He kissed my knuckles. "Yes, because the alternative of not having you in my life is unthinkable. Letting people we love head into the fire is not an easy concept for Rasha."

"I know."

"I will be the man who deserves you." He spoke it like a vow.

I wished that in return, I could say that I'd find a way to reconcile both sides of myself and be whole. For him. For myself. But I was too raw, so I went with humor. I brushed my lips against his. "And I'll be the woman ...