I know what I have to do.
I get that this is the only way we can ensure Riley makes it out of this alive.
So why does it feel like I’m being ripped to shreds?
“Give us a moment?” I murmur, meeting my family’s eyes.
With a nod, my father ushers my brothers and mother from the room.
Raf and I are left standing near the window, the afternoon light slanting across his beautiful face.
“Are you still angry?” I say quietly, wishing there were some way I could mend the rift between us before it’s too late. Before I never see him again.
He exhales. “I’m terrified.”
The honesty catches me off guard.
“For Riley,” he adds. “For you.”
My chest aches. “Then don’t do this. We can find another way.”
He steps closer. “We don’t have the time.”
I swallow hard. “I don’t like this plan.”
“I know.”
“It leaves you exposed.”
“I know.”
“It could kill you.”
His gaze softens then, just a fraction. “Aisling.”
I hate how he says my name. Like it still belongs to him.
He lifts his hand, hesitating for half a second before brushing his thumb along my cheek.
The touch is shockingly gentle, even reverent.
My breath catches painfully.
“I’m glad you called me. Despite everything,” he says quietly.
Tears burn behind my eyes. “I didn’t have a choice.”
“You did,” he says. “And you chose me.”
The words undo me.
All the anger, the fear, the days of distance and bitterness collapse into this fragile, unbearable moment.
I lean into his touch without thinking, my hand covering the back of his palm.
“Please come back,” I whisper. “Please.”
His thumb pauses. He doesn’t promise. Instead, he leans in and presses his mouth to mine.