Ryder Point of view

The words should scare me. They do scare me. But they also fill me with pride.

This is the Jolie I always knew was there, buried under years of abuse. Strong, fierce, unwilling to accept less than she deserves.

"I understand." I kissed her again. "And I don't blame you. You deserve better than what I've been giving you."

"I deserve honesty." She corrects. "And respect. And to be treated like I'm strong enough to handle difficult things."

"You're the strongest person I ...