He doesn’t smile. He leans in closer, eyes locked on mine—not pitying, just steady. “Will you let me help you with that?”
The question devastates me because he’s asking me so many things.
Will you trust me?
Will you love me again?
Will you be mine?
I bite my upper lip, hard, trying to keep it together.
But the tears come anyway.
“I…” My voice breaks, and I hate it. “I don’t know how to let anyone help me.”
His hand brushes my cheeks, gentle and sure as he wipes the tears.
“Let me teach you how to accept help,” he pleads gently. And shatters me.
No one’s ever looked at me like this—like I’m worth saving, worth effort, worth softness. No one’s ever wanted me whole. Not without asking for something back.
But Cain…he just gives.
“Yes, teach me.”
Yes, I trust you.
Yes, I love you.
Yes, I’m yours.
He kisses my nose. His eyes are moist with emotion.
“Yes?” he asks like he can’t believe he’s won the lottery.
“Yes,” I murmur and then add with more strength, “I’m ready.”
24
VELVET KNIVES
FAITH
“What is she doing here?” Onyx wants to know when Paula comes into Nectar. It’s six in the evening.
The place is packed to the gills with desperate men, watching women get naked. Misty is putting on the show of her life to Britney’sToxic.
Cain’s sister looks around and then clocks me behind the bar.
“For someone who’s been dragged through public shame, don’t ya think her heels are too high?” Onyx comments.
I chuckle.
Paula is made up. Her makeup’s immaculate, hair pinned back like she’s going to a job interview. Not that she has one.
She touches the bar counter like checking it for dust.
“Can I help you?” Onyx asks, soundingalmostrude.
