Chapter 12

Winter’s POV

I froze, and the food slipped from my hand and fell to the ground with a soft thud. My heart pounded fiercely in fear. There was Lordan’s cruelty tormenting me on one hand. Now, his brother was to add another layer of complexity to the nightmare that had become my life.

It was as if my pain was being stoked by an invisible hand.

I shifted quickly away from Lucas in an attempt to distance myself from both him and the potential danger he carried.

But he moved quicker, grabbing my wrist. His grip was firm yet not harsh.

“It’s okay, I won’t hurt you,” he assured me with a soft and calming voice.

But I shook my head vehemently with defiance.

“No,” I retorted.

My instincts told me to flee, to resist any form of kindness that might be a facade, a trap.

He sighed as though exasperated, now taking my hands gently into his. His touch was warm and soothing against my cold skin.

“Don’t be scared. I’m not going to hu