Page 98 of Wild Hearts

“You’re not damaged, Rookie. You’re beautiful.” I kiss the tip of her nose. “Kind.” My lips graze her flushed cheek, tasting the salty sweetness from her tears. “An amazingly talented photographer.” I brush them over her other cheek. “A sweet and very,verysexy girlfriend.” I let my lips linger over hers.

Her eyes snap up to meet mine. “Girlfriend?” she asks, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth.

Fuck.It just slipped out. I run a hand through my hair, but I never take my eyes from hers.

“Rookie,” I murmur. “I know we haven’t had a chance to talk about... us, but I love you. I want to be with you. I don’t want to waste anymore time.”

“Brady,” she sighs, closing her eyes. “You deserve someone–”

“As amazing as you,” I interrupt. “I know you’ve been through a lot, and the last thing I want to do is push you into something you’re not ready for, but I want this. I want you. I wantus.”

She blinks up at me, tears making her eyes shine. “I want that, too,” she whispers. “But–”

“This isn’t about sex,” I say quickly, wanting to reassure her that she’s safe. “It never has been. It’s about always making you happy. It’s about showing you how much I care about you every single day and being able to take you out for dates and hold your hand. It’s having someone to call when we’re both feeling overwhelmed, and knowing the other person will listen without fear of judgement. What my dad did to my mum really messed with my head and because of that, I lost you. So, this time, I’m going to fight for you. I want to fight for us.”

Another tear slips down Wren’s cheek and I brush it away, praying it’s a happy tear. I bite the inside of my cheek, my heart thudding erratically under her palm. I need her to say she wants to fight for us, too. I need her to want this as badly as I do.

“You have no idea how much I’ve wanted to hear you say that.”

“But?” I ask.

“But nothing.” She smiles shyly up at me, causing my stomach to erupt in tiny little flutters. “I want what you want.”

I grin, ducking down and capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Her tongue glides against my mouth and I open eagerly. I let her take control, cautious of taking things too far. Her gentle exploration of my mouth has my heart swelling in my chest. She chose me. She chose to give us a chance. I’m not going to fuck this up again.

With kiss swollen lips, Wren eventually falls asleep in my arms, but I lay awake most of the night wondering how I can help her.

I glance down at her in my t-shirt and twist a strand of her silky blonde hair around my finger. She’s so incredible. She’s such a beautiful person and so important to me. She has been since the day I met her.

This asshole has made her feel damaged and broken. It kills me to hear her talk about herself like that. With a resolve to remind her every day of just how special she is, I finally fall asleep.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Wren

ACOUPLE OF WEEKS GOby before I speak to Airlie again. We’re on the last week of classes before winter break.

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