I turned and wrapped my arms around Edward.
I must have touched one of his injuries because he hissed in pain.
"Edward, I'm sorry."
Calvin had struck him so many times. He had to be hurting terribly.
I hurried around the living room until I found the first-aid kit.
"Take off your shirt."
I fixed Edward with a look that allowed no argument.
When he pulled it off, I saw angry red welts of every size crisscrossing his back.
I reached toward them, but my fingers recoiled before they made contact.
Taking a cotton swab, I carefully applied ointment to his wounds.
My chest felt unbearably tight. "Edward, this is all because of me. Otherwise, you never would have..."
He sensed my distress and slipped an arm around my waist.
"I'm fine. I'm tough. A few bruises won't hurt me."
I knew he
