I could feel his anxiety and fear.
“He is, or you are?”
“Can’t they both be true?”
Nerves heated my skin and slicked my palms.
How did I tell him? Was now a good time?
He appeared more lively and engaged today.
Or would it make things worse?
Maybe I’d just start with the easy part.
“Aspen, I want you to know I forgive you for the past.”
And I did.
I spent a good portion of the night coming to terms with my emotions.
With all my emotions.
“How?” he demanded.
The door opened behind him.
“I’d like to know that same damn answer.”
Ronen stood behind Aspen in full uniform, face a cold mask, drilling his dark gaze into the back of his head.
Heavenly Shit times two.
“What are you doing in their rooms?” I asked.
“What else were you about to say?” he countered.
Something I wouldn’t be discussing in front of both of them at the same time.
But I could answer his other question.
Although it wasn’t Ronen’s business, Aspen didn’t seem like he cared, not with the silent plea in the crease of his brow.
I took his spasming hands in mine, sighing as I felt the tingles.
But not with relief.
“I forgive you, even though you lied to me, verbally abused me, sexually abused me, pushed me away, and broke my heart,” I said, refusing to sugarcoat it.
His tremors worsened with each word.
“Because you freed me.”
“What?”
He lifted our joined hands as if to point out our forced bond.
I dared to peer at Ronen.
