His conscience mocked and reasoned, which surely he can't deny.

Alisha's heart pounded against her rib cage as she heard his words.

She doesn't know why she's stuttering, but it's just fear making it hard for her to form words correctly.

She's too scared to do it, without even knowing herself, giving her a reality check.

"Angel, I asked you something, sweetheart. You better not stutter in front of me. I don't like it. Your sweet voice is meant to be heard, and I can't hear it like this," ...