“I wasn’t going to hurt you. I would never hurt you.” “I-I know. I’m sorry,” I stammered, my headshake morphing into a frantic nod. “I know.” He reached for me, cautiously extending both arms, his gaze gleaming with torture and remorse. “Fuck. Come here, Comet.” My nickname. He’d only said it once, and I wasn’t sure why he ever stopped.