Page 351 of In Love with a Cruel Billionaire

"Professor?"

And just as before, she threw herself at him, and he caught her in his arms. Her face lifted up for a kiss, but try as he might, he couldn't make himself devour her mouth.

God.

What the fuck am I doing?

God.

Tell me if I should leave.

Tell me.

Diana pulled back, her doe eyes turning uncertain. "What's wrong?"

The ring he had in his pocket seemed to burn all the way to his flesh, and his guts twisted inside of him.

Was that it then?

The compromise.

The sacrifice.

He could be with her but not marry her?

Diana touched his cheek. "Matthijs?"

So be it, God.

So fucking be it.

Anything was fine as long as she remained safe.

He forced himself to smile. "Nothing. I was just thinking I've forgotten how beautiful you are."

She smacked his shoulder. "Ha!"

Lowering Diana back to her feet, he asked casually, "Anything happen while I was gone?"

"Nope." She looked up at him. "You?"

"Nothing either, except for me missing you."

Her cheeks turned pink, but her smile was blinding and her gaze soft with tenderness. "It's the same for me."

And so it was, with both of them missing each other, both of them lying to each other.

He followed her inside, but even before the door had swept shut behind him, he was unable to help himself, reaching to spin her around and causing Diana to gasp in surprise as he yanked her to his arms.

"Matthijs?"

But he could only hold on to her tightly.

God.

I don't want her sick because of me.

Please.

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