Chapter 46

"He asked for money..." She continues. I am no longer actively listening. I am focused on breathing through my blinding rage. Of course he asked for money. In my mind's eye, Tyler's youthful face is replaced by Arthur's weathered thin one and they merge into one. One man I can't wait to squash in the palm of my hand like the fucking bug they are.

"He did that to your wrist?" I say, voice steady, breathing manually.

"Yes." She whispers and I feel her face twist against my chest.

"I am sorry I didn't tell you. He asked me not to else he will share the video online. I couldn't risk it." Amelia rambles on and I hold her away from my chest so I can cup her face in my hand. I need to look at her sweet face to remind myself that the world does not consist only of ugly men who would stoop so low for money. I need her beauty to tame the ugliness I feel for those men.

"Listen to me, don't you dare apologise for anything. If anybody should be sorry here, it is me. I should hav