Augustine opened his mouth, but no words came.
How could he explain it?
The version of himself he showed her was only a fragment of who he truly was. That behind closed doors, he wielded influence, made dangerous decisions, brokered deals that required a different kind of ruthlessness? That Denis knew more than he should…and might use it against him?
Augustine tightened his grip around her even more, fearing he would lose her. 'She deserves honesty,' he thought. 'But what if the truth changes everything? What if she leaves me?'
His chest constricted, the fear gnawing at him like a slow-burning fuse. She was his heart, soul, all of it. But one wrong move could undo everything.
And still, he couldn't lie. Not anymore.
He loosened the grip slightly. His fingers gently reached for her face, tilting her chin so her eyes met his. She looked up, searching his expression.
"Anne…" he began, his voice rough with restraint. "Do you want to go on our honeymoon?"
