Page 213 of The Darkest Chase

I only duck my head and whisper, “…yes, it is.”

“Talia?”

“I’m sorry.” I avert my eyes. “I won’t say it. I know it’s uncomfortable for you, I…”

“Say it.” I’m stunned when he grabs my face in his palms, turning me toward him, leaning in until our foreheads touch. “I need to hear it tonight. I need to know I haven’t broken it.”

My heart rises in my throat.

It’s so intense I almost can’t do it.

But ever since I took my life into my own hands, I’ve never turned away from risks. So I take a new one now.

“I love you, Micah Ainsley,” I whisper.

I never expect the way he smiles.

Soft, sweet, a little in awe, piercing my heart and breaking me in a new, beautiful way.

“I was always so worried my darkness would scare you away,” he rumbles. “Or break you. Somehow, all it did was bring you closer, and I love you for it, Talia. I love you for you. For everything you are. Your courage, your kindness, your wisdom, your sweetness. I fucking love you. I want to beg for your forgiveness, but even without it, I won’t stop. You shine so bright it burns, and I need the pain. I know I don’t deserve you, no, but it doesn’t change the truth. I need you.”

My breaths are soft and shallow. I don’t need them right now.

Not when Micah is better than the air I breathe.

I lean into him, ghosting my lips on his, aching for how it feels like new after he broke us and welded us together again.

I remember that night with my grandfather, when he thought I was my grandmother and yet still found a way to ease my hurting heart.

“Francis Bacon,” I whisper into the stillness between us. “He said, In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.” I smile. “If I’m too bright, it’s only because you’re the darkness—and you make me shine.”

“My light,” Micah whispers, holding me closer. “My redemption.”

There goes my heart.

Basically forever.

The last time his lips touched mine, Micah gave me life.

This time, when his mouth claims mine, he makes me feel alive.

A hot rush pours through me, filling me until I’m dizzy.

His kiss comes slow, tender, his mouth tracing mine with a reverence that makes me feel cherished. That lets me savor every last sensation of skin until I’m tingling and gasping by the time his tongue dips in to taste me.

His kiss draws me up to meet him until we’re twined tongues, slick pressure, lingering and sweet.

God, I could live this kiss forever.

This is how he transforms my night in hell.

Ending it in heaven.

The man I love loves me back.

Truly. Darkly. Gloriously.

Yes, he made a mistake.

---