'I know,' she murmurs, pushing down the dark wave of fear twisting in her gut. She knows he had a wife when Sam was with him. Maybe that was different. Maybe it's the truth that he's afraid of holding onto.

She closes her eyes and wraps her arms around his neck. He's strong enough, she knows. To have the truth and this, too. He just doesn't realize it. Her fingertips delve into his hair, feeling the warmth of his scalp under her palm. Her sigh feathers over his lips, and she sips his breath.

'Tell me again.'