Her eyes flash. "So we're pretending it didn't matter?"
"Of course it mattered. That's the problem. It's always been our problem," I reiterate.
She presses her nipples against my chest. The heat between us spikes, sharp and immediate, and she claims, "You don't get to pull away. Not after everything we've been through."
"I'm not pulling away. I'm drawing a line."
Her voice shakes. "And what's the line?"
The air in my lungs turn stale. I force myself to say, "We can't be together anymore. Your father will tear me apart, and don't deny it."
Her eyes narrow. "I told you I'll take care of it."
"How?"
She lifts her chin. "I will."
"How, Blue? Tell me," I push.
The air shifts. She finally replies, "You're talking about my family."
"Yes. And I'm talking about my life and your safety."
"My family would never hurt me."
"I didn't say that. But you're forgetting that this still can't go public. If it does, you'll be dragged through the mud."
She shrugs. "Who cares? I don't care about what people think."
I put both hands on her cheeks. "Listen to me, Bluebird. It's more than gossip. Your entire therapy history will be public."
Her eyes widen, but then she catches herself, and determination appears again. "Then I'll deal with it."
My heart bangs harder against my chest. I insist, "You don't know what you're saying right now. And I'm not going to do something that doesn't keep you safe."
She steps back then, like the words pushed her. "So that's it? You decided I'm safer without you?"
"I decided I won't throw you to the wolves."
She shakes her head. "You're doing it again. You're acting like I'm fragile."
"No. I'm acting like you matter," I assert.
Her lips shake. "You're lying to me. You just want out."
I blurt out, "No. I love you, and I will do anything to protect you."
She gasps and holds her breath.
Shit. Why did I say that?
"You finally said it," she softly declares.
My pulse thuds between my ears. I should deny it, but I can't.
The words hang between us, heavy and unmovable.
Her eyes shine brighter. "I knew you loved me."
