“I can’t,” she cries out, shutting her eyes as pools of tears resurface. The floodgates finally break, and tears for days fall down her cheeks like a rainstorm. “Please, just drop it. I haven’t been sleeping. Please. Tonight, I don’t want to talk about it. All I want to do is get some rest.”

“Okay,” I say gently, scooting in closer and staring down at her. “Have you been icing it?”

She slowly nods.

“Are you in pain?”

“No,” she chokes out. “I took ibuprofen a few hours ago.”

“Do you need more?” I rush out. “Something to drink?”

I have to push back my anger to care for her. It’s late, she’s exhausted, and right now, what she needs is sleep.

She rubs her forehead with the heel of her hand. “Really, all I want to do is lie down and sleep.”

“Do you want me to go or stay?”

“Stay,” she whispers, her body going stiff in alarm. “Please … please stay.”

“All right.” I slide off the bed, stand, and pull my tee over my head.

“And please hand me my hoodie.” Desperation covers her tone.

“Cass, you were burning up in here. The secret is out. You’re already in pain. At least don’t make yourself sweat to death.”

She nods.

I kick off my pants but leave on my boxer briefs. After carefully climbing into bed, I stare over at her. “Light on or off?”

She hesitates, and from the look in her eyes, I know she’s been sleeping with the light on. She’s been in fear of this happening again. She snuggles into my side, being careful not to hit the bruise.

“I’d pull you into my arms, but I don’t want to hurt you,” I whisper.

She shifts closer. “Please. Being in your arms is what I need.”

I drape my arm over her waist, my lips brushing along her ear. “Get some sleep. I’m right here. Always.”

I want to wring a motherfucker’s neck.

Wring his neck and then his hands, so he can never put them on a woman again.

I don’t give two fucks if it ruins my life.

Someone put his hands on the woman I’m falling in love with.

He deserves to be ripped to shreds with mine.

With my arm cradled around Cassidy’s waist, as if shielding her from any more harm, I shut my eyes. It’s a game I’ve been playing for hours now—since her breathing became steady and a slight snore slipped through her lips.