Ethan knelt down in front of her, his warm shadow fell over her trembling form.

Without a word, he gently reached out and lifted her chin, forcing her tear-filled eyes to meet his.

“Look at me,” he said softly.

Arielle tried to, but she couldn’t.

Her gaze dropped again.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, her voice shaking.

Ethan’s expression softened.

“I know.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“I know, Little Moon,” he repeated gently.

Before she could pull away or sink deeper ...