CHAPTER SEVENTY-ONE

I get up from my seat and slide to my knees in front of him. Wrapping my arms around him, I press my face into his neck and when his arms come around me, his mouth presses to my forehead.

“I hate that I can’t protect you from this. You deserve the world, Sophia. I promise I’ll give it all to you, but first we have to ensure you are safe.”

His voice is filled with the raw emotion we both feel in this moment. I can hear everything he’s feeling, even the things he doesn’t want me to, in his voice.

Lifting my face, I press my mouth to his for a hard, desperate kiss.

“Thank you.”

It’s almost five by the time Gavin walks Spencer to the door and they shake hands. I hear the door click closed and sigh in relief that that part of the day is over.

“How would you feel about a bath? And then I’ll let you be to get dressed.”

Gavin helps me up, and when I stand I feel just a bit dizzy. I close my eyes, and sway into a warm, firm chest.

“Sophia? Are you feeling alright?”

I nod and smile gently.

“Let