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“Why?”

His brows draw together a little as he repeats the word, as if he’s surprised by the question Then he shifts his grip onhis own overmy hand between us

The skin of his chest is warm and solid beneath my pal fast, just like mine is

“You saved my life,” he murmurs

“It was an accident” I say the words by rote, out of habit, but I can’t even muster up any fake conviction in them this time

Marcus giveswhether I’ame

“You saved my life,” he repeatsheartbeat, I owe to you”

The vibration of his low voice begins in his chest and travels upmy own pulse skyrocket The intensity of his tone sparkshard on e

“For two and a half years, my heart has continued to beat because of you Do you kno many heartbeats that is, Ayla? One hundred million”

I lick aze zeroes in on the movement “That’s a stupid way to measure time”

Marcus chuckles, sending another vibration through my palm “I think it’s the only way”

“So, what?” I shake ainst his chest, digging into his pec like they did that day in the library Except now, no t-shirt separates us It’s just bare skin against skin “You’re here to repay the debt? Is that it? Ho can you pay back a hundred million heartbeats?”

“I can’t”

“Then what do you want?” There’s an edge of desperation to my voice I have to know I need to know

His expression shifts again, and for the first time since he crashed intolike vulnerability in his eyes His free handdown the side of my cheek