Chapter 17. Strength of Our Bond

BELLE

Sweet relief from the pain that I had dealt with for the past several days came crashing into my body, and I let out a sob.

Grayson wrapped his arms tightly around my middle and then shifted them to beneath my butt so he could lift me.

I wrapped my legs around his waist and clung to him for what felt like dear life.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered into my hair. “God, I’m so sorry.”

I nodded my head to show that I understood, and pressed myself closer to him.

“I’m sorry too,” I whispered into his neck.

He squeezed me gently. No more words were needed.

We stayed like that for a few minutes, just holding each other and breathing each other in.

It was pure bliss, and I never wanted it to end.

But then Grayson moved. I panicked. Was he going to put me down? Was he going to leave me again?

He must have sensed my panic because he ran a hand soothingly up and down my back as he walked.

“Shh,” he said. “I’ve got you.