Page 34 of The Rancher's Unrequited Love

And that was when he felt it.

Her fingers slowly stroking the back of his neck—-

It's going to be fine, Ethan.

Anah, soothing the pain away-—

Because I love you.

Like she had always done, from the very start, without ever asking for anything in return.

Chapter Fifteen

WHAT ARE WE NOW? DOyou still love Guilia? Do you love me?A part of Ethan had been waiting for Anah to ask these questions, if only because it was her right to do so. But days had already passed, and instead...

He was the one who had ended up asking questions.

Can I drive you to school?

Will you sleep with me tonight?

When will I see you again?

And always, Anah had answered him with a smile that made his heart ache.Of course, Ethan. Yes, Ethan. Anytime you want, Ethan.Words that he didn't deserve but she gave to him all the same because—-

I love you, Ethan.

She hadn't said the words yet. Never had to. He only had to look at her, and the words would be there looking back at him. It was in the way her lips curved, the way she kissed him back, the way her body sang every time his cock drove inside of her...

I love you, Ethan.

And in time, he realized that the words were always there because he was in her heart. Had always been there, too, only she had to hide it...until now.

I love you, Ethan.

Her love shamed and humbled him, but even so, Ethan also knew if someone were to ask him to give it up...he would never be able to do it. Just fucking couldn't. She was in his blood now—-

I love you, Ethan.

And he found himself craving for her in every way, every goddamn moment. Her presence brightened his day like the fucking sun, and even though the thought was sappy as hell, he knew it was the truth. She made him laugh when he thought he had forgotten how to be happy, made him smile so damn often he might as well swap jobs with a clown. She just made everythingright, just made his life too goddamn perfect—-

I love you, Ethan.

He almost wished she didn't matter so damn much, just so he could lie and say the words in return.

I love you, too.

MAYBE TODAY'S THE DAYI can ask him.The words were always the first thing in her mind when she woke up, and always the thought would have Anah holding her breath, praying and hoping as she slowly turned his way.Maybe. Just maybe.And when their gazes met, it was only then she would know—-

Not just yet.

Because the bleakness was still there.

But soon.

Because it wasn't the same as before, wasn't just all bleakness and darkness now. Because things had changed, and now Anah had reason to hope.

It used to be that every time he entered a room, he would see her face light up, and that would be the end of the story. But it was different now. When he entered a room, her face would still light up, and in return...

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