Chapter 159

“It will never happen, but I swear, I’ll never lie to you. I’ll never deceive you, and if things go sour, I’ll fix it, or I’ll end it. I promise.” I can feel the genuine oath in his words. He means it in every way.

“I’m scared.” It’s my last final delay before I give him a proper answer. Nerves are getting the better of me, and tears threaten to overflow again. That last little moment of panic feels like stage fright before stepping out into the limelight. I’m having trouble getting on top of it and wavering slightly.

“Don’t be. There’s nothing to be scared about when you’re with me. I’m not scared anymore. Thinking of a future without you is more terrifying than anything else we do together.” Alexi seems so calm and in control, patiently kneeling there on the floor, probably bruising his knee on the Italian marble, and I take one last long, heavy inhale to calm myself fully.

I can do this.

He said exactly what I feel. The right words to soothe my worry. The