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“No”another step toward me “It wasn’t like that”

“Then as it like?” I demand

Ryat drops his hands from behind his head and stands “Blake …”

“No I got this” My father lifts his hand to my husband I cross“Your ned you up because she wanted you to be with Matt That was her and Kiument I didn’t want you to be a chosen, but it was too late I couldn’t stop it My only other option was to intervene So, I gave Ryat the assign that his loyalty ith the Lords, and he wouldn’t turn it down” He takes another step towardthe door, and his face falls “I never thought it would go this far Please, Blakely You have to believeto save you from Matt”

I look at Ryat, who stands behind his desk, hands shoved into the pocket of his jeans His eret it? That’s et here by chance It was forced But I still fell in love with him, nonetheless What if this is just his coaame that he will do whatever it costs

“Give us a moment,” Ryat tells my father

He lets out a sigh and drops his shoulders,his way to the door, and I step out in front of it so he can exit

Silently, I look down atwhen Ryat walks up tome to look up at him “Stop,” he orders

I go to look away, but his hands prevent it “I see that look on your face, Blake I want you to know this … whatever is said out there, or whatever I do—just know that I love you”

I nod, and tears sting my eyes

“I ives ht have started out as an assignment, but you are ently “You three are uys will always come first Do you understand me?”

His words make my heart race, and I s nervously “I love you,” I whisper