"I always thought I could live my life alone," she continued, her voice steady despite the vulnerability in her words. "Forever, if I had to. I convinced myself it was safer that way—no attachments, no vulnerabilities, no one to hurt me or leave me behind."
Aiden cupped her face then, his thumb brushing gently along her cheekbone. She smiled faintly, turning her head to press a soft kiss to the inside of his palm before continuing,"And the truth is, I still can. I've proven it to myself. I can live without you, Aiden Hawk."
Aiden felt his chest tighten as if her words had pierced him directly. But he didn't dare interrupt her. He let the warmth of her kiss on his palm serve as reassurance, a silent promise that her words were leading somewhere deeper.
"But," she said, her voice softening, her gaze finding his and holding it with unwavering intensity, "I don't want to."
