“I love you, Tessa,” he says, and I inhale sharply, because I wasn’t ready for him to come right out with it. He touches a finger to my lips. “Let me finish.” I nod. “I have always loved you,” he says. “I love your brilliance and your courage. I love your faith in me, and your faith in my brother, and your faith in Kandala.” His hand slides to my cheek, and his blue eyes soften, filling my vision. “I don’t ever want to frighten you. I want to take actions that will make you proud.” His jaw clenches, just for a moment. “But I will never be wholly altruistic.
