Page 116 of Twisted Redemption

I crawl to the edge of the bed, as far as the rope will let me. “Then why didn’t you fight for me?”

I hear the breath leave his lungs like he was punched in the stomach. “Fight for you?”

“When I broke off the engagement. Why didn’t you fight for me?” My voice breaks on the last word, and at first I’m afraid it sounds too unrealistic, because David doesn’t move.

But then he crouches down, cupping my face with his hands. “You wanted me to fight for you?”

“Yes,” I sob. “That’s all I wanted. But you didn’t. Why didn’t you fight for me, David? I felt so—so unwanted.”

“Brooke,” he whispers. Guilt flickers over his features.

Good. This is exactly where I want him.

“You didn’t even chase after me. I thought you didn’t care.” More tears spill onto my cheeks, wetting his hands.

“Of course I cared. Jesus, Brooke. I didn’t think you cared.”

“I was hurt.” Sniffling, I lean into his hand. “I didn’t think Alex would lie to me. I know I shouldn’t’ve trusted him. David, I’m so sorry.”

“Would it have changed things? If I had fought for you?”

I nod, blinking away the moisture in my eyes. “Yes,” I whisper. It’s not true, but I force every ounce of sincerity into my tone. “David, it would’ve changed everything.”

With a sigh, he straightens, pulling a knife out of his pocket. For a second, I panic, but then he flips it open and cuts the rope tying me to the bed.

“Hold still,” he murmurs. Then, careful not to cut my skin, he slides the blade between my skin and the ropes and severs them.

I rub at my wrists, staring at the red marks on them. “Thank you.” Standing, I wrap my arms around his waist, even though it makes my blood curdle. “I’m sorry, David.”

His hand runs up and down my back. Once upon a time, I’d find it comforting. But now I can’t see David as anything other than a monster.

“I made you dinner,” he murmurs in my ear. His hand on my back is pressing me into him, and I shiver at his breath on my skin.

“I’m hungry.” I haven’t eaten since lunch yesterday. I left the food Blaze made for me on the counter after our fight.

He leads me into the dining room, not ever fully taking his hands off of me. Once I’m seated, he pushes a plate in front of me.

“Thank you.” I shovel the food in my mouth. There’s a chance he’s drugged it, I know that, but I can sacrifice staying awake for being able to keep my strength up.

After I finish, I settle back. I don’t feel sleepy at all.

David’s eyes haven’t left me since I sat down. His gaze trails over my body in a way that makes me want to squirm. But instead, I turn to him, setting down my fork.

I’m not stupid enough to believe that I’ve completely convinced him that I’m still in love with him. But the guilt on his face earlier was unmistakable. I have to hope it’s enough.

“Imani’s wedding is tomorrow afternoon.”

“I’m well aware. I was supposed to be your date.”

“You still can be, if you’d like.”

He raises an eyebrow. “You didn’t ask Blaze to be your date?”

I shake my head. It’s true—because it was never up for negotiation. Regardless of Blaze and I getting together, he would’ve been as close to me all night as he could’ve been.

Because he’s supposed to be keeping you safe. And instead of letting him, you ran straight to the man he’s trying to protect you from.

“I’m a bridesmaid. I have to be there.”

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