Caught Up (Into Darkness Trilogy)

by Navessa Allen

“Why are you so good to me? I don’t deserve it.” “Because even after everything, I care about you.” More than I was willing to admit. “I don’t want you to turn into your father. I don’t want you to have to hurt anyone else ever again.” I gripped his biceps, squeezing, trying to make him see reason. “It’s not worth losing more of yourself, not now that you have a chance to escape.” His expression shifted into remorse. “I’m sorry for keeping so much from you.” I nodded, unable to speak, my head and my heart and my body all warring with each other. “I don’t want to lose you again, Lo.” A tear slipped down my face. He saw it and swore, gathering me up in his arms and turning us sideways on the bed. “You really hurt me,” I said. His arms tightened, face pressed to my neck. “I know.” He was so big, so warm against me, felt so good that I couldn’t help but snuggle closer. His hand rubbed over my back. Whispered apologies fell from his lips. “I hurt you, too,” I said. “I deserved it.” “No, you didn’t.” I finally gave into the need to touch him back and wrapped my arms around his shoulders. “I should have known better than to take my sister’s word as gospel. I should have at least heard you out before accusing you of killing my father.” “Lauren, stop,” he said. “No one could blame you for how you reacted.” “I blame me,” I said, more tears wetting my cheeks.