Percy shook his head. “I won’t have you say such things. For all you do for everyone else—”
“You have it wrong.” Danny’s mouth turned down at the edges. “I’m not a savior or a saint. Everything I do is out of selfishness and fear. When I see someone in need, helping isn’t my first response. My first thought is to run as fast and far away as I can. But I choose to stay and choose to face the danger for my own good.” She pressed a fist to her chest, choking out words like they hurt to voice. “Don’t you see? Imustsave them, Percy, because If I can save others...”
Percy’s heart wrenched in understanding, understanding her and, through her, better understanding a piece of himself. “Saving others means you can save yourself.”
When her gaze lifted to his, her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I’m sorry I’m not perfect. I’ve always been scared. Ever since that night, I haven’t known a moment without it. But with you...” She threw back her shoulders and determination turned her expression fierce. “You make me stronger. The fear is still there, but I no longer cower at my own response. You’ve shown me the beauty in my flaws. I don’t need to be ashamed of who I am.”
Percy stood stunned. There was no question she could handle the coming storm. Not only did she face those fears everyday, but she had grown stronger despite them... Fear. He’d learned the word as a child. A word filled with dark worry. But through her eyes, from her mouth, Percy finally understood the courage that went hand in hand.
“You have so much good in you,” she went on. “You may be a villain to yourself, the rest of the world can believe the lie, but you’ve been my savior. And I have every intention of staying and showing you the beauty you carry inside. Ican and willbe your partner, Percy. Someone you can trust.”
Jesus, was that what she was worried about? He cupped her face in his hands. “I do trust you, Danny. And you are my partner. I’m an absolute ass for making you question that for a second.”
She smiled. “Glad that’s settled.” She placed a kiss on his lips, leaving the lingering taste of honey scones behind. “But, Percy, my forgiveness isn’t selfless, either.”
He leaned forward, eager for another taste. “Meaning?”
Her nails on his cheek dug in. “Think tohandleme again, and I will lock you in a closet with Lord Pickles.”
God, he loved her. Fierce, flawed, perfect her.
He chuckled and brought her fingers to his mouth. “Clawed to death by a feline? My ghost would never live down the shame.”
“Then you agree?”
“For the peace of my soul? I believe I must.” For her, for what she’d just offered him—a future—he’d shred his nails dragging himself out of the deepest pits of hell.
