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“I nearly killed him.”

“But you didn’t.”

“Because you asked.”

I smile softly.

“Then maybe you’re not as hopeless as you think.”

Something shifts in his expression.

For a moment, I think he’s going to kiss me.

Instead, he does something that steals every ounce of air from my lungs.

He kneels.

Right there, among the shattered remains of the statue that imprisoned him for three thousand years.

A god who once made kings bow lowers himself before me.

“Vidar…”

He takes my hand.

“I have spent my existence making others answer for their sins.”

His voice is rough.

“I have demanded obedience from armies. I have brought kingdoms to their knees. I believed strength was measured by the suffering I could inflict upon those who deserved it.”

He looks up at me.

“But tonight, you showed me that strength can also be measured by what a man chooses not to do.”

My throat tightens.

“Sweetheart…”

“Tell me how to become a man worthy of your love.”

Oh, hell.

There goes my heart.

I sink to my knees beside him, completely ruining my favorite dress.

“First of all, you’re going to stop saying things like that unless you want me crying all over your very impressive chest.”

His mouth twitches.

“And second?”

I cup his face.

“You already are.”

He closes his eyes.