RIVER
The world split open beneath me the moment I saw Lexi covered in blood. The sight was wrong in every way, and shock hit me first, rooting me to the spot before it twisted into fear that rattled every bone in me.
Then came the guilt, which crushed my chest to the point where I thought I'd collapse. It was supposed to be me. I should have taken the blows, not her. I should have been the one with blood dripping down my shirt, not her.
Then, underneath it all, anger boiled towards the bastard who touched her. It boiled toward me for not being there. I should have anticipated this outcome and devised a different strategy.
I bolted the rest of the way down the stairs, and Lexi threw herself against me. The impact pushed me back a step, and I staggered, wrapping my arms around her as
