My jaw tightens.
“Wow,” I mutter. “She sounds stupid and ugly.”
“Ro!” My mom snaps.
“SORRY.”
Cassian laughs.
Like it’s the funniest thing I’ve ever said.
He nudges my head with his fist, softer than the laugh.
“Relax,” he murmurs under his breath. “I’m still yours.”
• • •
My heart stutters.
Just like that.
That’s all it takes.
He knows exactly what he’s doing when he says things like that.
I’m not sure he means to. I’m not sure he even knows he does it.
But some part of him understands — has always understood — exactly how much I’ll forgive for one sentence like that.
So I forgive it.
The disappearing.
The door.
The morning after.
Abby’s name in his mouth like something that belongs there.
All of it.
Gone.
Because I have so much to give.
And I only want to give it to him.
So I will.
In whatever way he lets me.
Even if it’s not the way I want.
Even knowing — it will never be the way I want.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
SIXTEEN YEARS OLD
