When my phone rang, I expected the worst. Another belittlement by my parents. A notice from the investigators. A threat from Joseph.
Asher moved with me, never leaving my side as I approached my purse and removed my phone. It wasn’t a text, but an email. The email was from the Academy, a reminder about her upcoming transfer exam.
I exhaled a long slow breath, simultaneously relieved and embarrassed. I showed Asher my phone.
“Thank God,” he said, but then noticed the way I had my face all scrunched up. “What’s the matter?”
“I feel so silly.”
At once he pulled me into his arms. I melted against him instantly.
“Don’t,” he said. “You’ve suffered several traumas, one right after the next. You need to be kinder to yourself. Give yourself a break.”
“I know,” I said. “But it’s hard. I ha
