Chapter 25: My Fault
Without a word, he reached for her, his hands gently cupping her face. Her wet lashes fluttered, and for the first time since he entered, she looked at him.
"I’m here," Ethan whispered, his thumbs brushing against her cheeks. "You don’t have to say anything. Just... let me be here."
Mara blinked, fresh tears spilling down her face.
And then, finally, she let out a sob.
Ethan pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as the water cascaded over both of them. He didn’t care about the soaked clothes, didn’t care about anything except the woman trembling in his arms.
"I’ve got you, baby," he murmured against her hair, his own eyes stinging with emotion. "I’ve got you."
Mara let herself be held. And for the first time, Ethan truly understood what it meant to be afraid of losing someone.
"Forgive me, please. I’m sorry," Ethan murmured, his gaze finally locking onto Mara’s alluring eyes the same eyes he hadn’t dared to meet for hours. He missed them. Missed her.
Mara didn’t have the energy to protest. She simply watched him, her silence speaking louder than words.
Ethan leaned in, pressing a soft kiss against her lips as he took off his wet shirt and undone his belt and zip. Mara didn’t respond much, but that wasn’t his biggest concern. He wanted to finish what he had started that afternoon, but once again, he found himself facing the same invisible wall.
This time, he didn’t retreat. Instead, he let out a quiet, frustrated sigh and gently guided Mara’s hand to the scar from his surgery.