Page 96 of Afraid to Hope

“Some real time off,” Natasha responded.

“Simon will take you both back to yourriad,Natasha. I expect Bane still has some of his belongings there?”

“I do.”

“Also, the apartment is rented for only one more week, so plan accordingly.” He shook hands with both of them. “It has been my utmost pleasure to work with you, Natasha. And you again, Bane. This was my last bit with INTERPOL. I retire in two weeks.”

They both congratulated Emmet, who asked that they please stay in contact. He escorted them out to where Matilda waited to exchange Natasha’s passports.

Her eyes were full of sympathy. “Simon is outside with the car. I’ll see you soon.”

Bane smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Thanks, Tilly.” He pulled her into a bear hug.

“Thank you.” Natasha dodged looking directly at Matilda, barely holding herself together, afraid she would start crying.

Bane and Natasha stepped into the elevator.

“They didn’t return the bands,” Emmet said, watching the elevator doors after they had closed.

Matilda smiled. “I noticed.”

“They have a bloody problem.”

“They certainly do. I just hope both of them aren’t too stubborn to admit it.”

Bane found Natasha on the rooftop terrace, watching a spectacular watercolor of yellow, pink, and orange. He switched on the lanterns hanging from the pergola.

“Beautiful sunset,” he said, handing her tea and sitting beside her.

“It is.” Her lashes dusted her cheeks as she sipped.

“You’ve been avoiding me all afternoon, Nat. What’s going on?”

“I’m just thinking about things.”

“Am I part of those things?”

Her eyes snapped to his. She had been crying.

Bane faced her on the large lounge and pulled her forward to nest between his legs. He put his tea on the table next to him, then hers. “Tell me, love.” Bane’s thumb brushed her cheek and then he leaned forward, kissing her gently and cupping her head in his hands.

“It’s over.”

“What’s over?”

“Us.”

He swallowed, then grimaced, searching her eyes. “Is that what you want?”

Natasha wagged her head, trying to drop her chin, but Bane held firm. “Look at me, sweetheart.”

She lost herself in Bane’s eyes, now malachite, the color they became when he experienced deep emotion. Natasha blinked and tears ran down her cheeks.

He stopped them from going any farther with his thumbs. He felt as though he had been kicked in the gut. He had brought this on by skirting his feelings. Because he was scared shitless. “I love you, sweetheart.”

A range of emotions passed over Natasha’s beautiful face as she processed Bane’s words. Confusion. Surprise. Joy.

“I love you too, babe. So much it hurts.”

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