Mia's POV

My finger throbbed all night, a constant reminder of Nathan's cruelty. By morning, dark bruises painted my skin where I'd hit the floor.

"Let me drive you to school."

I froze at Rolex's voice. He stood in the kitchen doorway, holding out a packed lunch. Behind him, Xavier had another bag.

"No." I moved toward the door, keeping distance between us. "I'll walk."

"Don't be stubborn," Xavier said softly. "It's a long way"

"I've walked it before." ...