite what my past actions may have led you to believe.”
I looked from his eyes to the gun and back again, dozens of scenarios playing out before me.If my marriage to Victor taught me anything, it was not to trust anyone.That any promise is yet another chain binding you to someone.
But it also taught me to trust my gut.
And my gut told me to at least listen to what he had to say.
After all, he’d fed me.Clothed me.He may have been cold and aloof, but he was never downright abusive, even though he had every opportunity to hurt me…or worse.Yet he never did.Shouldn’t that count for something?
Slowly, I lowered the vase back onto the table.My knees shook from the strength it took to remain upright, and I eased onto the edge of the bed, my eyes never leaving his.
“I’ll listen.”
Relief crashed over his expression, the tension leaving his body.“Thank you.”
He stepped forward, his gun still outstretched, urging me to take it.
“I don’t want your gun, Henry.Just… Don’t make me regret this.”
He flashed a rare smile.“I’ll do my best.”
ChapterSix
Ariana
Henry carefully set the gun on the nightstand beside the vase.The muzzle pointed toward the wall, but its presence still felt heavy.Looming.
“In case you change your mind,” he said evenly.
I wasn’t sure if the gesture was meant as additional proof of his honesty… Or as a manipulative ploy designed to make me lower my guard.
It was something Victor would have done.Which is why I didn’t trust it.
Henry picked up a chair from the corner and carried it closer, kicking the roses out of his way and setting it down a few feet from the bed.
“Sorry about your flowers,” I muttered, my throat scratchy.
“They’re not mine,” he replied.“I got them for you.”
My heart betrayed me with a sharp, skipping beat.“You did?”
He held my gaze, unwavering.“I did.”
It had been so long since anyone had given me flowers.Sure, the household staff routinely refreshed the various floral arrangements scattered throughout Victor’s estate, but they were showpieces.Not gifts like these flowers were.
