Sloane’s POV

Rhys walked over to me and stopped close enough that I had to tilt my head back to meet his eyes. He looked at me like he was still processing the fact that my brother had just given whatever this was a dangerous kind of permission.

“I meant what I said when he was here,” he said quietly. “I love you. I want you to be mine. Not just for three nights or behind anyone’s back. I want it real this time.”

My throat tightened. Everything that had happened earlier replayed in my memory.

“Ask me properly then.”

“Be my girlfriend, Sloane. Please.”

I stared into his eyes,...