Chapter 79. I Love Athena Slade

Tristan

I’d paused, staring into Sarah’s eyes. She’d raised an eyebrow, waiting for me to respond to her question.

I’d nodded slowly, but apparently that wasn’t enough for her.

“No, Tristan.” She’d shaken her head firmly. “I need you to use your words. Do you love Athena?”

I’d stayed quiet, understanding exactly what she was doing. Sarah knew that if I said it out loud, if I actually spoke the words, I’d have to stand by them. She knew I wouldn’t be able to stop until I’d made Athena mine.

“I’m waiting, Tristan. I need to get home to my husband. When you’re ready to be truthful with yourself, you know where to find me.”

She’d picked up her purse and headed for the door again. As her hand touched the handle, I’d finally found my voice.

“Yes. I love her.”

The words had felt like they weighed a thousand pounds, like they’d been sitting on my chest for years waiting to be spoken.

Sarah had turned back with a raised eyebrow. “I