Larkin’s heart was breaking because she knew her time with Darian was coming to an end, and she didn’t know if she’d survive that. But after meeting his ex-wife, Larkin fled not only because she needed time to process everything but the fact she could die because the pain was getting worse.
Darian’s whole life revolved around his little, and he wanted more than anything to marry her and officially make her his, but something was holding him back. When he almost loses her, he knows he has to come to grips with his fears if he ever wants a future with her.