Page 57 of Stiletto's Savior

“That’s more like it,” I say, feeling relief wash over me.

It’s the first real slice of Stiletto I’ve seen since I pulled her out of that damn place.

“How did you know I was craving one? Did Siren tell you?” she asks, mischief dancing in her gaze.

“Maybe I just know you better than you think.” I lean against the wall, crossing my arms.

“Or maybe you’re just a sucker for my charm,” she teases, a hint of her old self shining through.

“Definitely a sucker,” I admit, grinning.

“Good. Then you won’t mind being my personal barista.” She takes another sip, her smile growing wider.

“Only if you promise to stop with the weird flavors,” I quip back, feeling lighter.

“Never gonna happen,” she laughs softly, the sound wrapping around me like a warm blanket.

“So, you ready to blow this popsicle stand?” I ask, trying to keep it light, but my heart races.

“God knows where you come up with this shit,” She shakes her head. “But, yeah, I’m ready to get out of here. Things just feel different now.”

“Yeah? Good.” I shove my hands into my pockets, feeling the weight of everything unspoken. “You went through hell. Things are gonna feel different.”

“That’s an understatement,” she murmurs, her gaze dropping.

I lean forward, wanting to peel back those layers. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”

“Just thinking about… everything.” She bites her lip, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face. “It’s like déjà vu, you know? Like when I tried to find my mom.”

My stomach twists.

God, she shouldn’t have had to deal with anything like that ever again.

I remember when she told me what happened. My heart broke for her and I wanted to kill every single man that assaulted her.

And I did, but she doesn’t know that.

“Shit, I still can’t believe she set you up like that.” Anger surges through me, hot and fierce.

“See? This is why I don’t want to talk about it,” she says, squeezing her eyes shut. “I don’t want your pity.”

“Dammit, girl, it’s not pity. I care about you. Naturally it’s gonna hurt me seein’ you like this.” I step closer, my voice lowering. “What happened to you… it’s not fair. It’s unjust and it never should’ve fuckin’ happened.”

She inhales deeply, opens her eyes, and holds my gaze. “I’ve survived far worse. If it weren’t for you…” Her voice trails off, and I can see the gratitude in her eyes.

“I couldn’t imagine living without you, Song.” The words slip out before I think about what the hell I’m even saying to her.

“Really?” she murmurs, though uncertainty lingers in her eyes.

“Look at me,” I urge, wanting her to see the truth in my words. “You’re not alone in this.”

“Sometimes since this happened, it feels indescribable. Like I’m trapped in a loop.” She swallows hard, emotion choking her. “I thought I’d escaped it. I never thought something like this would happen again.”

My jaw clenches.

Anger surges within me, boiling hot.

I want to kill the bastard, rip whoever touched her apart piece by piece.

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