I cupped her cheek, bringing her face close to mine. "I don't dislike you. Far from it.
I regret every nasty word, every lousy fucking errand I sent you on, and every dirty job I got you to do.
I think you're incredibly brave to have agreed to do this with me, and the reasons you did it are astonishing to me.
You are selfless and kind, and the fact you've become so important to me is a testament to how special you are."
Hot tears ran down her face. I groaned, unable to handle more emotion today.
"Jeez, woman." I growled playfully. "I try to be nice and you cry. I give up. I'll go back to being a jerk."
She patted my hand. "No, it's fine. I'll stop." She sniffed.
"That was unexpected. That's all."
"I'm trying to apologize."
She lifted her face, brushing her mouth to mine.
"Accepted."
I buried my hands in her hair, holding her close. I pressed my mouth to hers, wanting to taste her once more.
