When Zoey finally swore her loyalty, Alan released her and stepped back from the bed.
Zoey immediately curled up on the bed, hugging herself, and desperately clinging to any sense of security.
Alan left the room briefly, returning a moment later with an ointment for her bruises.
"Your neck must hurt," he murmured, lifting her chin gently to reveal the deep bruises across her throat as he applied the cool gel.
The chill of the ointment made Zoey flinch, but she didn't dare pull away. Instead, she bit her lip, forcing herself to endure it.
Her reaction only twisted the regret further in Alan's chest, though he forced himself to hide it.
After he finished, Alan slipped back onto the bed, pulling Zoey into his arms. Covering her eyes with his hand, he said softly, "Didn't you say you wer
