She’s not looking at me, and I can’t have that. I take a deep breath to center myself.
“Look at me,” I say, my tone commanding but gentle.
Her hollow eyes find mine, distant and worry-lined. I place her hand over my heart and hold it there. “Your scars aren’t baggage, they’re armor—proof of everything you’ve endured and survived. Let me see you, Callie. Let me seeallof you."
She lowers her arms, and my heart stutters inside my chest. Jagged pink scars and lighter raised welts crisscross across her stomach and ribs, some of them disappearing beneath the band of her bra. I can't bring myself to ask who or what did this to her; the knowledge would tip me over the edge. I need to stay strong—for herandfor me.
I drag a gentle hand over one of the more pronounced scars. Her chin quivers, and she closes her eyes as I flatten my palm over the area, trying to absorb the echoes of her pain.
I carefully rest my forehead on hers. “This changes nothing.”
It’s a lie. It changes everything. She once told me we were kindred spirits, and I've never felt that more acutely than I do now. Our connection runs deeper than I ever imagined.
Maybe my scars aren’t visible to the naked eye, but the damage still lingers. We’ve both found ways to protect ourselves from experiencing more of it, and in the process, we’ve cut ourselves off from everything life has to offer beyond the pains of our past.
“There’s more,” she whispers shakily.
“Show me. Please.”
Callie nods solemnly and turns her back. It’s more of the same, but I can’t help but feel a sense of relief that she didn’t see them coming, though I’m not certain that’s any better. The effect is still the same.
I tug off my shirt and wrap my arms around her shoulders, pulling her back to my chest. She exhales a long breath and melts into me. I inhale against her soft skin, savoring the feel of finally having her in my arms without anything left between us.
“You’re perfect. Every single part of you.”
A lone teardrop falls against my arm.
“The scars don’t bother me one bit, but the pain… god, Bluebird. I wish I could take it all away. I wish I could go back and save little Callie from all of it.”
“Me too.” The words come out strangled, and what’s left of my heart shatters to the floor at her feet.
I want to hold her until she loses that haunted look in her eyes—until all she sees is me and us, and what we could be if we both give into this beautiful surrender.
“I’m so fucking sorry, baby.”
She spins to face me again. Her eyes are glassy and bloodshot as she struggles to hold back her tears.
“You don't have to be strong all the time.” My fingertips chart a path down the side of her face until my thumb slides reverently across her bottom lip. It’s hard to look at her sometimes. The wanting never ceases. It’s almost unbearable to be near her like this.
"I-I’m fine."
This beautiful, headstrong, infuriating woman.
My gorgeous little liar.
“Look at me,” I say gruffly. “You're not fine. Don’t fucking lie to me.”
She opens her mouth to speak, but I swallow her denial with a rough kiss. Her fingers thread into my hair as she returns the kiss with fervor, and my tongue darts out, begging for entry. She gives in eagerly, taking everything I give her and returning it with just as much passion. She tastes like whiskey and mine, and I’ll be damned if I ever let this world hurt what’s mine ever again.
Any illusion of choice disappears right then and there. She is my destiny—as vital as the air I breathe. The only one who can fill this hollowness inside of me. Steady in my resolve, I silently vow that Callie Cooper will only know happiness from this moment on.
Callie
Jaxon pulls away, leaving me breathless and wanting. His hands cup my cheeks, and his green eyes hold me captive, like his soul is searching mine for some scrap of recognition.
“You're not fine,” he whispers, gliding his thumb back and forth along my cheekbone. “You're not fine, and it’s ok.”
My bottom lip quivers as my strength wanes. “You make me feel less alone.” I choke on the words as the confession hangs between us. “I’ve been alone for so long.”
