Page 224 of Shhh…It’s A Killer Story

"I know. I just didn't think you'd still look at me the same."

I frowned.

"The same?"

She nodded.

"Broken. Dirty."

The word landed somewhere beneath my ribs. Fuck. My one hand sliding carefully beneath her jaw.

"Look at me."

She hesitated before finally meeting my eyes.

"I don't see someone broken or dirty. I see someone who survived. I see a woman who kept choosing kindness after the world gave her every reason not to. I see the bravest person I've ever met."

Her bottom lip trembled.

"You don't have to say that."

"I'm not saying it because you need to hear it."

I brushed my thumb beneath her eye before another tear escaped.

"I'm saying it because it's true."

Silence settled between us again. Comfortable. Honest. She studied my face for so long that I started wondering what she was looking for.

"You really aren't going anywhere?"

"No."

"You promise?"

"I don't make promises I can't keep."

She smiled. Small. Real.

"I like when you call me baby."

I couldn't help smiling back.

"Yeah?"

"It sounds different when you say it."

"Different how?"

She shrugged one shoulder.

"Safe."

Christ. My heart didn't stand a chance. I rested my forehead against hers again.

"I don't know what tomorrow looks like. I don't know if I'll get this right every time. I know I'm fucking stubborn and difficult. I know I carry too much anger but if you're asking whether I'm going anywhere..."

I shook my head.