Chapter 19

“You and me, Sophs, it’s always been innocent. It’s always been platonic. I don’t get how this…” I can’t tear my eyes from her, trying to let this sink in.

“You don’t get how I could fall in love with you? Really?” Anger spikes in her voice, that dripping sarcasm replacing the pain, and I stare at her in awe for a moment. The beauty that is Sophie. That fire when she’s hurt, that self-preservation kicking in to fiercely protect her wounded soul. I hate that it’s here between us now, but at the same time, it’s a part of her that I have always loved.

Her strength when faced with pain. She will always be my fighter, my survivor, my little warrior. It rips me apart, knowing I’m seeing it now because of me. It’s aimed my way as I watch that angelic beauty close up on me, reverting to inner Sophie to shield herself from the agony I’m inflicting on her. My stomach and heart meet in unison as both drop low in my pelvis with a thudding pang of regret. I’m never usually the cause