As long as I spoke, as long as I showed weakness, as long as I personally snapped that last shred of my ridiculous pride—
He would step forward and pull me behind him.
I knew it too well.
Because I could see it clearly in his eyes.
That wasn’t a pity.
It was domestication.
Pain and humiliation twisted together. I used almost all the strength I had left to slowly raise my head.
My gaze cut through the chaos and met his.
Beg him?
I would rather die here today.
The corner of my mouth lifted into a smile I couldn’t control.
That smile, set against my swollen, split face, looked so jarring that even I found it unfamiliar.
I looked at him as if he were a ridiculous, pitiful stranger.
Sebastian’s expression changed instantly.
I saw his pupils contract sharply, as though he’d been st
