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We’d almost been there once

Until I’d run

My eyes widened I’d always thought if either one of us ht withdraw from our relationship, it would certainly be him, not me

But I was the one who’d run

"Like a world class athlete," he agreed, dark eyes glittering "Fast as fuck and not about to stop for anything until you’d crossed the finish line"

I caught my breath "Why did you stay?" It would have been easier for him to just leave A lot of men would have I’d seriously vacated Retreated and left him with bad moods and sex, and not much more

"I understood"

"What did you understand?" I said, because I sure as hell didn’t Why had I run, knowing I was about to face another battle that was going to be even harder? A smart woman would have let Barrons in ths and extraordinary powers But no, I’d shut hi it And he’d let me Never said a word about it Just stayed in the capacity I’d been willing to accept

"It has nothing to do with intelligence or lack thereof We’re alike, you and I"

I blinked Jericho Barrons had just put us in the saory

"Alpha to the core Proud Independent We’re private and pissy about our battles, especially the internal ones We don’t want anyone else in the et, nor do ant to inadvertently hurt soh At least you stayed in my bed Some of the ti ht internal battles anymore" He was silent a moment then added, "Nor will you Not even about Jo and the others Yes, I know you know about theure?" I was pretty sure I still had a hellish battle to ith s we do in our lives for which there is--and will never be--any forgiveness No matter how many people around you offer it What you’ve done is irrevocable and you’ll find no absolution"

"Gee, thanks for

"You never s But, like an oyster, chafed by a grain of sand you can’t dislodge, eventually you polish it into so of value"

"How couldof value?"