Page 101 of Hotter 'N Hell

“Every hit I took, I wanted. I deserved it. The physical pain was nothing compared to the look on your face when I had to act like you weren’t the most important person, thing, being in my life in front of the Berrys. I told them at lunch, unable to wait until I had word from the bishop that they’d received my letter. Were they hurt? Yes. Cried. Might never speak to me again. But when they walked off, all I felt was relief and the burning need to see you. Tell you. Talk to you.”

His palm covered my cheek. “But I couldn’t get you to answer the phone.”

“I’d blocked you,” I said as my heart raced, beating wildly.

He grinned. “Do you mind unblocking me?”

I laughed, part happiness, part disbelief. “You’re serious.”

“Yes, to unblocking me and to loving you.”

This was really happening. I wasn’t sleeping.

“I’m your Halo.” The words tumbled out.

He shook his head. “No. Fuck that. You’re my Saylor. And I will spend my entire life making sure that is the most loved, adored, elite level that anyone could dream of.”

He lowered his head, and his lips brushed against mine softly as his hand covered the pendant on my necklace. “That’s the last time you take my sunshine away—understand?”

“Yes,” I replied.

The warmth that burst through me eradicated every hurt, disappointment, and insecurity that had made a patch in my soul.

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