The manuscript. The publishing house. Margaret's contempt. All of it flooded back.

"I wasn't..."

"You were." He shifted, settling his full weight on me. "Whatever happened today, wherever you actually were, you'll tell me when you're ready. But don't lie to me again."

"I won't."

"Good." He pressed a kiss right over my racing heart. "Because you're mine, Fiera. All of you. And I take care of what's mine. But that means honesty. Always."

"Always." I ran my fingers through his hair. "I ...