“He did, didn’t he?” There is a sadness in his eyes, but his green irises are also dancing with a fierce form of protection. They sparkle with determination, and it makes my heart gratefully jump for him. He’s in my corner, I just know it. It’s a feeling I’ve been missing for so long.
I nod, and he closes his eyes. The despair is embedded in his features, and he presses his lips to mine softly, as if my touch will be able to rub them away.
“He’s the reason I left Stanford,” I admit with a cracking voice. At first, regret filled me every time I let that thought alone sink in, but now, the sadness isn’t as overwhelming as before. I did what I had to do to protect myself, and for that, I’m proud. At least I didn’t let it cost me anything more than my dream, and I can always make new ones.
“No one will ever hurt you again. Do you hear me?” His forehead rests against mine. “Do you hear me? I will hunt down every single guy who hurts you.”
I sniff, my tears reaching my neck.
“Do you hear me, baby?” His voice is demanding, but in a good way.
“Yes,” I concede. “I hear you.”
With a big grunt, he lifts his chin to rest it on top of my head, squeezing me tightly against him, and even though I can still feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins, there is a calmness settling in my heart. A calmness that makes me want to stay like this forever.