Page 70 of Then Came You

Raw, earth-shattering pain shimmers in her eyes. I've been so awestruck by her resilience and strength, blinded by her beauty and intelligence, that I forgot that deep down, she has been a broken, abused, neglected young woman for most of her life. She's been in therapy, yes, but the scars that mar her mind and heart will always linger in the background.

What she's endured changes a person.

"Come here," I command in a low, gentle voice.

Her mouth quivers, and she shakes her head at me. "I don't think that's wise." I can see her eyes watering as she struggles to hold herself together.

"Tink, come here now," I say more firmly, patting my lap. She leaps from her seat and lands in my lap within seconds.

Her tear-soaked face breaks me, but now that I'm holding her, a calmness washes over me.

Being a scientist, I logically understand what happens to my body when Row is nearby. Feelings of love trigger three chemicals in the brain: Noradrenaline that accelerates the heartbeat, dopamine, the feel-good chemical, and phenylethylamine, responsible for the butterfly feeling in our stomachs.

Now that I'm emotionally connected, I know that dopamine and norepinephrine are replaced by oxytocin, also known as the cuddle hormone. We've moved beyond the initial stages and have already formed a strong bond, where I, at least, have made long-term plans for us.

With her sitting sideways on my lap, I have the chance to hold her waist, stroking up and down the curve of her hip and legs. Her skin's touch is a soft reminder of the texture of other parts of her body.

Everything about her mesmerises and comforts me. She's the home I never knew I needed.

I trace my finger along her jawline, her cheek, and the bridge of her nose, wiping away the dampness from her cheeks.

"Row, sweetheart, can't you see that you're meant for me? I love you on a molecular level that no science could ever explain. What I feel for you defies physics and surpasses any galaxy out there. It's alchemical, magnetic, and convergent. Nothing and no one will keep me away from you, do you understand me?"

Cradling her face in my hands, I kiss her softly. I know she expected a farewell when she walked in this morning, but there's no way I'm ending this. Ending us. I understand the stakes.

She sobs silently, letting my words wash over her as more tears streak down her face. I've overwhelmed her, and though saying "I love you" for the first time slipped out, I feel it in the depths of my soul.

It's okay if she might not have heard me. She'll hear it eventually. I'll make sure of it.

Closing the gap between us, I brush away her tears once more. She closes her eyes, her wet lashes fanning her cheeks. When she opens them again, I see her fragility. Uncertain. Haunted by a past she's still fighting to escape. I hold her as she crumbles in my arms. When one last sob escapes her lips, I know what she needs.

My hand grips the back of her neck, pulling her in for light, feathery kisses. She sighs, inhaling the words I'm conveying.

"Baby, I'm yours. You mean more than anything I could ever desire. Your beauty is exasperating. Your intelligence, kindness, hope, and life fill you. You're brave and resilient, and I've been waiting my entire life for someone like you."

My kisses seem to steady her breathing and halt the tears. I want to offer her the same peace and security she provides me.

"Please don't let me lose you before I've truly won you. Put your faith in me, and I promise I'll make you believe we're meant to be." I feel her trembling in my arms, her emotions bubbling from within. There's one more thing I need to emphasise before she speaks. "You are nothing like your mother. Nothing. I understand your fear of becoming like her, but I see who you are inside, Row." My hand trembles as it moves, fingers tracing the curve of her shirt until they settle above her heart. "You are the light and love that everyone needs in their life. You single-handedly survived and raised your sister. How could you not be the perfect role model for any child?"

I hug her fiercely, hoping my words seep into her soul. I know I'm holding her tightly, but she doesn't seem to mind, wrapping her arms around my neck just as tightly.

“I want you." She whispers in my ear, her breath igniting a warm sensation all over me.

"In what way?" I murmur, my fingers caressing her sides.

"In every way. Forever. I want to love you until my last breath. I want to stand by your side through life's highs and lows. I want you in this life and the next. I love you so deeply. You have all of me in every way you desire and need. Being with you is vital; it's what keeps me alive. I'm not sure I remember how to breathe without you anymore."

Warmth envelops my chest. She understood my declaration of love. Hearing her say it back to me is the most heart-warming, fulfilling, life-altering proclamation I've ever experienced. I want nothing more than to hear her repeat those words endlessly. To be cherished by this remarkable woman feels like winning every lottery in the world.

"No more running," I declare.

"No more running," she affirms, snuggling her nose into my rough stubble. Her fingers entwine with the hair at the nape of my neck, pulling me closer.

The only person we need to tell sooner rather than later is Zee. He's got exams in the upcoming weeks, but once they're over, I'm going to come clean.

Chapter 31

Row

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