Page 32 of Savage Vicious Heir: Part Two

Methodically, I clean his hand, taking extra care over his busted knuckles. The air is thick and heavy between us, full of regrets and shame and hurt.

I hate him.

But I hate that I still want him more.

“Tell me what you’re thinking,” he says, breaking the tension, the awkward silence threatening to suffocate me.

“This probably requires medical attention.”

“I’m a quick healer.”

My eyes flick to his and I instantly regret it. He’s looking at me with such reverence. It confuses me.

It makes my heart beat faster.

Despite everything, it makes me wish things were different.

Makes me want things.

Things I know I can never have.

“Will you at least let me explain?” he asks quietly. Softly.

Too soft for a boy like Elliot Eaton.

“Will it change anything?” My brow arches and his expression drops.

I let out a small, defeated laugh.

Of course it won’t.

“I need you to do something for me,” I say.

“Anything.”

He means it. I know he does.

But those days are over.

“I need you to stop.”

“Stop?” He frowns.

“Acting like you care.”

“Abi, I do?—”

“Not enough.” I shake my head, digging deep to find the courage to say the words without falling apart.

“You don’t understand,” he grits out as I begin to bandage his hand. “My family?—”

“I get it. I do. But it doesn’t excuse what you did. How humiliated you made me feel.”

A shudder goes through me, but I force myself to look at him.

To really look at him.

“I trusted you, Elliot. I…” I stop myself.

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