He thinks I haven’t seen the worst of him. But I have. I saw what he did to get me out. What he did to Cade–
No, don’t think about him.
She would never tell Sebastian that one of those guards – the older one who’d been kind to her, who’d held her up when she’d been sentenced – was amongst the bodies in the hall. It would destroy him. Some burdens were hers to carry. He had torn himself apart to save her. She was beyond grateful. If it was the last thing she did, she would make him hear her. Make him understand.
He was not a monster.
He was brave. Good.Hers.
“I know what you’re capable of,” she went on fiercely. “What you did to those guards, what you did in the cell, you did it to save me. And I love you for it.”
Sebastian’s expression crumbled. He staggered back a step; he looked like she’d struck him.
“You shouldn’t,” he said hoarsely. “You shouldn’t love that.”
“Sebastian, I love that you protect me... no matter what. And I see it. I see that it costs you.”
His eyes darted to hers. Before he could look away, she reached for him, wrapping her arms tight around his neck. He froze at the contact – but didn’t pull back.
“I love all of you,” she said. “The way you laugh, the way you challenge me. The way our magic fits together.”
She leaned closer, until their lips were almost touching.
“Ilovethat you’d walk through fire for me.”
His breath was coming fast now. Slowly, his arms came up, drawing her in, holding her like he’d never let go.
“Say it again,” he growled, the demand ripping out of him.
There you are.
“I love you.”
“Again.”
“I love you, I love you, I love–”
He didn’t let her finish. He crushed his mouth to hers, kissing her with such urgency, such need, that it took her breath away. The force pushed her against the barn wall – and all thought, all reason shattered. She caught him, dragged him closer, hands in his hair, her body crushed tight against his. Their magic erupted – illuminating the barn as crimson and emerald collided and spiralled around them. It sang under her skin, joy and relief mixed together. When they broke apart, she was giddy,light-headed, and wanting more. Her heart was racing, but she felt strong. Whole.Right.
He leaned his forehead against hers. “Kara, that was–”
“I know,” she breathed.
For one second, he only stared down at her, stunned. Then something inside him gave way. His whole face lit – radiant, unguarded joy breaking through the cracks.
“I love you too,” he said, rough and certain. “If you couldn’t tell.”
“Well, that’s good,” she laughed lightly. “Would’ve been awkward if not.”
He chuckled once – until she touched his cheek. She brushed the one fallen tear away and he tensed. She smiled at him through her own shimmer of tears.
“Don’t tell me the great Sebastian Thorne actually cries.”
He caught her wrist. “Don’t tell anyone. It’ll ruin my reputation.” It was half-growl, half-plea. And utterly adorable.
She laughed, shaking her head. “Your terrifying, heartless reputation?” she teased.
“Yes, that’s the one,” he laughed.
