“I won’t let anyone hurt you tonight.” “Or Milo,” Sebastian said, always stubborn, always too brave. “Or Milo,” Reed agreed, knowing he had no ground to stand on. In the light, the bruises on the boys’ arms proved him a liar. But in the dark, they could pretend he meant what he said. I won’t let anyone hurt you. Tonight. Reed counted each inhale, each exhale as Sebastian finally relented, his tiny, tired body giving in to the false security that Reed offered.
