Lyra's world spun as Caden carried her through the side entrance of the orphanage. The moment they were inside, safe from prying eyes, the fragile facade she'd been clinging to crumbled.
A sob tore from her throat, her body shaking in Caden's arms. He tightened his grip, murmuring soothing words she couldn't quite make out over the roaring in her ears.
She shook her head, a maelstrom of conflicting emotions churning inside her. Shame burned hot in her chest, but underneath it all was a current of exhilaration that horrified her.
"You were right," she choked out, her voice raw with self-loathing. "You warned me about Damien, and I didn’t listen. I let him... I let him... and the worst part is, Caden, I liked it." A sob escaped, her chest tightening. "God help me, I liked it."
Caden stif
