“Hey,” he murmurs into my hair. “Hey, it’s okay. I’ve got you.”
That just makes me cry harder. Because didn’t Lukas promise me the same thing? He held me just like this, stroked my hair just like this, and whispered those exact same reassurances into the dark while I trembled against his chest.
I’ll take care of you. I’ll take care of everything.
Lies, as it turns out. All of it, lies. They were nothing but pretty words designed to keep me pliant and willing, to make me think I was special when really I was just another toy in his collection.
Gideon doesn’t let go. He just holds me tighter, one hand rubbing slow circles on my back as I sob until my throat hurts and my eyes are swollen and there’s nothing left to cry out.
“I’m sorry,” I gasp against his shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Gid. Th
