Kirk's declaration caught Kimi completely off guard. Never forgive him? The words echoed in her mind as she processed what he meant.
She found herself thinking about Kolton's expression earlier, the genuine remorse that had flickered across his features. Had that regret been real, or just another manipulation?
"You heard me right. Don't give him another chance," Kirk continued, his voice carrying an edge of protectiveness that made her pulse quicken. "He put you through hell for years. I won't stand by and watch you pretend none of it happened."
His words struck something deep within her, awakening the anger she had buried beneath layers of hurt and confusion. Kirk was right. Kolton had shattered her heart repeatedly, and she had no obligation to make things easy for him now.
She found herself nodding, her movement bringing her nose against his once more. "You're right."
