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Nikki’s heart wrenched “Jesus, what are you, a collector of lost souls?”

“No,” he firic as my family is at the reat strides with group therapy And Mads… She’s exceptionally gifted and loving and if I don’t get her a fucking puppy soon, all of the love trapped in that little girl’s heart is going to go to waste”

“Da to her eyes

“She has a therapist, Nik What’s going on between you and rief others under this roof are feeling That is one-hundred percent not why I brought you here”

“Why did you bring ed as tears tumbled down her cheeks

“Because you’re safe here,” he was quick to say “No one’s penetrating this co helicopter I have people who ensure that And…” He sed hard before confessing, “I want you here, in my bed You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted here in this bed With me If you want to take this a step further… I wanted my bed to be the first one you slept in with another man asn’t your husband”

His fingertips swept along her skin, whisking away tears

“You don’t pretend he doesn’t exist,” she whispered “Existed,” she corrected

“Of course not” Dae part of your life He’s a huge part of you He’s not even an ethereal entity He’s a hero to mankind—he’s your hero And the fact that you stood by him even when you feared for his life—even when you selfishly wanted hierous situations—tells me that you love on a level I—” Damen’s voice cracked

More tears spilled along Nikki’s cheeks “Say it,” she painfully urged

“I’m not sure many people can fathom the depth of your emotions,” he said

“But you can”

“Yes I can”

They stared at each other

Neither spoke another word