Sure to keep her eyes on his, she carried on. “I don’t think that I can get past the things you said. You hurt me.”

Torrent sat up as well. She had to crane her neck to maintain eye contact. She prayed the sheet was still in place since he didn’t seem to give much of a shit.

Why did he have to be so damned big? It irritated her how sexy he looked. His skin was still pink in places, though otherwise he didn’t look any worse for wear. His hair was mussed, yet it made him look even more attractive. Go figure.

Candy was not going to allow herself to be sidetracked. No way! She couldn’t let him sweet talk her either. He tried to pay her for sex. Even after working for Ellis. After all her years as an escort, she had never felt as degraded as in that moment.

She must look like a complete mess but he didn’t seem to notice or he pretended not to. It didn’t matter though.

Torrent scrubbed a hand through his hair. It messed it up some more. He didn’t look any less handsome though. “I was jealous and angry and so damned jealous.” He paused. “I know I’m repeating myself but I couldn’t see straight. I’ve never been jealous before in my life.” He looked distraught. “How do I make this up to you?”

“I told you that I forgive you.” She left it at that.

“But you still can’t be with me?” That distraught look was back.

She shook her head. “I don’t know what to say.” Tell him no. Tell him to go to hell. She couldn’t.

“I freaked out. I lost it.” He grabbed the back of his neck and squeezed. “I should never have done that… offered you those jewels. I felt so jealous of those human males. I couldn’t see straight. I didn’t realize what I was feeling at the time. I didn’t realize how jealous and pathetic I was. I was angry at you for making me feel that way. I was angry at myself for letting you get under my skin like that. I’m a king…”

“Yeah, yeah, so strong and great and fierce.” She tried to use a joking tone but it came out sounding like an accusation.

He shook his head. “I am a king and yet I am nothing”—he paused—“I am nothing without you.”

Her heart melted a little.