“It wasn’t your fault they died,” I said again, feeling as if I had found a new way to see. Before me lay the same world, but I was looking around corners. What was I becoming? Was I a fool to trust, or a wiser person finding the capacity to forgive?

Kisten heard the acceptance of his past in my voice, and the relief reflected in his face was so strong that it was almost painful. My hand on his neck slid forward, drawing him closer over the console. “It’s okay,” I whispered as his hands slipped from my fingers and took my shoulders. “I understand.”

“I don’t think you can.…” he insisted.

“Then we’ll deal with it when I do.” Tilting my head, I closed my eyes and leaned to find him. His grip on my shoulder eased, and I found myself reaching after him, drawn in as our lips touched. My fingers pressed into his neck, urging him closer. A jolt struck through me, bringing my blood to the surface, tingling through me as his kiss deepened, promising more. It didn’t stem from my scar, and I drew his hand to it, almost gasping when his fingertips traced the light, almost unseen scar tissue. The thought of Ivy’s dating guide flitted through me, and I saw it all in an entirely new way. Oh God, the things I could do with this man.

Maybe I needed the dangerous man, I thought as a wild emotion rose in me. Only someone who had done wrong could understand that, yes, I did questionable things too, but that I was still a good person. If Kisten could be both, then maybe that meant I could be, too.

And with that, I abandoned all pretense of thought. His hand feeling my pulse and my lips pulling on his, I sent my tongue hesitantly between his lips, knowing a gentle inquiry would strike a hotter chord than a demanding touch. I found a smooth tooth, and I curled my tongue around it, teasing.

Kisten’s breath came fast and he jerked away.

I froze as he was suddenly not there, the heat of him still a memory on my skin. “I’m not wearing my caps,” he said, the black swelling in his eyes and my scar pulsing in promise. “I was so worried about you, I didn’t take the time to … I’m not …” He took a shaking breath. “God, you smell good.”

Heart pounding, I forced myself back into my seat, watching him as I tucked my hair behind an ear. I wasn’t sure I cared if he had his caps on or not. “Sorry,” I said breathlessly, blood still pounding through me. “I didn’t mean to go that far.” But you just sort of pull it out of me.

“Don’t be sorry. You’re not the one who’s been neglecting—things.” Blowing his breath out, Kisten tried to hide his heady look of want. Under the rougher emotions was a soft look of grateful understanding and relief. I had accepted his ugly past, knowing his future might not be any better.