When I finally heard the soft creak of footsteps coming up the stairs, my decision was made.
I crossed the room and slipped into bed, pulling the blankets around me. My heart raced so fast I could feel it in my throat, but I forced myself to stay still. I wouldn’t let him see me like this. Not tonight.
The door opened.
I kept my eyes closed as I felt him step inside. His presence filled the room — the familiar scent of him that used to make me feel safe. Now it just made my chest tighten. He didn’t say anything at first. Just stood there, as if weighing whether to speak. Then the mattress dipped under his weight, and warmth enveloped me as he slid in beside me.
I wanted to throw up...
His arm came around my waist, pulling me close to him. Every part of me wanted to flinch away. To cr
