For a moment, I couldn’t breathe.

Not because I believed her.

Not even because I didn’t.

But because those words hit the one place I’d spent weeks trying to stop bleeding.

Liam's hand stayed wrapped around mine under the table, firm like he was anchoring me to the ground, holding me steady.

But I didn’t look at him.

My eyes were locked on her.

Cassie–poised, serpent-smiling, one manicured hand resting on her stomach like she was cradling power, not life.

“You’re lying,” ...