Page 59 of The Deception You Weave

"B-but… h-he's…"

"Working for Victor. I know, baby."

A deep frown line forms between her brows.

"How long have you known?"

"A while. But it wasn't my place to tell you, not that you'd have listened if I'd tried."

She opens her mouth to argue but must quickly realize that I'm right because she closes her lips once more.

"Did he hurt you?" I ask softly.

"J-just my head when he knocked me out."

"So he didn't touch you?"

"Not that I'm aware of. W-when I woke, I was wearing this gross shirt. Someone put that on me, but I don't know who. I have no idea how long I was out for, so…"

Every single muscle in my body pulls tight as I picture all the things that he could have done to her while she was unconscious.

"I don't feel like anyone hurt me. T-touched me." Her eyes widen as if a memory has just hit her. "A-apart from you. Fuck." She lifts her hands and covers her face. "I need to go home. Everyone is going to wonder where I went. They're probably going out of their minds."

"I'll sort it out," I assure her. "You just need to rest."

She nods, clearly not having the energy to fight with me.

"Do you have any painkillers? My head…" She trails off, really not needing to say anymore.

"Of course. I'll grab you some and a glass of water.”

The second I pass her the tablets, she throws them back before settling back under my covers. And fuck if the sight of her there doesn't stir something inside me.

Laying back down beside her, I stare straight ahead.

"Tell me what happened," I demand.

"I didn't think you wanted to talk?"

Her words make my chest ache.

"I—someone hurt you."

"Yeah, you did."

I open my mouth but all that comes out is a long exhale.

"Why did you do it?" I continue, despite her reluctance.

"You're going to need to clarify," she mutters.

"The cameras." I decide to start with the easiest part of all of this.

She blows out a breath before answering quietly. "Because I didn't think I had a choice. He threatened my family so… little did I know that my father was already tied up with him."

"I'm sorry."

"For him being a part of it or for not telling me?"