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Kellan’s eyes narrow. “That bruise wasn’t just from rough sex, Athelia.”
“He did that because he saw the hickey I gave her,” Cal says. The guilt and shame haven’t left his face this whole time, and now, his expression falls further. “He beat her because of me.”
I don’t tell him otherwise. It’s true.
“Fucking hell.” Wes turns around to face me again, and I cringe into my pillows at the absolute fury in his eyes. “You never wanted him?”
“Not for a single second,” I whisper.
I wanted you.
Wes moves toward me, but he only takes two steps before he freezes. Regret flashes in his eyes for a split second before he whips around to face Cal and Kellan. “He dies tonight.”
My eyes bug out of my head. “W-what?”
Kellan is the only one who’ll meet my gaze. The care on his face is so soft that it feels like a real touch. “No one hurts you and lives,ma belle.”
He steps closer to the bed. Cal tries to stop him, but Kellan shoves him back.
“Athelia,” Kellan says, so close that he’s towering over me. “I know nothing I say will ever be sufficient. No apology will ever be long enough. But please listen to me when I say that I’m so, so sorry.”
I squeeze Mildred tight, staring down at the small stuffed animal. She’s brought me so much comfort over the years, but right now, it’s not enough.
Nothing will ever be enough.
Kellan reaches for me, but I shy away.
“Please.Please,Athelia, I need to touch you.”
“She doesn’t want it,” Cal says. “She asked for space. Give it to her.”
But Kellan’s fingers tangle in my hair. He brushes it over my shoulder before gently tugging the neck of Cal’s hoodie to one side. As he sees the bruises, his jaw clenches, and his eyes fill with sorrow.
“I don’t need your pity,” I grit out.
“Then take my regret.” Kellan grabs my hand and interlaces our fingers as he carefully lowers himself onto my bed. “Take my apologies. I’ve hurt you for the better part of the past three years for no reason. I’ve scared you, bullied you, and done my best to destroy you. I’ve takenpleasurefrom it.
“But Athelia… From now on, that stops. I’ll do whatever I have to, to make it up to you. I’ll beg for your forgiveness for years if that’s what it takes. I’ll do anything.”
I want to tell him that he could give me the entire world, and even that will never be enough. But he catches my gaze as he lifts our hands and gently brushes his lips over my knuckles. He looks—andsounds—so sincere.
It doesn’t change all he’s done to you.
But you wanted him. Youwanthim. Give him a chance.
My phone goes off, and I gasp at the name and photo on the screen. I don’t think I’ve ever answered a call so quickly in my life.
“Haven! Where the hell have you been?”
“Hey, I’m sorry. I had a… family emergency come up.”
I frown. “Family emergency? But I thought—”
“With the good side of my family,” she blurts.
“You didn’t tell me you had a good side.”
“I don’tget to talk to them often. Look, I can’t stay on the phone for long, but I love you, okay? I hope you had a really good night.”
