Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

Mated 321

Chapter 321

I didn't know whether to cry harder or hold him tighter.

So, I did both.

I leaned in and kissed his forehead, right in the center, like sealing a promise and

an assurance there. I held his face in my palms and whispered, "I see you, Kester. I've always seen you."

His eyes fluttered shut like those words hurt and healed him, at the same time.

"I don't remember that day, admitted, my voice shaking. "But if I had known what you were going through... if I had known what that house was like for you... God, I would have climbed that window just to sit beside you."

His breath hitched.

"I would have stayed until you didn't feel so alone."

His arms came around me again, tighter this time, like I'd said something sacred. We stayed like that for a while, just holding each other as if time could be rewound if we pressed close enough.

there was more

mattered just as

enough to meet his gaze. "Kester... what you went through, the things you buried so deep for so long... they've shaped the way you feel. The way you love. The way you hold onto

He tensed.

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me like I was about to slip from

it's not your fault. None of it is. But you need to finish your

He said nothing.

so loud it rang in my

carefully, and I felt the fear ripple under his skin. And for the first time, I realized what terrified him wasn't the past -it was the idea that even trying to

Me.

saying this to hurt you," I said softly. "I'm saying it because love you. Because I want us to work. And I want you

free. Truly free."

Still nothing.

he was holding back more

barely more than a breath. "If you truly love me, Kester... if you want us to last... then I need you to get the help you need. Not just

felt it... I felt