Page 181 of Less

And somehow seeing that?

Seeing how much he loves me?

It breaks something open inside me.

I almost died.

We almost lost this.

Lost us.

Before we ever really got our chance.

And Brielle?

God.

Poor Brielle.

The woman I thought was my friend was hurting so badly she destroyed herself.

I hate that.

I hate all of it.

But standing here wrapped in Less' arms, I know one thing.

Less came for me.

He kept his promise.

The realization hits me like lightning.

Not fear.

Not panic.

Certainty.

Absolute certainty.

I pull back enough to cup his face.

Those beautiful dark eyes immediately lock onto mine.

“Hey,” he whispers frantically. “Are you hurt? Do you need⁠—”

“Less.”

“Rusty—”

“No. Listen to me.”

He goes still immediately.

Because despite everything, he listens when it matters.

I smile through my tears.