“Stop now,” he warned, low and husky, “or forever hold your peace.” Addie froze, mortified. “I’m…” What? I’m what? Depraved? Disturbed? Disgusting? How long had he been awake?”

“Who gives a shit what everyone thinks?” he said. I see now that this has long been some sort of mantra for him. I've never been that free. I want to be, and sometimes I pretend to be, but I’m not. I’m forever chained to giving a shit about what someone thinks.”

“...I’m not going anywhere. Remember, I promised. I’m yours now, forever.”

“Now come,” he said. “Does your Alex love you back, or is he a hopeless idiot?”“He loves me,” she said quietly. “But I’m afraid he’ll stop after we marry. He’ll change his mind. He’ll—”“He’ll love you more. Trust me.”“Really?” She was far too somber.“Really.” He had no words to make her smile, and so Gareth tweaked her nose.And she giggled.It had been a long time since he’d laughed. But despite all those years, he still remembered how. What he’dforgotten was the lightness of his soul when he did so. The moment was perfect.”

“I’m sorry,” he repeats again, too low for Raven and Tack to hear. “I’m sorry for everything.”

“He smiled back. “I’m not awake enough to be a bossy dick yet.”