"I can take care of myself."
"I know. But...it wasn't just you. It was Mr. Rogers, Hwan, everyone was in danger while he and I were still on the island. I couldn't stand the thought you were all at risk from being seen with me. I was just trying to keep you all safe."
Dare huffed.
"And who was going to keep you safe?"
My gaze dropped and I bit my lip.
"I didn't care about myself in that moment."
"But I do. I've always cared about you and always will. Did you think I was just going to let you go back to that beast?"
"I'm sorry. I was stupid. I know I was. And I'm glad you found me. That you came after me. Even if he hurt you."
I glanced at his injured arm, and he covered it with his other hand.
"I'm not mad at you, sweetheart. I mean...I was when I thought you just ditched me, but then Wyatt talked some sense into me, and I saw what was right before my eyes."
I looked up and smiled.
"He did?"
He nodded.
"Look at you saying his name without growling. That's growth."
"Yeah, don't push it." He rolled his eyes. "But I'm not mad at you. I know why you did what you did. I may not agree with it, but I know you thought it was your only choice. I was stupid too. I didn't wait for backup. I just came after you like a madman and put both our lives at risk. I mean...look at me." He glanced down at his arm, then at me. "Look at you."
"What's wrong with me?" I touched my face and flinched. "Ouch!"
I pulled down the sun visor and looked at myself in the mirror. I was all bruised and bloodied and it was as if seeing my injuries made them hurt because an ache washed over my body at the sight of them.
"We're quite a pair," I said.
"We're both dummies," he said.
I shrugged.
"Dummies in love. I hope," I said. "Right?"
Dare chuckled but his amusement turned to a choked groan, and he grimaced while holding his arm.
"Yeah. As long as you don't leave me again."
"I'm never ever leaving you, ever again. I'm done being stupid. I'm going to be smart from now on."
"And being with me is smart?" He raised an eyebrow.
"It doesn't take Einstein to know you're the best thing that's ever happened to me. I just hope you can forgive me for ditching you. "
He frowned and I held my breath, staring at his lips, waiting for the next words to come out of his mouth.
"I took a bullet for you. What do you think?"
I raised my hand and cupped the side of his face.
"I think you love me and I love you," I said. "And we'd both better get over it so we can be happy together."
