Page 187 of The Contract

It wasn’t guilt.

It was fear.

It was pain.

Because Adrian had already bruised that same fucking wrist?—

Then I did too.

He treated her like a whore.

And I called her one.

My grip tightens around the edge of the counter, my knuckles going white.

I failed her.

Lucian failed her.

This whole fucking world has done nothing but fail her.

And for the first time, I understand.

Why she keeps people at a distance.

Why she doesn’t ask for help.

Why she built herself into a woman who doesn’t need saving.

Because the only person who hasn’t let her down—is herself.

My voice is hoarse when I finally speak.

“Where is she?”

Lucian exhales sharply, dragging a hand through his hair.

The rage simmering beneath his skin has lessened, but it’s still there.

Still directed at me.

“I don’t know.” His voice is clipped. “Her best friend knows but isn’t talking.”

He levels me with a look that fucking burns.

“She needs time, Wolfe.”

He reaches into his pocket and tosses something onto the counter.

“And you’ll fucking give it to her.”

The small metal-and-diamond ring pings as it bounces—like it’s nothing more than a trinket.

Lucian doesn’t even glance at it.

Then he’s gone.

The silence claws at me.

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