Linked (Gilded Blood #3)

by Rachel Rener

“Our fears are the same,” he whispered in my ear. “Even the thought of losing you…I can’t bear it.”

And,” he added, before I could interject, “if you ever keep something like this from me again, I mean it…we’re done.” His Adam’s apple bobbed forcefully. “Not because I don’t love you. But because I love you too much to allow you to hurt yourself on my behalf.

“I am not unraveled by you. I am ruined by you.”

I stole a worried glance at him, mouth primed to tell my mom to cool it, but Zayn’s warm smile held zero trace of irritation. A sudden twinge of understanding knotted in my chest. How many years has it been since he’s had a mother fret over him?