Truly happy. And I…" She stopped, swallowed, then forced the words out. "I realized I want the same thing. I want to be close to you the way they are. I do not care that you are my sister's son. I do not care that the blood says you are my nephew. I love you more than the rules. More than the shame. More than anything I was taught to protect."
Her voice trembled on the last admission. She looked away, cheeks darkening.
"I came here intending only to speak. To tell you I am glad the bloodline will continue. But standing here… I cannot pretend any longer."
Jake rose. He did not rush her. He simply closed the small distance between them until the heat of his body reached her.
"You do not have to pretend with me," he said quietly.
