“Naturally, I’ll respect your eventual decision too.”

Kyran allowed the woman’s scent to calm him down. When he felt like he had finally gained a semblance of control, he studied the hazy, silvery moonlight from outside, illuminating each strand of her hair, and ran his fingers through them. “It’s not as grave as you’ve imagined, but it’s… It’s not good for you. Those people are after me and me alone, yet you get dragged into my problems. I’m sorry. I’m a sorry excuse of a man—”

Deirdre clasped her hand over his lips. She shook her head, her expression sincere. “Please, don’t ever say something like that to me, Kyran. I know how good you are, better than anyone else in the world. If you’ve somehow brought harm to me, then God knows how much trouble I must have brought you! But here’s the thing… I never feel bad for any of it, so you shouldn’t be.”

Kyran’s eyes seemed to be trembling. In the end, he nodded. He lowered his head and began searching for her lips.

Deirdre was flustered