Page 132 of Heart of The Night

‘Yes.’ I nodded fervently, letting out a small chuckle through my tears. ‘I love everything about you – your drive, your sense of humour, your values, your interests. I even love that you like football, even though I personally find it extremely boring to watch.’

A lone tear trailed down his cheek, and he started to laugh – a sound of pure joy that seemed to light up the room.

‘I love how deep you are,’ I went on, ‘how clever and loyal, how you treat people – especially those you care about – and our conversations…’ I paused, smiling to myself before adding, ‘And I love how you constantly challenge me to step out of my comfort zone, helping me become the best version of myself. I’ve always considered myself a strong person, but with you by my side, I feel invincible.’

I carefully raised his hand, kissing it several times. ‘I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you sooner – in your bedroom that day, for instance. I felt the same way then, but…’ I shook my head, my features twisting. ‘I’ve been so stupid. I’m so sorry.’ I cupped his jaw with my free hand and brushed my thumb across his spiky cheek. ‘But I need you to know that you are the only man I have ever loved like this, and nobody will ever be able to replace you. And I don’t care if you’re the father of Francesca’s baby. I’m not leaving you. I’ll just have to be a good stepmother.’

His eye grew shinier as he took in my words, the monitor beeping frantically in the brief silence. When he finally spoke, it was with an emotional rawness I seldom heard from him. ‘You’re serious?’ His voice cracked, his tone laden with a blend of hope and vulnerability. ‘You’re not just saying this to make things easier while I’m in this state and—’

‘No, Will,’ I interrupted gently. ‘I’m not just saying it. I mean every word. You are it for me, no matter what comes.’

He closed his eye for a moment, another tear escaping and trailing down his cheek. Then he pulled me closer with the hand holding mine, his grip surprisingly firm.

‘I’ve been so scared,’ he said, his voice choked up. ‘Scared you’d leave once everything came out. That I’d lose you.’ He let go of my hand, clasping around my nape as he pressed his forehead to mine.

‘You won’t lose me,’ I assured him, feeling a surge of protectiveness. ‘I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere. I promise.’

Relief washed over his features, softening the lines of tension that had etched into his face. He laughed softly, a sound tinged with disbelief and gratitude.

‘I don’t know what I did to deserve you,’ he said, kissing my lips.

‘Just love me back,’ I whispered, my chest brimming with warmth.

‘I do,’ he said, affection oozing from his tone. ‘And I always will.’ A half-smile played at the corner of his mouth. ‘Even when you think you’re being stupid.’

I stroked his cheek, chuckling. Hidden within his gentle teasing was his acceptance; he didn’t see my actions as stupid. He respected them, cherished me for them, even if he didn’t always agree.

He kissed me again. ‘I love you for who you are, Cara – even if being who you are would keep you away from me.’

A tremor ran through my lower lip, my breath hitching in my throat.

‘You see, my love isn’t conditional on your reciprocation,’ he said, gently lifting my chin with his forefinger. ‘Truth be told, you could despise me, and my feelings would remain the same. But, knowing it’s returned – that saves me from a lifetime of feeling incomplete.’

A huge smile bloomed on my mouth, my eyes crinkling at the corners. ‘That’s possibly the most beautiful thing anyone has ever said to me. And here I was, thinking I couldn’t love you more than I already did.’

He chuckled softly. ‘Goal is to make you love me more and more with each passing day.’

‘I can’t imagine you’ll fail.’

Smiling, he drew back slightly, his gaze roaming over my face as though carving every feature into his memory. He let out a deep sigh, his shoulders sinking. ‘If only my body weren’t so battered, I’d show you the depth of my love in a way words can’t capture.’

‘Don’t worry about that now,’ I said, carefully patting his thigh. ‘Your recovery comes first. When you’re feeling better, you can show me all you want.’

‘Over and over.’ He grinned.

‘Yes.’ I looked at the clock on the wall, seeing that it was half nine. ‘What time did you wake up?’

‘Around seven.’ He blew his cheeks out and exhaled loudly, as if finally releasing pent-up exhaustion. ‘A pair of police detectives arrived around eight, asking questions about last night.’

I met his gaze, wanting to hear more. ‘What did they say?’

He frowned slightly. ‘They’ve charged Oliver with section 18 assault – GBH with intent.’

I swallowed, feeling a blend of relief and anxiety. ‘He’ll be held in custody, then? They’re not letting him out on police bail?’

William shook his head. ‘He’ll remain in custody until his first appearance at the magistrates’ court, likely Monday or Tuesday. It’s then up to the magistrates to decide on court bail, but it’s doubtful they’ll grant it given the severity of the charge.’

A shiver crawled down my spine at the thought of Oliver possibly being allowed to roam the streets before a sentence was passed. What if he took advantage of that freedom by tracking down William again, this time to finish him?

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