GRAYSON

Finally, I thought in relief.

Fucking. Finally.

Belle was going to let me explain. I could fix this—I would fix this.

“Thank you,” I said softly. I reached out and tucked a piece of stray hair behind her ear, seeing the way she had to resist her need to lean into my touch.

“Thank you for affording me just a little of your trust. I know it’s hard, but it means the world to me.”

She didn’t respond. She didn’t need to. I knew she still was hesitant and wary, but I also knew she wanted this all to be over just as much as I did.

Even now,...