Michael's POV
Allyson's head fell back against my shoulder, her breathing uneven and shallow. The tremor that ran through her body pressed against mine, and I could feel every vulnerable heartbeat.
"Michael," she breathed, her voice barely audible. "Are you being honest with me? Because if this falls apart, if you disappear on me again, it will destroy me completely. I cannot endure what we went through before. I refuse to live through that nightmare twice."
Without hesitation, I turned her around, my hands gentle but insistent as I made her face me. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, searching mine for any hint of deception.
"I am not disappearing," I said, my voice steady and certain. "What we have is genuine. I am genuine. And I will battle with everything in me until you believe that truth."
My arm tightened around her waist, pulling her closer to me. Then I lowered my head and captured her lips in a kiss that spoke every emotion I could not find words for.
