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“Look at me, Angel.”

I don’t. I keep my eyes fixed on the panelled wall in front of us. He takes my face in his hands, his face coming into view but blurred.

“What do you need from me?”

I purse my lips; my heart pounds with anxiety.

“I need… fuck—” My voice breaks, a single tear breaking free and soaking into Xander’s finger. “Luke, he…”

“Take your time.” His voice is all soft and comforting. And I hate that. It makes telling him more difficult. He won’t be so understanding when he finds out.

I take in another deep breath, trying to get my erratic heartbeat and thoughts under control. Xander stays in place, hands resting on my knees.

“He raped me.”

Deep breath.

“Him and his friends,” I choke out.

Xander’s hands flex on my knees. I move my face away from him, shame gripping me in a chokehold.

“Every year on my birthday,” I finish.

The bed trembles beneath me, and I can practically smell the anger wafting from Xander. My face is still turned sideways when he grabs my chin with a shaky hand and, as gently as he can manage, guides my face towards him. His eyes are a blazing inferno of rage, almost glowing in the darkness. He doesn’t need to say anything for me to know the thoughts in his head.

My stomach churns as I realise the truth of the last seven years of my life has come to light.

“I haven’t told anyone before,” I whisper shakily.

Xander’s lips are set in a straight line, his jaw ticks, and his eyes stay fixed on mine.

Unfolding myself from my ball of comfort and his grip, I turn my leg, gripping the flesh and turning my thigh to show him the disgusting scar.

I place my finger next to it as his eyes cast down to where it is. My cheeks are red hot, and I feel like I’m about to pass out looking at the faded, shiny skin.

“H-h-he sta-stabbed me when I tried to get away.”

Xander’s throat bobs, his jaw doing an insane amount of clenching as the mattress still trembles beneath us. Gently moving my finger away from the mark as he places it down on the bed, he lowers his head to my thigh and places a gentle kiss on my scar. Tears roll down my cheeks as my torso vibrates with nerves, and my hand finds its way into his hair.

After a few seconds, he straightens and holds my gaze.

“You do not have to be ashamed with me. Do you understand?” His voice is stern and slow. As if he’s struggling to get his anger under control.

“Xander, I need you with me right now.” My chin quivers as I try to bring him back to reality.

I try to sit up, but Xander’s grip on my legs prevents me from doing so.

“Xander.”

He blinks, as if his soul has re-entered his body.

I blow out a breath. “The night I escaped… he almost killed me. He chased me through the forest—him and his friends—and they almost—” My throat tightens, and I can’t finish. The collar of my t-shirt is soaked with the rate the tears are flowing down my face.

Xander shakes his head, his hand wrapping at the back of my neck. His face inches closer, and he presses his lips to mine.

“I promise you I will take down anyone who has ever harmed you.” His quiet, shaky voice fans over my face.

I search his eyes, and I almost see the promise shining in them.