Chapter 160

Meadow’s POV

That had to be what that was.

An excuse.

A dumb, far-stretched one, but an excuse nonetheless.

Because there was no way… no damn way Alaric was serious about this.

“Meadow,” he said, voice softening. “I’m not making excuses. I’m not scared of loving you either, I’m just… aware… and fucking terrified that you’d hate me.”

I stared at him, still waiting for him to tell me that he was just joking. But the expression on his face told me everything that I needed to know.

“Alaric…” I breathed, for lack of words. “What’re you…”

His jaw ticked, and he let out a bitter laugh, running a hand through his hair. “Just listen to me, Meadow, okay? Please. That’s all I need from you right now.” He shook his head solemnly. “Can you do that for me, baby?”

My heart felt heavy, but I nodded, reaching for the counter to steady myself.

And then, Alaric told me everything.

Everything. From being a little boy and