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Aziz looked at her tenderly and sood You are an untapped talent, and it gratifies me to know that you have finally accepted this But…” He sed and tented his brows “When the renovations were underway, I wanted you to stay because…”

“Aziz—”

“No, Laine, please I wanted you to stay—I needed you—because I adore you I love your beauty and your strength I wanted h time with you,” Aziz vowed

Laine closed the distance between theazed up at her as if he were taking in the stars themselves, and she blushed deeply

“What am I supposed to do? Coently

“I could throw you over ested “But after the bruises I saw on Ao quietly”

“Oh, I wouldn’t,” Laine teased with a smile

“Does this mean that you would consider…?” Aziz took her hand and kissed it “Allowing me to…?”

“I think I’ve allowed you enough” Laine closed her eyes for a ht youby now”

“No one can replace you I’ you to forgive my failures” He reached for her face, and she ca ofmore than temporary”

Laine lifted their hands up, their fingers woven together, and looked into his big hazel-green eyes How she’d missed them and the sound of his voice and the scent of him How she’d missed his humor

“I did too,” she murmured “I never could believe that you wanted more than what you’d already taken”

“Please believe me, Laine Please let me show you how dearly I love you Give me this chance to truly make a fool of myself” Aziz cupped her face and searched her eyes before pressing an inquiring kiss to her lips