Chapter 173: Come With Me

~ DAVID ~

Stark gave a small grunt and tiny spots of color appeared in his cheeks. He grunted and turned away again—which made me smile. I'd known him long enough now, and watched him resist enough times to know this meant he was emotional, and struggling against it.

He cleared his throat. "David, your words are…"

"I mean them," I said simply. Honestly. I couldn't have made it through the past eight years without this man. There was no one I'd rather have close for this. 

He took a breath. "I am… honored."

A rush of warmth filled me for the man who I knew to be so much more than the cold, emotionless face he painted to the world.

I stepped over to where he stood and clapped a hand to his shoulder, squeezing it and waiting for him to turn when he had himself under control.

"Does that mean you'll help me?" I said, unable to stop smiling.