I’m about to take a step toward her when her blazing gaze shoots up and stops me in my tracks.

“You told me if I desire something in life, I should speak up. So, this is me doing what you told me, Lukas. I love you. I desire you. And I’m going to fight for my love. You can take these papers back or leave them, but I’m not going to sign.”

My whole world spins, and for a second, I lose my balance.

She loves me. She’ll fight for me.

No one since my mother has done that.

I’m still trying to get my heartbeat in check when I hear the door shut behind me. She’s gone.

No. Fuck no.

I rush out on shaky legs and run to her. I grab her hand and pull her back into her room.

“You can’t fucking run after saying all that.” I pin her between the door and me. Her eyes are teary once again, and I can’t take it. The hurt, the pain, the anguish, and above all, the love in them is too much. I hide my face in her neck.

“Thank you,” I whisper. “It’s been too long since someone has fought for me.”

“I’m fighting for both of us, Lukas,” she mutters.

“But it’s a fight you’ll lose, Autumn. I’m not the prize you think I am.” My chest clenches, and invisible vises tighten around my heart. “You don’t know anything about my past. You’ll get nothing out of loving me. The day the secrets of my past unlock, they’ll ruin you and your life, and I can’t let that happen.” I shiver remembering those moments.

“Tell me,” she whispers. When I don’t say anything, she adds in a firm voice, “These cryptic words won’t change how I feel about you.”

“Dammit it, Autumn.” I look in her eyes, and as always, they take away my frustration, my agony. “Why can’t you take my word that I’m doing the right thing…for you?”

“I don’t want you to look out for me. The only thing I want from you is your love.” My heartbeat races. “Do you love me?”

I pull away from her and turn around, because her nearness, the smell of her orchid perfume, is tearing my sanity. “You wouldn’t be asking me this if you knew what I was capable of.”

“I don’t doubt your capability to love. You treasure your mother’s antique jewelry like it’s the most expensive thing in the world. You saved the silly gifts I sent you as if they’re the prettiest souvenirs. You didn’t hesitate putting yourself in harm’s way to save your friend’s daughter.” She continues the list, and before she can make me believe in her words, I turn around.