Her Collateral Bride: A Lesbian Age Gap Romance

“He never said he was sorry. Not once. Not ever. I still don’t

think he is.”

Haley let out a shuddering sigh. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for

him.”

Warm hands bracketed Claire’s face, tipping her chin up.

She had to face Haley. She could drown in her eyes. They

were as lovely as the sound. So much prettier. Her eyes were

so gentle, and the way she looked at Claire was so intimate

that she could hardly bear it. She made herself bear it. She

made herself take it. She wanted that too, even though it was

only going to bring pain. She desperately searched herself for

the old anger, for all the old pain. She needed to use it like a

shield, but it was gone. She’d emptied herself of it. She’d told

Haley everything and instead of scoring them both deep, the

words had the power to heal.

I’m sorry. I’m sorry for him.

“I’m sorry too,” Claire choked. “But you have to leave. You

have to, Haley. We’re only going to keep hurting each other if

you stay. We’ve both known how this is going to end, and

that’s not going to change no matter what.”

“I’m not going to accept that.”

Why the hell did I ever do this to her? Claire felt like she

was burning alive with guilt. Powerful, horrible guilt.

“I never meant to hurt you. I hope you can accept that, at

least. I need to send you back. You were never part of the

revenge plan. I never wanted to use you or harm you. I should

have kept my distance. I did know better and I…” You were a

match to gasoline. “I couldn’t. Now we’re here and I’m sorry.?

??

Haley was frozen for a minute, then she shook her head.