PIPER
The question sounds like a trick, but yes. That's exactly what I want.
He can't really be this angry, can he? Right now, I can forgive him. Our fight felt like a big deal at the time. Now, I know there are bigger issues, Benjamin's safety being a huge one. But Timofey was still in the wrong. He lied to me and threw money around to get my father out of my life. If either of us has reason to be upset, it's me.
"We can move forward." I swallow down my nerves and jump into the vulnerability. "I don't want things between us to be fake, Timofey. I want to be with you. I want to make things work."
He grabs my chin and tilts my face up. I want to stand up so we're at eye level. So I can see if what I've said is landing, if it's breaking through his battle armor.
Then his hold turns to iron, and all I want is to get away.
