NADIA
I didn't say a word. Not when he took my arm gently. Not when he looked at me like he could see inside me.
And not when he whispered, "Did Max do something to you?" Because if I did, I'd break down.
If I did, I'd tell him everything. And I wasn't ready for that.
I couldn't drag Asher into my whirlwind. He was hurting enough as it was.
So I nodded mechanically when he asked me outside. I froze like a statue next to him.
And when he looked into my eyes for answers—I looked away. I wanted to hug him.
I wanted to tell him I was sorry for ignoring him. That I'd missed him. That I was weary of carrying this load alone.
But my lips wouldn't budge. My body wouldn't let it. Because the scent of Max still lingered in my nightmares. Because my body still trembled during the night. Because no matter how much I scrubbed my skin, I still felt dirty.
But I made a decision that night. I wasn't going to let Max win.
