Restitution (The Edge of Darkness, #3)

by Leigh Rivers

“How did you escape?” I ask as I take the dress. “I’m mad at you for that, just so you know.” He scoffs as he turns round, letting me drop the blanket and pull on the dress. “You didn’t come for visitation, and I got bored.”

“You are also my priority. I would have always hunted for you to the ends of the fucking earth, little one.

“Don’t hold it in,” Tobias whispers. “If you need to cry, then you fucking cry, little one. Get it all out right here and now.”

Gone are the images of Tobias playing board games and reading historical literature while baby Eva sits on his chest and grabs at his face.

You don’t have to ever forgive me, but I want you to know that if I had all the time in the world, I would spend it trying to win you back. I’d prove myself worthy of you, Stacey. Because there hasn’t been a day that’s passed where you haven’t kept me going. My love might not be enough for you, but it’s all I have left. I love you. I love you so fucking much that I want to live.”

Survivors deal with abuse differently, and not everyone can speak up.

“Before anyone else, love yourself, Miss Rhodes. You cannot give your all to someone if you aren’t doing the same for yourself.”

“Because you’re going to be my wife. You’ve already taken my heart, my body, and my butchered soul, so you’ll take my fucking last name too.”