Page 87 of Less

Then I grab the blanket from the bed because even though it’s a few feet off the ground—so close—it’s still too far to move just yet. But I still want her comfortable.

I drape the blanket over us and pull her into my arms so she’s half lying on me and I’m curled around her.

And it’s perfect.

“Less?”

“Mm?”

“Will you talk to me?” Amanda says so softly I can barely hear her.

“Of course. About anything.”

“What was that before? Why were you so intense?”

I know exactly what she’s talking about.

And I know it’s time to tell her—I need to tell her everything—and this seems like a good starting point.

“I know I should start with three years ago, and I will. But today? Today I almost lost you.”

The words come out rough.

Broken.

Honest.

Her hand slides down my cheek.

“You didn’t, though. You saved me.”

“I almost didn't.”

“But you did.”

“Rusty—”

“No, Alessio.”

Her voice is gentle.

Firm.

The same voice she always used when she was trying to calm me down.

“I am here because of you.”

“Amanda—”

She presses her forehead against mine.

“No. Listen to me. I am here.”

“Okay. Yes, I know,” I whisper, breathing her in and feeling her heart beat next to mine.

“Say it, Less.”

I swallow hard.