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But before he had another chance at being happy, he needed to admit that he’d messed up

“I a you, Jacqui I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that I knew Bill Bauer, and that you were related to him I’m sorry I made such a hash of our relationship

“For what it’s worth, once I met you, I really did want to make you happy And I wanted to protect you, or at least help to make your life a little better Ithe way, once I got to know you,important”

He lifted one shoulder in a half-hearted shrug “I don’t deserve your forgiveness But I would like to help you finish e started by finding out what Bill left for you”

Khizar sat still as Jacqui watched him He knew the next few h he didn’t deserve her mercy, he hoped

Chapter 19

Jacqui

Jacqui wasn’t sure what to say She was furious and hurt, but she understood Losing soed a person

She’d been lucky, finding two people anted to adopt her The Danvers had made a family with her; she’d always felt like they were really her parents, just a second set of them

If she hadn’t found theht have grown up hardened and untrusting

And yes, Khizar had his parents, but losing a sibling had to be just as devastating She could appreciate that he had also lost the ability to trust others But that didn’t excuse his actions over the previous month

“I understand that you didn’t want to get close to reat-uncle?”

Khizar sighed, which to Jacqui sounded like he didn’t kno to explain

“Bill never mentioned you, but then, he never ht it prudent to learn ht I was in too deep to simply ask”

“If Bill never mentioned me, how did you know so much about me?”

Khizar shifted uncomfortably