He locks eyes with me. His expression is so grateful, so relieved—you’d think I’d made him king of his own island.
“You saved my life, Riden. I’m simply returning the favor.”
“Is that really all it is?”
“Yes.”
He takes a deep breath. “When we were on that island, I learned so much about you. I accused you before of enchanting me, of toying with my mind. I know now what it really feels like to be under your control. I realized you were being honest with me before, and that what I think—what I feel—has nothing to do with your abilities, but everything to do with you.”