73 - Azira.

Once they're gone, Blaine turns to face me. "Still want me now?"

It's a good question because what I witnessed was honestly insane, but somehow I want him more. All of that he did for me, and while he may not be able to admit his feelings in words, he just demonstrated them with actions instead. "Of course."

He gestures for me to approach him and I run into his arms, squeezing tightly.

The fear I felt at the prospect of losing him was enough to carve my heart from my chest. "I meant it," I murmur softly, my face buried against his chest.

"What?"

"I love you, Blaine." I squeeze tighter and crane my neck to look at his face.

His eyes are bright with emotion, his throat bobbing. "I—I..."

I shake my head. "Don't say anything. You don't need to."

He draws in a shaky breath. "You make me a better man, Azira."

"I'm not sure that's true. You just almost committed mass homicide for me."

There's a haunted look in his eyes, and I wonder what terrible deeds his past holds. A part of me is curious