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If Kross let them live, he’d subject them to a life more painful than death.
“Please.” Carrie held her shoulder.
Jewel let out a heaving breath. “His name is Kross. He’s… looking for me.”
“Why?” Carrie whispered.
Jo looked on worriedly.
“Because one night when I was sixteen…”
Jewel told her friends everything she’d confided in Finn yesterday. The words poured from her lips, static and emotionless. As if they’d happened to someone else.
Carrie and Joana listened with mounting horror.
“I can’t believe this.” Carrie covered her mouth, eyes wide. “I thought what you’d been through with your mother’s boyfriend was dark, but this… this is next level messed up.”
Jewel shrugged.
“Ah!” Carrie shot to her feet and paced. Her basket wedges thudded against the floor. “That sick bastard!”
“It’s so hard to imagine.” Jo murmured. “You’re incredibly strong, Jewls.”
“What? Me? No way.”
“All I had to worry about growing up was whether or not I fit in with my black and Korean side. If I’d been in your shoes, I would have given up long ago and just... I don’t even know. It’s too scary to imagine.”
“That’s not true. You wouldn’t have turned out like me.” Jewel shook her head. “You and Carrie are so brave and confident.”
“Brave and—” Carrie scoffed. “Girl, I would have been devastated!” She tapped her chest. “I was spoiled by both my parents. My biggest complaint was I couldn’t wear makeup. There’s no way I would have survived if I were in your shoes.”
Jewel let their words sink in.
I’m… strong?
It was a concept that flew way above her head.
Strong women didn’t wear baggy clothes fearing that men would find them desirable.
Strong women didn’t get tongue-tied or flustered or baffled in situations that most people would find normal.
Strong women didn’t act like her.
“You survived, Jewel.” Carrie squeezed her hand. “You’re strong.”
Jewel chewed on her bottom lip. She’d barely survived. Was barely making it now. Was that anything to celebrate? Her insecurities and fears consumed her until she found it hard to get up each morning.
Me? Strong?
“But I did everything he told me to. I never fought back.”
“That’s not your fault,” Joana soothed.
“What kind of scum makes an under-aged girl watch him have sex with someone? Disgusting.” Carrie tossed her head. “Seriously, where is this guy? We should call the police on his nasty behind.”
“No, no cops.”
“What?” Jo stood to her feet and stared Jewel down. “Why not? He… I mean… he forced you to do something against your will. Extortion, coercion, murder—he’ll go away for a long time.”
