Chapter 14 My parents entrusted to him before they died .
No one knew the immense effort it took him to keep his hand from trembling as he publicly , officially took my hand that day .
In that moment , hed decided : this is it .
Since he couldnt escape it , hed use this excuse to keep me close .
Id remain under his protection , just as always .
So , about Claire … Simon Jones finally spoke after a long silence .
Ryder looked got it .
up , a hint of self mockery in his eyes .
Yes , you Simon Jones was shocked .
He and Ryder had been best friends since childhood .
The Ryder he knew was proud , confident , superior .
Hed never seen him this dejected , this self deprecating .
He must be drunk .
you Simon Jones sighed .
Why didnt you tell Claire how felt ? He didnt know what to say .
What good would it do to tell him ? He should tell Claire .
If Ryder had shown even a hint of his feelings , Claire wouldnt have left .
Ryder was silent , his eyes closed , his breathing labored .
2.0 % < Chapter 14 Menu Four days later , Ryder received Claires location .
Reading the report about the three year closed door project , he felt a physical pain for the first time a pain far sharper than any bullet wound .
It was a silent , bone deep ache .
Simon Jones accompanied him .
He dropped his usual flippancy , choosing to offer only quiet comfort .
After three years , go get her .
Apologize properly .
She loves you so much .
Three years … itll pass quickly .
Even Simon Jones lacked conviction in his own words .
Three years was short , but it could change a lot .
Especially for someone whos given up .
Three years is enough to heal wounds , to let someone else into their heart .
Ryder understood this without Simon Jones stating it .
The wind whipped against his pale face as he clenched the report , tasting regret for the first time .
Back home , he counted his remaining vacation days five .
A round trip to Quantico would take four .
He decided to go .
Even if he couldnt see her , he needed to know what my life was like .
He wanted to send me things .
What if I didnt like the food ? It would be cold there ; what if I didnt have enough clothes ? Since he could remember , Id never been out of his sight for so long .
11:38 < Chapter 14 Menu it ; he on it ; he feared losing control .
He dared not dwell on A knock at the door .
A flicker of hope in Ryders dark eyes , even though he knew it was impossible .
He quickened his step .
Autumn Sears , wearing a festive coat , smiled .
Happy New Year , Ryder .

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Ryders dark eyes dimmed .
Happy New Year .
Autumn noticed his mood .
No gift for me ? Her eyes fell on the gifts on the coffee table .
Ryder followed her gaze , then said firmly , Sorry , Claire made those .
I dont want to give them away .
Ill make it up to you after the New Year .
Autumns smile faltered .
She clenched her hands .
I heard Claire left .
Yes , temporarily .
Shell be back , Ryder answered quickly .
Autumns heart tightened .
Ryder , I know you dont like her .
Since shes gone … Ryder cut her off .
Autumn , were just friends .
Claire is my wife ; how could I not like her ? His words shut down Autumns hopes .
Her face paled .
But you said you only saw her as your niece .
An His words shut down Autumns hopes .
Her face paled .
But you said you only saw her as your niece .
And our letters clearly showed you felt trapped by this marriage .
d our letters clearly showed you felt trapped by th