Page 73 of Pucks and Likes

I search his eyes for the lie, but it’s not there.

“Thank you,” I say softly, and his fingers thread with mine. “So, as I said, Austen was the first to get out. She wanted us all to come with her, and Eliza agreed right away. But Clara wasn’t eighteen yet. Louisa agreed to stay behind to protect us as long as she could, even while the guy who owned her tried to kill her. Clara and I guaranteed Austen we’d be okay, that we knew how to protect ourselves. And we did, until we couldn’t.” My eyes drift shut as my past hits me full force. “There was this thing called the Halo, where we’d stand as the men would circle us and look us over to decide whether they wanted us. I was known for swinging first and not asking for forgiveness, so no one really wanted me, but Clara was so sweet and innocent.” I open my eyes to meet his angry ones. He looks pained, and that has me struggling for my next breath. “I realized quickly that they knew they couldn’t get me, that they were going to ignore me and go after her, try to manipulate her into possibly giving over her body and becoming theirs. I wasn’t having it. I refused to let anyone taint my baby sister. I had to protect her like I had been protected.”

His fingers squeeze mine. “Clara is lucky to have you, Elliot.”

My name on his lips has the tears falling quickly down my cheeks. “Don’t say that. You don’t know how I protected her. Nobody knows.”

“It doesn’t matter. You did what you had to, and I applaud that.”

“Alex,” I say softly as my heart slams into my ribs. “I gave them my body. I let multiple men touch me, fuck me, and use me to keep Clara safe. I hid her and fucked any guy who looked for her. I whored myself out to protect my sister, and I know how disgusting that is—” My words are cut off when he reaches for me, pulling me to him in a firm embrace. His mouth captures mine, the kiss hard, brutal, and almost as if he is trying to make the words I just spoke disappear. He sucks my tongue, running his tongue along all the corners of my mouth before he pulls back, both of us gasping. He cups my face with his hand, his eyes burning into mine as he gazes down at me. He kisses me softly then drops a kiss to the side of my mouth before returning to gaze into my eyes. The air around us is suffocating, and I’m waiting for him to be disgusted. I’m waiting for his eyes to turn hard, to reflect revulsion, but it doesn’t happen.

He lifts my hand with his ring on it, and before my next breath, he’s sliding it off my finger. My heart shatters in my chest as my tears fall quicker down my cheeks. I’m speechless when he lifts me, placing me on the chair before him as he steps back. His eyes never leave mine as he looks down at me. I knew this was going to happen. I knew he was going to be revolted by me. How could he want a whore? And a lying whore at that.

But then he falls to one knee.

He reaches for my hand, and still, his gaze doesn’t leave mine.

I’m downright confused as he rubs my ring finger, his throat working as I try to figure out what the hell is happening.

He clears his throat, yet his voice is so rough as tears gather in his eyes. “I need a redo.”

“What?” My voice cracks.

“A redo,” he says, his voice breaking. “I didn’t do it right before.”

“What?” I ask, so fucking confused. “What do you mean?”

A tear slides down his cheek, and it breaks me. There is something about a big, strong man who is confident enough in himself to allow his emotions to flow freely, but it’s hard to swoon over him when I’m utterly baffled. Shouldn’t he be calling me disgusting? Shouldn’t he want to take his ring and run? What the hell is happening?

But he stays before me, on one knee, his eyes fully focused on me. “I need to ask you to marry me again, and I need you to listen to every word I say when I do.”

CHAPTER 32

Alex

I thought I loved her before.

But nothing could have prepared me for the overpowering love that is flowing through me as I look up at her from where I kneel.

This woman, the love of my life, the mother of my child, is a hero.

I’m in awe of her.

And I’m thankful she is mine.

“Why? I’m a whore,” she cries, her eyes wild, her face flushed and full of apprehension. “Run. It’s the smart thing to do.”

I shake my head, ignoring the tears that fall down my face. I can’t believe this is what was holding her back. As if I would hold it against her, how she survived a fucking cult.

God help me.

This girl drives me crazy.

“Elliot, mi sol, if I’m running, I’m running to you.”

Her eyes widen as her tears continue to stream down her cheeks. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely sure,” I tell her, moving my thumb to catch her tears. “Mami, I can’t fault you for how you survived. I am proud of you for protecting your sister and yourself. I knew before that you’d be a great mom, but fuck, Elliot, you’ll do anything to protect the ones you love.” More tears fall as she searches my gaze. Almost like she’s waiting for me to change my mind.

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