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“I don’t think there’s anyone alive as persistent as you. Why did you start Whiz Kidz?”

“Because I wish I had a place like that to hang out when I was a kid.”

“Kaylee said there are beds for kids to stay over.”

“There are three floors with beds, a kitchen, and bathrooms. Like mini apartments.” Sadness swam in his eyes. “Some kids just need a safe place to stay.”

“Can you tell me about it?”

CHAPTERFORTY

ARROW

“How about we trade stories?”I brushed a hand down her hair. “You tell me how you got your scars, and I’ll tell you mine.”

She nodded. “You go first.”

She hopped off my lap and dropped onto the couch, snuggling against me like a kitten. I slung my arm around her, loving the intimacy. I could have stayed like this forever.

God, please let this storm last another week.

I was probably the only person in New England grateful for Nor’easter Betsy. Vivian yawned and pressed her face into my chest.

“It’s past midnight. Do you want to go to bed first? We can talk tomorrow.”

She bolted up. “No! I need to knownow.”

I smiled at her eagerness.

My heart raced. I’d never shared this with a girlfriend before.

“My mom died when I was young. She was sick, and my dad wasn’t the best husband or father. He drank, and it affected his personality. When she died, it got worse. He became a monster, and I was his prey.” I swallowed, reliving the first time he whipped me.

I told her about the leather belts, and she flinched.

“His work schedule differed each day, so I tried my best to avoid the times he was home. I stayed at Grayson’s house or Royce’s place whenever I could.”

I told her about the time I fought back and blacked out.

Vivian’s voice hitched, and she reached for my hand. She interlaced her fingers with mine, and that gesture comforted me more than she could ever know.

“Did you call the authorities?” she asked.

I shook my head. “No. I was too scared that they’d put me in foster care, which might have been even worse. My mom’s friend, Pam, called the police, but he got out and was forced to attend AA meetings.”

She sniffed, and I looked down to see her crying. “Baby, I’m okay.” I reached for the box of tissues from the side table and offered her a tissue.

“You were all alone.”

“It strengthened me.” I took another tissue and dabbed her eyes, where tears kept flowing. No woman had cried for me except my mom and Pam.

My chest tightened at the raw emotion coming from Vivian. She must’ve understood the pain I’d endured. I could almost feel the misery releasing within me with the flow of her tears.

How was that possible?

“No more tears, okay?” I cupped her face, kissed her forehead, and placed the box of tissues in her lap, just in case.

“I can’t help it.” She sniffed.