Page 112 of Far

My hand covers his, stilling his movements. It takes me a moment to find my voice. “You put a tracker in it?”

“For emergencies.” Connor’s gaze flickers away before meeting mine again. “You know, kidnapping and all.”

“You’re lying.”

“I want to keep you safe.”

“When did you… I mean, how? It’s always on me. I don’t take it off.”

He smiles gently, his eyes locked on mine. “I’m not the only one who’s been keeping an eye on you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Who gave you the necklace?”

My voice emerges as a whisper. “Dad.” I try again, disbelief sharpening my tone. “My father? He’s been spying on me, too?”

“Not spying.” Connor’s finger interlock with mine. “Just keeping an eye out, making sure you’re safe.”

“How did you get it?”

“Do you remember losing it for a few days in college?”

The words hit me like a blow. Losing the necklace for a few days in college. I frantically searched my room until I found it again, with no explanation for how it ended up back in my jewelry box.

“Why didn’t you make a move back then? And why the hell did you break into my room?”

His shoulders slump a bit. “I was different in college. Quieter. More withdrawn. I didn’t know how to approach someone like you.”

“Someone like me?” I raise an eyebrow.

“You were vibrant. Friendly. Surrounded by people.” Connor shakes his head, looking almost regretful. “You intimidated me if I’m being honest.”

I let out an incredulous laugh. “Me? Intimidating? That’s a first.”

The corner of his mouth quirks up. “It’s true. I was this broody hacker kid who barely talked to anyone. And you are the popular girl who lights up any room you walk into.”

A smile forms on my lips. It’s still hard to reconcile this confident, intense man in front of me with the shy, solitary guy I crushed on in college.

“So you’re saying you noticed me back then?” I ask softly.

“I noticed you, Mary. I’ve always noticed you.”

That look in his eyes…

I kiss him, pouring all the love and conviction I feel into that one gesture.

His voice is low and rough. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted this. Wanted you. Waited.”

“Maybe I waited, too.” The words escape my lips in a rush. “And maybe I noticed you, too, and had a little crush.”

“You had a crush on me?” Connor asks.

My cheeks burn. “I mean a tiny one. The tiniest you can imagine.”

“Tiniest?”

“You were mysterious and broody. It was kind of hot.”

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