"I should have listened to you." Ansel's words make the tiny hairs stand up on my arms, and when he comes to stand close, when he wraps his arms around me, I can't breathe. Can't breathe. I bury my face in his chest, panting against his fancy shirt; I grip his waist hard enough to leave fingerprint bruises. "You tried to explain everything, but I didn't listen. I said I would, but I didn't. And I said such cruel things to you in return."
My tongue is thick in my mouth. His shirt button jabs into my nose. "That's okay. It's fine."
"It's not fine," Ansel growls, and his face rubs against my hair. His hands roam over my back, warm and greedy, and I'm home. Oh god, I was exiled and now I'm home. "I always want to listen to you, and I never want to be cruel. Just like I always want you to tel
