LILITH'S POV

We sat side by side on the edge of the bed and for a long moment, we just stared at each other.

Taking in every single detail, encrypting it in our memory.

Reed's thumb came up to trace the bruise on my cheekbone, so light I barely felt it. "He hurt you," he said, his voice tight with whispered anger and sadness. "My father has been hurting you for a long time. I'm so sorry Lil, I should have—"

“It's not your fault!” I quickly shot, staring at him with love and assurance ...