Nixon’s POV
"Nothing I didn't construct myself," I say, keeping my voice flat while I rub the thick white cream over the red streaks on her forearm. "Rumors have a powerful effect on most people, and I know exactly how to use them."
Scout pulls her arm back a fraction of an inch, her skin sliding against my fingers. "The thing is, I was dishonest with you, and I am not denying that part."
I grab her wrist again, not hard, but enough to freeze her in place.
She takes a fast, shaky breath and looks directly into my eyes. "But I was tricked by Henley and Simone, because neither Simone nor Harmoni actually ran away like everyone says they did."
I do not say a single word back to her. I just dip my fingers back into the jar and spread another layer of medicine over her burning skin.
"I kn
