He shrugged. “Whatever makes you more willing to say yes.”

Part of me wanted to laugh and agree, but he couldn’t just ask me to move in like that and expect me to go with the flow without telling me exactly what I’d be agreeing to.

“No,” I said slowly. “I need an actual answer.”

“The second option then.”

“Oh, wow.” I rubbed my temples. I was tempted to go along with his suggestion without questioning anything, but much as I wanted Ronan in my future, the past few days had been insane, and we both needed time to think. I finally had my feet firmly beneath me, and I needed to be sure that we both knew where our relationship was going. “Most people date for months before they move in together.”

The furrow between his brows deepened. “There’s no rule that says it has to be that way. We can do this however works for us. I want you close.” He stepped closer and put his hands on my waist. “I love you.”

My heart exploded with warmth. I’d never get used to hearing him say that. I also liked that he knew what he wanted. Nevertheless, part of me wondered if his desire for me to move in was a reaction to the danger I’d been in and if he’d regret it down the road. Without the events that had pushed us together, would he still want to move in so quickly? He was an inherently protective man, and I needed to be careful that his motivation to have me here was coming from the right place.

“I love you too.” I stretched up to kiss him, then allowed my body to sink onto his, letting him support me. “You’re amazing. But are you sure you aren’t making different decisions than you usually would because you’re worried about me?”

His facial muscles twitched, and he didn’t seem to know how to react. For a long moment, he stayed quiet, and his silence told me what I needed to know. Perhaps concern for my safety wasn’t the whole reason for his invitation to stay, but it was at least part of it, and I wouldn’t be moving in until his sole motive was the desire to keep me close each and every day.

“You mentioned a couple of nights ago that I might see you as some savior,” I reminded him. “You kind of are my savior, but that’s not the only reason I love you. You’re thoughtful, honorable, and you have a good heart. It might be a bit walled off, but it’s generous and loving. The fact you even wondered about my reasons for being with you makes me think you need to be sure that I’m with you for who you are, not what you can give me, and I need to know that you’re inviting me to stay for the right reasons. We’re not at that place yet.”