Page 28 of Master of Games
Was ready even a feeling or was it a choice? Tabbie drew in a deep breath and then she pushed away from Caden, climbing out of the bed.
Caden forced himself to remain lying down. It was the position of least dominant energy and this was Tabbie’s moment of control.
But he wanted to stand. Hold her face, catch her tears.
He’d tried to explain that her scars meant nothing to him. He’d seen every manner of feminine beauty and hers was the one he wanted to worship for the rest of his life.
But he’d have to tell her often and for a long time in order for her to believe it.
And even more than that, he’d have to show her. With his body on hers, he’d have to prove that the scars didn’t make a difference.
She stood at the edge of the bed, her hands straight down at her sides.
Her breath puffed out from her lips, the rapid beat of it, matching the thudding of his heart.
“I…”
“You’re all right,” he murmured, reaching across the bed to touch her thigh. “You’re safe with me.”
She shook her head. “I’m not certain I’m safe with anyone.”
That was the heart of it. Not even her father had been able to stand next to her in grief. “I don’t blame you for not trusting. Take your time.”
“Ironheart.”
That was a bad sign. “Luv.”
“Why are you doing this?”
“What do you mean?” he slid closer, feeling the distance that was opening up between them.
“Why do you want to help me? Why do you want to marry me?” she shook her head, taking a step back from the bed. “I thought your answers didn’t matter. That I could do this anyway and just see what happens next, but now that I’m here…”
“I know what happens next.”
“What?”
“You’ll see that I meant what I said. That your scars make no difference to me.”
She shook her head. “I know you think that.”
“I know it, Tabbie.”
Her arms wrapped about her torso. “You only think you do.”
He let out a rumble of frustration. They were having the same conversation over and over. “Give me a chance?—”
“That’s easy for you to ask. You risk nothing.” Her voice rose with every word.
“I risk losing you.” He sat up then, needing her to understand.
“No. I’ve already told you?—”
“I’m in love with you Tabbie.” There. The words were out. “Let me love you.”
She froze staring at him and that’s when they started. The tears. “You don’t mean it.”
“Is it so hard to believe?” he asked, swinging his legs off the bed, which only made her move back another step. “That I’d love a magnificent woman of strength and substance?”
