Page 105 of Enforcer's Obsession

“Losing control like that,” I said.

“Everybody has an off day sometimes,” he said.

He looked like he was going to say something else, but a short bark cut him off.

He smiled, the expression bright, making my heart trouble.

“Champ,” he said, reaching down to the dog, “I missed you, buddy.”

Champ jumped at him, tail wagging seriously.

“He missed you too,” I said.

When Nico looked at me, I spoke again.

“So did I,” I said.

He looked back down at Champ, but the enthusiasm of a moment ago was gone.

“I guess I missed you too,” he finally muttered.

I smiled. “You guess? Like you would get wasted because youmighthave missed me,” I said.

“You sound pretty certain that you know me and my motivations,” he said.

He looked at me now, his eyes hooded.

I paid the warning in them no heed.

“I do. I know you better than you think do. And I know you at least well enough to tell when you’re trying to push me away. That’s what that was, right?” I asked.

I didn’t specify whatthatwas, but I knew I didn’t have to.

“No. That was just me telling you the truth,” he said.

“Sure, in a way, but it was also you pushing me away. Trying to use my past and my fear against me instead of letting me make my own decisions,” I said.

I wasn’t accusatory. I wasn’t even angry really. I understood what he’d been trying to do, and what had motivated him.

But the time for that was over.

“You think that, but what do?—”

“What do I know?” I asked, cutting him off.

I didn’t give him time to answer.

“I know what I went through. I know what I can handle. And I know who I love,” I said, my gaze not leaving his.

For split second he looked so heartbroken I wanted to go to him, but I couldn’t.

Just like I had to come to terms with my past, he needed to come to terms with his too.

“I know you think you were doing that for me, Nico. Trying to scare me enough that I would protect myself. But that’s not true.Youwere scared. Afraid to lose something. And I understand. But I made a decision. I decided I would not let fear control the rest of my life. Now it’s up to you to do the same,” I said.

“Meaning what, Hope?” he said, his voice low.

“Meaning I’m not afraid of you. I’m not afraid of what you do. And I want to be with you. I won’t beg. So, now’s the time, Nico. What’s your decision?”

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