Page 181 of Only Be Mine

But my mind had started collecting things like a woman gathering evidence without realizing she’d become an investigator.

The way he’d corrected my name in front of Marshal.

The way he’d insisted on being present.

The way he’d tried to take my phone.

The way “safe” seemed to mean “quiet.”

I swallowed.

“I want to meet with Marshal again,” I said.

Trevor’s expression stayed calm, but his body went still. “We already met with him.”

“I want to meet him again,” I repeated. “Alone.”

A moment passed. Trevor’s smile was slow and careful, like he was picking up a glass he didn’t trust himself not to break.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he said.

“I didn’t ask,” I replied softly.

For the first time tonight, something real flickered across his face - surprise.

Then it was gone.

“Okay,” he said, too gentle and far too easy. “Then we’ll schedule it.”

“No,” I said. “I will.”

His eyes narrowed a fraction. “Cate…”

“I’m not shutting you out,” I added quickly. “I’m not trying to punish you. I’m trying to… come back to myself.”

The silence stretched again.

Trevor nodded once. “Fine,” he said.

Fine.

Not I understand.

Not I support you.

Just, fine.

He stepped forward and brushed his knuckles along my cheek like a peace offering. “Let’s eat,” he said. “You need fuel. You need sleep. Tomorrow you can make calls. You can do whatever you want.”

Tomorrow.

Always tomorrow.

He turned toward the kitchen like it was settled.

I watched him for a moment, the shape of him moving through the house with effortless ownership.

Then I picked up my phone.