Chapter 9: Bruises He Can't Ignore
Justin sees them the next day.
Faint.
Carefully hidden.
But not enough.
His control fractures.
"Who did this?" he demands.
She stiffens. "It doesn't matter."
"It matters to me."
Her eyes flash. "Why? Because of the bond? Because fate decided I'm yours?"
"No," he says, stepping closer. "Because you're you."
The words hit something deep.
Something buried.
Something she doesn't want to feel.
"Don't," she whispers.
But she doesn't step away.