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“You don't owe me an answer.”

She laughs through the tear.

“You have gotten very annoying about saying the right thing.”

“Mercy beats lessons in deep.”

“That explains the bruising.”

“Mostly.”

Sweet releases my hand.

For one horrible second, I think that is the answer.

Then she reaches up and cups the side of my face.

My lungs stop.

“You hurt me.”

“I know.”

Her eyes narrow. “Do not hide behind that word.”

I correct myself.

“I broke my word. I cheated on you. I humiliated you because I wanted you to stop trusting me before I had to admit I wanted that trust more than anything I'd had in years.”

Sweet’s fingers move against my beard.

“And?”

“And I can't undo it.”

“No.”

“I can choose differently every time I get another chance.”

“Better.”

Her forehead rests against mine.

I close my eyes.

Sweet whispers, “I don't know if I can forget.”

“Don't.”

She pulls back.

I open my eyes.

“I don't want you forgetting what I did just so loving me gets easier.”

Her gaze searches mine.

“I want you remembering long enough to tell me if I start becoming that bastard again.”