Chapter 10

Back at the place they were staying, Mara sat still for a moment after the door closed.

"Riven."

Her voice was very quiet.

"Who am I, really?"

He went rigid. Then slowly, slowly, he sank to one knee in front of her and took both her hands.

"Mara. Whatever you find out — whatever happened before — I swear to you I will never hurt you. Do you believe me?"

She looked at him.

From the moment she'd woken up by the sea, it had been Riven. He'd taken care of her, stayed with her, given her everything she'd asked for, never once crossed a line. Even the thing between them — he'd never pushed.

His kindness was real.

But he'd hidden something. That was real too.

"I want the truth," she said.

He held her eyes for a long time.

"Okay." His voice was rough. "I'll tell you."