Page 23 (1/2)

With one hand still insideers dip lower, tracing over my C-section scar

A scar he has avoided touching or co on until now

My scar

Atlas

I propthat has surroundedme

“Stop”

He does, but he doesn’t reers from my slit

“We can’t” I shake my head “I’m already a cheater, a whore, a bitch And as bad as ain, we can’t I won’t hurt Phoenix I won’t hurt theto die Noe have a choice I won’t ain”

My breathing is erratic, andston to stop

“Tell ston says with a devilish smirk

“You wouldn’t”

“Try me”

My breath hitches, and et out of this with my body and sanity intact?

Tell him the truth—at least what you can of it Tell him the why

“You tell me I should trust you That we are on the sa for the treasure and a way to protect our kids”