Chapter 197

“Why didn’t you just ask me when I came for you? This could have been over then.” Colton steps toward me. His voice is now low and level, with regret seeping in. A soft little movement closer towards me to tighten the gap and surround me with his smell and presence. I stay still, eyes dropping to my feet in apology and mental fatigue. Finally, able to let go of some of this anger and pain, and it leaves a gaping heaviness within me because I’ve been carrying it for weeks. It was all so unnecessary. “I didn’t think I needed to. I felt something; we’re linked. I figured you knew that I knew.” I sound feeble and small, tears clogging my voice as he moves closer. Colton slides his strong, warm hands up my arms until they rest on my shoulders, and he exhales heavily as he pulls me the last few inches towards him, so we are only millimeters apart. His touch and heat soothing me with his gentleness. “I had no idea you even thought it, or I would have told you, Lorey. I didn’t know this was in