“Do you need me to-” Marlon says as he walks closer to help her.
“No! Stay where you are!” Astrid jumps in reflex, her hands jut out like she is blocking something.
“Please…this will be easier for me if you just stay there,” she says softly as she stands erect. She fingers the hem of her turtle neck, breathes heavily to motivate herself, then yanks it down quickly.
She squeezes her eyes shut and waits for Marlon's thunder, the madness that will follow. She waits for him to call her names like Zane would have; to accuse her of cheating, but nothing, just silence.
“What is this?” She feels his presence closer to her and it tightens her muscles. Her eyes are still closed and her fingers are still hooked around the hem of the turtle neck, exposing the bite mark to him.
“Astrid,” he calls
