Unguarded

"It is necessary. I don't want you to misunderstand my relationship with her."

Harper frowned slightly and turned her head away, then heard him continue.

"I like you. Only you. I—"

"Shut up!" Harper snapped, bristling instantly. "If you keep talking, I'm gonna hit you!"

Gareth obediently fell silent. But that obedience only lasted a few seconds before he quietly called her name again and muttered,