Mia's POV
My finger throbbed all night, a constant reminder of Nathan's cruelty. By morning, dark bruises painted my skin where I'd hit the floor.
"Let me drive you to school."
I froze at Rolex's voice. He stood in the kitchen doorway, holding out a packed lunch. Behind him, Xavier had another bag.
"No." I moved toward the door, keeping distance between us. "I'll walk."
"Don't be stubborn," Xavier said softly. "It's a long way—"
"I've walked it before." When they starved me, denied me rides, left me to fend for myself. "I can walk it again."
I tried to brush past them, but suddenly they were both there, too close. Rolex's breath fanned across my neck while Xavier leaned down, his lips nearly brushing mine.
"You're hurt," Rolex murmured, his voice hypnotic. "Let us help."
"Now you
