Ethic’s eyes burned into hers and she anxiously awaited his response. She knew she came off needy, but shit, she did need him. What woman didn’t need a man like him?

“I don’t leave. I don’t fold. I don’t run,” he responded. She believed him. “Promise me that you won’t run when you discover the worst parts of me, Alani.”

“I promise,” she said, without hesitation.