tent sign of the perilous way she had picked. However, more alarming was the developing connection among her and A

was frantic to settle, a man with layers of obscurity and torment that she needed to reveal. What's more, some way or an

a sudden, maneuvering her into discussions that left her both shaken and invigorated. He never discussed his privately-run compan

d was a hard man," he started, his voice touched with sharpness. "He fabricated this r

e weakness in a way that would sound

e I don't have a decision. Leaving isn't a choice

of his words. "Be that as it may, you don't

or. "You're credulous, Elena. This isn't a fantas

ng with feeling. "Assuming you're persuaded to the point that you'

ous. "Since you make me need to trust that there's another way. You make me need to be an

against his. "You're not your dad,

weaved hands, his appearance rela

rienced the intensity of his breath on her skin. She realized that crossing this line would make a huge difference, yet s

ve, as though he were too stunned to even consider answering. Then, at that point, gra

ng between them. Maybe they were both attempting to empty all that they couldn't say into t

both short of breath, their brows leaning against one another.

answered, her voice consiste

n her fixing. "You don't have the

conceded. "Yet, I'm

ed up with a combination of dread and year

ed, however she didn't kn

tionship would bring just a burden. Yet, neither of them could leave now. They were too far,