Beckie's POV
My hands were caressing the older woman's back as I sympathized with her situation. It was really sad to hear those things, to know that a damn man had done so much harm to a defenseless woman and still used his influences to shut her mouth…
Joshua Carter seemed like a monster. I just couldn't let him get involved with my friend, not her, who was one of the few people I loved so much in the world. I would still protect her, even if Cassie didn't understand my motives now; I would do anything to stop it all from spreading and being as traumatizing for Cassie as it had been for Mallory.
"You have to stop her from ruining her life like I have in the past. You have to stop Joshua from destroying her; promise me you'll do that, Beckie. Promise me," she begged repeatedly, squeez
