The CEO's Regret: Darling, Don’t Leave Me novel Chapter 61

HAPTER 40: THESE SAME HANDS–2

My heart cracks softly. From the realization that he actually believes what he’s saying.

That he’s looked at himself in the mirror and decided he’s irredeemable. That the only kindness he can

offer me is pushing me away.

But I see something else in those intense blue eyes. Vulnerability disguised as warning. Truth wrapped in

self–hatred.

A man who considers himself a monster because he lost control once in the worst possible

circumstances.

I take his hand–the one cupping my face, the one that killed–and pull it away from my jaw. Hold it between both of mine. Press my lips to his palm, then his knuckles, then each finger.

“These are the same hands that saved me,” I whisper against his skin. “The same hands that pulled me out of a marriage that was killing me slowly. I don’t like to admit this because I’d look pathetic, but if you weren’t there, I’d have gone back to Gale. He’d have shown up at my door with macaroons and flowers, and begged me for one more chance… and I’d have said yes, because he is the only stability I know. The only version of love I’ve ever tasted. But Knox… your hands, these same hands, are the ones that taught me that I might be something precious. And I know it’s fucked up, but… there has to be some form of redemption in that.” I meet his eyes. “You lost control once, in the worst moment imaginable. That doesn’t make you a monster. That makes you someone who loved completely and was destroyed for it.”

He stares at me like I’m speaking a language he doesn’t understand. Like kindness is a concept he’s forgotten how to translate.

“You should be afraid of me.”

“I’ve spent four years being afraid of a man who hurt me deliberately. Who enjoyed my pain. Who used his power to break me piece by piece.” I shake my head. “You’re not him. You’re not even close.”

“Ember-”

r

“I should run,” I interrupt. “I know I should run. Everything about you screams danger. But lying here in your arms, watching the Northern Lights paint the sky in impossible colors…” My voice drops to barely a whisper. “I’ve never felt safer in my life.”

Something breaks in his expression. Some wall he’s been holding up crumbles just enough for me to see the man underneath, raw and wounded and terrified of what he might do to me if I stay.

But I’m staying anyway. At least, till all this is over.

My eyes grow heavy. The exhaustion of the day catches up to me at once.

Knox seems to sense it. He pulls me closer, tucks my head under his chin, his arms wrapping around me in a way that’s more protective than possessive.

Lfall asleep there. In the observatory. Gurrounded by glass and snow and dancing light.

“It’s the most dreamless sleep I’ve had in years.

Later–much later–drift in that space between sleeping and waking Knox has carried me somewhere warm. A bed, maybe. His body curved around mine.

I think about tomorrow. The council meeting. Having to corvince a room full of ancient werewolf elders on every reason why I should not be sent back to my husband.

I think about lying under oath and claiming I’m in love with Knox.

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