CARMEN
They weren’t faint. They weren’t subtle.
Arthur didn’t do subtle; he wanted his marks on my body visible.
My stomach dropped, dread twisting inside me. I braced, breath catching. Here it was again—the old fear, familiar and sharp.
“No,” I said quickly, shaking my head. “I—uh, maybe something else?”
Rio didn’t push or ask.
She nodded and handed me a black band tee instead.
I didn’t know the band, but the design was bold and rough. I liked it.
I pulled it on, smoothing it down over my stomach.
This felt safer—a thin shield between me and the memories pressing in. For a moment, I could almost breathe.
When I stepped out of the bathroom, I found Lucy and Rio waiting just outside the door.
Lucy’s expression softened instantly.
“You look stunning, sweetheart,” she said quietl
