“What about Taylor?” I asked as he started the engine. I couldn’t see him through the throng of students.
“Don’t worry about him. He probably ran off with the rest of them.” Thiago turned onto a quiet street. “We’re going to wait here for a little bit. I can’t have anyone thinking I was involved,” he said, resting his forehead on the steering wheel with a long sigh.
“Are you afraid of getting in trouble with the principal?” I asked as my heartbeat slowed to normal.
“I’m more afraid of losing control and doing something I’d regret if I see that piece of shit again.”
He eventually lifted his head and looked over, and in the silence, I felt my fear vanish.
“You didn’t deserve this, Kam,” he said, stroking my cheek.
I closed my eyes. He went on: “And I won’t stop until I know you’re safe at that damn school.”
“Thiago, you don’t have to keep worrying about me. You’ve done more than enough.”
“Nothing’s too much when it comes to you, Kam.”
I blinked and tried to keep from crying.
“I love you,” Thiago said. And for a moment, I was speechless.
“I have so many things I want to tell you,” I managed to say as he carefully wiped away my tears.
“Tell me in secret, and I promise whatever you say will stay with me forever.”
I looked into his beautiful green eyes, and I had to say it.
I couldn’t keep holding it in forever.
“I love you too, Thiago. I always have.”
