And then, for reasons known only to the deepest, darkest recesses of my anxiety-driven brain, I blurted out, “I love you.” Aury froze instantly. When I realised what I’d said, my entire body went hot with embarrassment. Panicking, I ripped my hand out of his grip and fluttered it uselessly, casting about for something, anything, to say to distract him. “Gage.” Aury turned me to face him, his black eyes so beautiful and warm as he smiled down at me. “I love you too.” He laughed, and my throat ached at the sight of his happiness. “You have terrible timing. I can’t even kiss you.”
