His arms encircled me from behind, strong yet tentative, as if he feared I might shatter at his touch. The familiar scent of him—sandalwood and rain—surrounded me, dragging me back to memories I'd tried desperately to bury.
"I was mistaken when I thought you had betrayed me. I was the person who betrayed you years ago." His voice broke completely as he added, "C-Can... Can you forgive me, baby?"
I remained perfectly still, afraid that any movement might break this surreal moment. Was this really happening? After four years of nightmares and heartbreak, was Rhys Knight—the man who had destroyed me—actually begging for my forgiveness?
"That night," he continued, his voice raw with emotion, "Julian Mercer set everything up. He arranged for me to find you in Rowan's room."
My breath caught in my throat. I'd always wondered how Rhys had known where to find me that night.
