Chapter 321

• “You are all of those things, Emma, partly because of the shit you endured.” He sighs heavily. He honestly doesn’t know what he’s talking about. “You’re also allowed to be human and vulnerable. You’re allowed to let someone in. Let me in!” he’s almost pleading with me.
• “Not with my job, Mr. Carrero,” I smile emptily, my voice lighter while trying to sound normal, wishing to end the tension between us. Even though he doesn’t reciprocate, his eyes soften, and I wipe away my tears, turning to him again. I’m calm and in control once more.
• “Even with your job,” he answers gently, reaching out and taking my fingers in his tenderly, entwining them together, leaving our hands on the leather seat between us. I don’t look down, but the warmth of his touch sends a small reassurance through me, thoroughly calming me.