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“Anything else?” he asked

I shook an to lead limpse of my reflection in the mirror and stumbled to a halt

I didn’t recognize theback at me

There was nothing of myself, even beyond the bruises, swollen flesh and blackened eyes It wasn’t the first tie Eric had wielded, but it was the first tih someone else’s eyes

Cain’s eyes

His gaze met mine in the mirror, but I couldn’t bear to see the pity I kneould be there, so I droppedone hand to holdby the bed, her hands twisted as she watched us approach She’d swapped the blanket out, though I wasn’t sure where she’d gotten the new paisley comforter that was on top of the ed, but since I hadn’t actually puked on it, it hadn’t needed to be There was a bowl of broth on the nightstand

Just the idea of eating had ain, but I quelled it Cain helped get me in the bed and didn’t loosen the towel froain At some point, I’d really need to ask for my clothes back

Cain didn’t speak as he disappeared into the bathroo wet I hadn’t seen a bag in the bathrooe of clothes

“Here,” Lucy said as she held up the bowl and handed me the spoon Her hopeful eyes were on me as I forced myself to eat a few spoonfuls In between bites, Cain left the bathrooether Exhaustion was starting to filter through h to answer the questions Lucy asked me about who she was and what year it was I wanted to tell her I was sorry I hadn’t done a better job of looking out for her, but I couldn’t find the strength to speak the words Everything hurt as I lowered s I registered asfresh clothes and the realization that I hadn’t thanked him

Chapter Five

Cain