Page 99 of Thor

"It matters to me." Thor's voice was controlled, too controlled. It was the voice he used when he was containing violence.

"Devin Phillips. Ironridge Builders." The names slipped out before I could stop them. "But it won't change anything, Thor. He's not the problem. The photos are out there. Everyone's seen them."

Thor's eyes narrowed slightly. "He had no right to humiliate you like that."

"No, he didn't," I agreed softly. "But hurting him won't undo the damage. My career is over. My reputation is destroyed." I paused, swallowing around the lump in my throat before adding, "But Amy's treatments are paid for. She's going to be okay."

Thor looked away, clearly uncomfortable with the shift toward gratitude. His hands opened and closed at his sides, a restless gesture I'd come to recognize when he was struggling with emotions he didn't know how to express.

"How did you even afford it?" I asked, taking another step closer to him. "Do you have any idea what you've done for us? How much that money means?"

Thor shifted his weight, his massive frame suddenly awkward with my gratitude. He rubbed the back of his neck, a surprisingly boyish gesture for someone so intimidating.

"Been saving," he said simply. "Never had much to spend money on. Cabin's paid off. Bike's paid off."

"But it must have been everything you had," I pressed, needing him to understand the magnitude of his gesture. "Hundreds of thousands of dollars, Thor. That's not just savings."

He shrugged one shoulder, still not meeting my eyes. "Had investments too. Not all bikers are broke, princess. Our club is kinda successful."

The casual endearment slipped out, clearly unintentional. Thor stiffened slightly when he realized what he'd said, but I felt my heart leap at the familiar term.

"I know it doesn't fix everything," he said. "Those photos are still out there. Your job is still gone. But at least you don't have to worry about Amy."

I closed the remaining distance between us until only a foot of space separated us. Looking up at him, I could see the uncertainty in his eyes, the vulnerability he showed only to me.

"Do you know what would have happened if you hadn't paid those bills?" I asked quietly.

Thor shook his head slightly.

"I would have lost absolutely everything," I told him, my voice steady despite the tears threatening to fall. "Not just my job or my reputation, but my integrity. My sense of self. Because I would have done anything—anything—to keep Amy's treatments going." I took a shaky breath. "Including things I could never forgive myself for."

Understanding dawned in Thor's eyes. He knew exactly what I meant—betraying the club, betraying him, giving the Serpents whatever they wanted. The choice I'd been spared because of his sacrifice.

"You would have hated yourself," he said simply.

"Yes. You gave me more than money, Thor," I whispered. "You gave me the chance to choose freely. To be the person I want to be, not the person desperation would have made me."

Thor's expression softened, the hard lines of his face gentling as he reached out, hesitating just before touching me. "Is that worth something to you?" he asked, his voice low and rough with emotion.

"It's worth everything."

His hand closed the final distance, his calloused fingers brushing my cheek with exquisite gentleness. The touch was electric after days without contact, sending warmth cascading through me. I leaned into his palm without thinking, years of professional reserve and recent caution melting away under the simple comfort of his skin against mine.

"I thought I'd lost you," Thor admitted, the words barely audible.

"You almost did," I replied honestly. "Not because I stopped loving you. But because I was scared and hurt and didn't know how to face any of it."

His thumb stroked my cheekbone, his touch feather-light despite the strength I knew those hands possessed. "And now?"

"Now I'm still scared," I said, holding his gaze. "But I'm here. And I want to try to find a way forward. Together."

The hope that flickered in Thor's eyes made my heart ache. This enormous, dangerous man who inspired fear in his enemies looked at me like I was offering him salvation.

“You know what,” he said. “I know a way forward for you.”

“You do?”

“Follow me.”

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