Val

The words he's just said cause my heart to flutter faster, and a sweat to break out across my forehead. No one has ever offered to burn anything down for me, and I'd wanted that desperately with my previous life. I'd begged for help from people who should've tripped over themselves to help me. "I don't know how to respond." I answer, honestly.

"You don't have to. I'm good with speaking my mind, and not expecting others to respond. I've had a couple of drinks ...