“The law wouldn’t see it that way.” She shook her head, trying to pull her hand back from his.
“The law doesn’t know what it’s like.” He caught her hand again, refusing to let her retreat. “To be trapped. To be beaten. To have no way out.”
“You cannot just...” She tried to stand, her look probing the shadows for an exit.
“I can.” He tugged her back down, pulling her into his space. “I can, and I am.”
“Why?” The word tore out of her, ragged and raw, as she pressed her free hand against her mouth. “Why do you not hate me?”
“Because you are the bravest woman I have ever known.” He cupped her face with his free hand, tilting her chin up to meet his eyes. “Because you built a life from nothing. Because you raised two children alone. Because you survived.”
“I ran.” Her composure fractured, and she tried to turn her head away.
“Running is not weakness.” His hand slid to the back of her neck, holding her gently but firmly. “Sometimes running is the only strength we have.”
Her eyes burned with unshed tears. She wouldn’t cry.
“I have spent nine years hiding.” She gripped his wrist, the confession spilling out in a rush. “Waiting for someone to recognize me. Waiting for Gabriel’s family to come looking. Waiting for everything to fall apart.”
“And now?” He stroked his thumb along her jaw, watching her with intense focus.
“And now you know.” She met his gaze, finally letting him see the entirety of her soul. “Everything. Every ugly piece.”
“There’s nothing ugly about surviving.” He pulled her closer, until their foreheads nearly touched.
“You cannot just forgive this.” She placed her palm against his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat.
“There’s nothing to forgive.” He covered her hand with his, holding it against his heart. “You told me the truth. That took more courage than anything I have ever done.”
“Dominic.” She struggled to speak, her breath hitching as she looked away.
“I love you.” He spoke the words like a vow. “Eleanor. Nell. Whatever name you choose, I love you. I loved you before I knew this, and I love you more now that I do.”
She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t think. She could only stare at him, this man who should hate her, who had every reason to walk away, yet who was still holding her hand like she were the most precious thing in the world.
“You know my worst secret.” She clutched his hand tighter, her knuckles turning white. “And you still...”
“Still love you.” He finished for her, leaning forward to press his forehead against hers. “Still want you. Still need you.”
“How?” The question was a broken, wondering whisper as she searched his face.
“Because you are you.” His thumb traced her cheekbone, catching a tear she hadn’t felt fall. “Because you are fiery and stubborn and maddening. Because you make me want to be better. Because when I was dying, yours was the only name I remembered.”
The tears came then. She couldn’t stop them anymore, and they spilled hot and fast down her cheeks.
“Say it.” He urged her, pulling her closer until his breath was warm against her lips. “Now. When you know I know everything.”
She looked at him, really looked, past the bandage and the bruises to the man beneath. This was the man who had defended her, proposed to her, and nearly died calling her name. He knew her darkest secret and loved her anyway.
“I love you.” The words came easy now, freed from the pressure of secrets, and she cupped his face in her hands. “I love you, and it terrifies me.”
“Why?” He leaned into her touch, his look tracing her face for the source of her fear.
“Because I loved Gabriel once.” She stroked her thumb across his cheekbone, her gaze honest and raw. “Or I thought I did. And look how that ended.”
“I am not Gabriel.” He turned his head, pressing a firm kiss to her palm.
“I know.” She traced the line of his jaw, careful to avoid the bandage at his temple. “I know you are not. But I am still scared.”
