Page 142 of Sage Haven

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Not to control.

Not to trap.

Just to hold.

Her voice broke through the silence again.

Quiet, but resolute.

“Are you really trying to keep me safe?”

“Yes.” I didn’t hesitate. I couldn’t. “I swear it.”

I tilted her chin up gently, guiding her to meet my gaze.

Her green eyes were bright, rimmed in red, but clear.

She was looking for something.

And I wanted her to find it.

“I need you to believe that,” I said, and the rawness in my own voice surprised me.

Her eyes flickered, studying me. Searching.

Then— “Okay.”

Just one word.

But it settled between us like a truce.

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

“Okay,” I echoed her.

But before I could say more, she spoke again. “I trust you,” she said carefully. “And I don’t need to ask anything else.”

I shook my head slightly, studying her expression. She wasn’t just saying it.

She meant it. Or she was trying to.

“I might not understand everything,” she continued. “Or why this is happening. But all I can do is trust.”

That hit me in places inside of me I hadn’t thought were still alive.

And for a second—just one—I wanted to fall into her. But before I could speak, she cut me off.

Her voice sharpened suddenly, slicing through the moment.

“No, Reich. I see the pity.” She shook her head, defiant. “And I don’t want it. Not for what happened.”

I stilled.

Let the weight of her words settle.

She was still protecting herself.

Still fighting to keep her dignity.

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