Page 80 of Broken By Silence
Roman scoffs. “Necessary? She looks?—”
“Like someone who’s learning how to protect herself,” Claire interrupts sharply. “And before anyone starts pointing fingers, you should all remember who put her in a position where sheneededthat.”
That shuts him up fast.
Archer’s still standing too close. “She could’ve taught you withoutthat.”
“She couldn’t,” Lottie’s hands move as she talks. “You wouldn’t have let her push me that hard. None of you would.”
He opens his mouth, then closes it again, frustration breaking across his face. He glances at Claire, accusation in his eyes, but she holds his gaze steady.
“She’s right,” Claire says. “You’d have babied her. You still do.”
Archer’s jaw tightens. “Because she’s been through hell.”
“And that’s exactly why she needs this,” Claire snaps back. “Because the world doesn’t stop hurting just because she already has.”
The words hit him hard. I can see it in the way his shoulders drop, his hands curlinto fists.
Will crosses his arms, eyes dark. “You could’ve said something, Claire.”
“It wasn’t my place.”
Lottie takes a deep breath, glancing around. “I didn’t want it to be a big deal. I just—” She hesitates, lip trembling. “I need to know that if something happens again, I won’t freeze. I can’t go back to being that girl.”
The silence after that is different.
Elijah looks away, jaw tight. Crew fidgets with the towel’s hem. Even Roman doesn’t have a snide comment. Will sighs, rubbing a hand down his face. “You sure you’re okay?”
Lottie nods. “Sore, yeah. But okay.”
Claire’s expression softens. “She’s strong. Bruises heal.”
Archer shakes his head, still conflicted. “I hate seeing you hurt.”
She smiles faintly. “I know, but this is necessary.”
I step closer, catching her attention.“You’re doing this for yourself?”I sign.
She nods.“Yeah.”
“Then I’m proud of you.”
Her expression breaks—just for a moment, her eyes glisten.“Thank you.”
Finally, Elijah clears his throat. “You’re learning to fight,” he says slowly, “with Claire.”
Lottie shrugs. “She’s the best.”
Claire smirks. “Flattery will get you extra drills.”
“What’s next? She takes onus?” Roman groans.
Lottie grins. “Maybe.”
Crew leans back against the fridge. “I’m not fighting her. She’s terrifying when she smiles like that.”
Lottie throws a cookie crumb at him. “Coward.”
