With his mind in turmoil, Sierra Sutton unconsciously tightened his grip. Autumn Shelby's arm throbbed in pain. Growing angry, she bit her lip and struggled. "Sierra Sutton, you're hurting me!"
Sierra Sutton snapped back to his senses. He didn't let her go, but his grip loosened significantly.
Autumn Shelby seized the chance to wrench her arm free. Her gaze turned icy again as her voice rose slightly. "Yes, I lied to you! If I hadn't, would you have ever let me come back?"
Sierra Sutton suddenly let out a laugh, but it was tinged with sorrow. He spoke slowly, "You never even tried. How would you know I wouldn't have let you come back?"
His words stunned Autumn Shelby for a moment, but she quickly reverted to her cold, somber expression. "I couldn't risk it."
"Hah, so you 'couldn't risk it'! Autumn, we've known each other for eighteen years, and I've loved you for just as long. You should know what kind of person I am! Is returning to Novaria really that important to you?"
