Under Your Scars (Under Your Scars, #1)

by Ariel N. Anderson

“When did you know that you loved me?” I suppose it’s only fair that he knows, though my story is less romantic than his. “When they asked me who you were.” I take a deep breath. “The moment Frank pulled down my shorts, I knew I would have never given either of them the satisfaction of breaking me. Of getting me to tell them your name.” My voice breaks. “They tried very hard. And when they made you watch and I saw how desperately you were trying to get to me…I knew you really did love me, and that only made me love you more. I just didn’t want to admit it to myself. I didn’t want to admit that I was keeping a serial killer’s identity a secret at the expense of being haunted for the rest of my life. Only love can hurt that bad and still be worth it.” He hangs his head down in shame. Rain drips from the ends of his hair. We’re now completely soaked through. Cold. “I’m sorry. For everything. For the lies and the secrets and the pain I’ve put you through. I will never be worth that sacrifice, Elena. Never. Not even if I lived a thousand lifetimes trying to make it up to you.” With careful fingers, I reach up to caress his cheek. His eyes find mine, his expression pained and guilty. “But you are worth that sacrifice. That’s why I’m still here.”