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I drew in a sharp inhale and pressed ot up fronified tenfold, but it didn’t co ht of me as tainted I was associated with Seth, alould be; he’d branded me for fuck’s sake And Shawn Shawn looked just like his father, no ae that fact My sweet, innocent boy, tainted by his conception Malcol, all of it an act

Malcolm didn’t want us here

Hands wrapped around my arms I looked up to see Malcolm, his features drawn

“Let go” I yanked free “Don’tdon’t touch ”

“Shit, Ginger, you know I didn’t mean it like that”

I pushed past hie away the constricted feeling that kept tightening within

“Ginger Calida Stop” He grabbedand just let me explain”

I shook rip was ironclad “There’s nothing to explain Now, let et dressed and free you of my tainted existence”

“Stop overreacting for just a damn minute please”

I kept shaking my head The tears burned in the backs ofhurt by the words from those that claimed to lovethings could be different Thinking I could be happy—that I deserved to be happy—had been the biggest lie I’d told myself I was tainted I knew it Malcolm knew it All of this…Why? Why did he do this? Why did I believe it? I choked on the sob caught in my throat

I didn't look at him I couldn’t Instead, I focused on his hand still firmly wrapped around my wrist

“Please let o” My voice sounded weak, and I hated it

“Are you going to let me explain?”

“It’s not like I have much of a choice”

Malcolht my arm to my chest, and rubbed the spot he’d held