Chapter 1021

• She felt her heart melt a bit and brushed a tear that was able to sneak through her hardened exterior and protective walls. Not thinking about the ramifications, she turned and straddled him in one motion, sitting on his lap and wrapping her arms around him in a hug. He immediately put his arms around her, and she felt the strength that they held. He felt like he could snap her in half but was as gentle with her as he would be with a kitten.
• "I love you so much," she whispered, squeezing him tight, needing to feel more of that strength in him.
• "I love you too," he told her, his voice like soft leather.