“Don’t give me your excuses. You’re going to get up and come with me. You’re going to sit next to me, and you’re going to fix your expression so you don’t look so shell-shocked.” “I am shell-shocked,” I say against his thumb. “I don’t want anything to do with you.” He laughs. It’s low and throaty and it does something to me. It’s been a long month. “You know what, Violet?” He leans even closer. “I don’t fucking believe you.” I don’t answer. Can’t. I hardly believe myself.
