“It’s funny,” he starts, voice low. “I have no idea who you are or how we know each other. Only things people have told me. That you’re a bully who used to hurt me for fun, for sport. But, somehow…” My pulse rings in my ears, my entire body coiled tight, hanging on to what he’s about to say next. “I believe you.” A choked sound leaves me, my eyes finding his again. “You do?” He nods slowly. “Yes. I don’t know why, but I do. I don’t feel fear when I’m around you. It’s the opposite. I feel… safe. Truly safe. Like I know, deep down in my soul, that you’ll protect me, and I can’t ignore that.”
