“I do,” East said with a mouthful of cake. He swallowed then met my eyes. “I just don’t want him anywhere near you.” His hand covered mine and his voice lowered. “You’ve been through enough, Bonn. A guy like that would chew you up and spit you out. And after everything you’ve been through…” He shook his head. “You deserve more.” I nearly cried. Tears pricked my eyes, not just because of his words, or his protective nature. But because if he knew…if he knew what was happening to me…
