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“Scout,” he says.
My name sounds different now.
Tighter.
Controlled.
I step back another inch.
Barely noticeable.
But to him—
It’s everything.
“You said we do this together,” he continues.
“I know.”
“That hasn’t changed.”
I hold his gaze.
And this is the hardest part.
Because I believe him.
“That’s not the problem,” I say softly.
“Then what is?”
You.
The word sits on the edge of my tongue.
Heavy.
Dangerous.
Instead—
“I just need to think,” I say.
It’s closer to the truth.
Close enough.
His eyes search mine.
Looking for the rest.
I don’t give it to him.
Because if I do—
He won’t let me do what I need to do.
And I need to do this.
