Kade sighed softly, pulling Ren even closer until their foreheads touched.
"You know... I was afraid... afraid that you'd leave me. Like my mother did."
Ren froze. Those few words hit him like a punch to the gut. It made Ren feel like the worst kind of scumbag.
He wanted to apologize again, but soon Ren realized that Kade was not the slightest bit angry at him. The Marshal was just sad. Maybe, the thought of getting angry at him never crossed Kade's mind.
No matter what he thought, those words of apology felt inadequate. He could not stand the look of hurt lingering in Kade's eyes. Before he could think it through, Ren leaned forward.
Despite his nervousness, Ren took the initiative and captured Kade's lips in a sudden kiss. He tried to recall every kiss they had shared, every nibble, every teasing flick of Kade's tongue that made him feel good.