She went inside anyway. “You called me Evie not so long ago.”
“You are still here,” he said instead of responding to her prod.
“Yes.” She seated herself primly at his side, every part of her longing to throw herself into his arms.
Gently, of course.
Her hungry gaze traveled over him. His color was already much improved. He looked…alive, vibrant. And handsome, in spite of the fading bruises and gauntness of his face.
“Why?”
“Because I belong here.” She reached for his right hand, settling hers gently atop it. “I belong where you are.”
“You belong in Mayfair,” he growled.
“No.” She took a deep breath, summoning her daring. “I belong with the man I love.”
He stilled, his expression changing at last. Softening. “Evie.”
“I love you, Theo.” Telling him felt right. She should have done so before now, but fear had kept her from making the revelation.
She would not allow it to stop her this time.
“You are not meant for this life,” he said quietly.
Not the words of love she had been hoping for.
“I am meant for a life with you,” she countered.
He closed his eyes, his countenance turning pained. “Do not say something you will later regret.”
She laced her fingers through his, gratified he had not withdrawn from her touch. “I will never regret telling you I love you and belong at your side. Stop pushing me away. Let me into your heart.”
“Fucking hell.”
His bitter oath told her he was fighting a losing battle.
“Please, Theo,” she said.
His eyes opened, vivid blue burning into her. “You are the daughter of a duke.”
“I am the woman who loves you,” she countered. “That is what matters most.”
“Damn it, Evie.” He glared at her, rolling his lips inward as if he were attempting to suppress words.
She brought his hand to her lips, pressing a kiss to it, then to the inking of the blade on his inner wrist. “You can say the words.”
He grunted.
But his stern demeanor was fading. She kissed his hand again, holding his gaze. “Theo?”
“I love you, too,” he admitted on a rush.
Her heart suddenly felt too big for her body. “You do?”
He glowered. “Aye. I do.”
Relief and joy—profound, deep, overwhelming, blossomed. Helovedher.
