Keeping his brown eyes locked on mine, Hugh tenderly stroked my cheeks, and then my chin, and then my neck, before finally resting his hand on my shoulder. “You’re beautiful.” I wasn’t. I was filthy. Inside and out. I wanted to tell him just that, but when I opened my mouth, all that came out was a broken sob. I tried again, but another cry tore out. And then his arms were around my body, pulling me close. “Let it out.” Wrapping me up as tight as he could, he rocked me in his arms. “I’m here and I’m not leaving you, okay? No matter what.”
