Adeline’s POV
Vincent stiffened like stone, his grip on the girl tightening until his knuckles whitened. He headed for the door but I moved quickly.
“Wait!” I called, stepping in front of him, my voice sharp enough to cut through the tension hanging heavy in the room.
He paused, the girl limp in his arms, her head resting weakly against his chest.
“Look at her,” I said urgently, moving closer. “She’s covered in bruises. Old and new. Her wrists are rubbed raw, her back…” My throat tightened. “She’s scarred, Vincent. Goddess, she’s scarred everywhere. If you move her too roughly, you could break her.”
He shifted his hold, frowning slightly, but said nothing.
I couldn’t stop. I stepped closer and brushed my fingers lightly over her arm, and my stomach turned. Beneath the thin, tattered
