A sense of loneliness squeezed her heart, like wild vines choking the life out of a fledgling tree. She understood why he’d left her in that moment and knew it had been an entirely selfless act. But it still made her sad. Still made her long for something that could never be.

She ran a hand over his shoulder and pressed her lips to his skin, loving the salty, virile taste of him. “Look at me,” she whispered.

He rolled toward her, his expression tender but weary.

“I love you,” she said. Partly because she needed him to know, and partly because she longed to hear him say it too.

He swallowed and cupped her cheek in his palm. “I love you with all my heart, Sophie Kendall … and I’m sorry that it’s not enough.”

When she would have protested, he stood, grabbed the quilt from the swing, and draped it over her body. Then he reached for his trousers and slipped them on.

She sat up, holding the blanket to her chest. “I don’t need to rush home,” she said. “We can stay here for a while.”

“We’re only delaying the inevitable,” he said, pulling on his boots. “Prolonging the misery.”

Her stomach dropped. “So you want me to go?”

“Of course not.” He scooped up his shirt and stuffed an arm in one sleeve. “But I already know that you will—and that I can’t change your mind.”

Sophie’s eyes stung, and she blinked back tears.

“I’ve been brushing up on my mythology recently,” he said, his voice chillingly hollow. “Did you know that the wretched souls who were condemned to an eternity of torture were able to see into the beautiful land of Elysium? While they endured their excruciating punishments, they were taunted with the beauty of a paradise that they’d never enjoy.”

“Reese,” she breathed, a single drop rolling down her cheek. “Don’t do this.”

“That’s how it is for me. I’ve seen the life I want—a future with you—and it will never be mine.” He sank to the ground beside her and dropped his head in his hands. “I don’t want that heaven dangled in front of me like some precious fruit that will always be just beyond my reach.”

She shivered despite the warmth of the night. “I think I understand. It’s the same for me. But I have no wish to inflict pain on you—that is, more than I already have.” She reached for her corset and gown, trying to ignore the hurt blossoming in her chest. “I will go.”