Your father had found out about your relationship, and the punishment had been brutal. But even through the pain, you couldn’t stay away from him.

The night was silent except for the faint creak of your window opening. You stirred slightly, blinking in the dim light, only to see Ethan slipping into your room.

“Ethan? What are you doing here?” you whispered, glancing toward the door in fear. Your parents were asleep, but if they woke up and found him here, things would only get worse.

He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he knelt beside your bed, his fingers ghosting over your arm. Even in the darkness, you could see the worry in his eyes.

“I had to see you,” he murmured. “After what happened… I couldn’t just stay away.”

What happened?” he asked, his fingers grazing a bruise you couldn’t hide.

You forced a small smile. “Nothing. I’m fine.”

Ethan didn’t buy it. He lifted your chin, his gaze locking onto yours.

“You’re a beautiful woman,” he murmured.

His words made your chest tighten. You wanted to believe him, but the marks on your skin told another story. Maybe if you stayed on your back, he wouldn’t notice the worst of it. But you knew Ethan—he would.

He pulled you into his arms, his breath warm against your neck. “I’m dying to have you again,” he admitted, his voice rough with emotion.

You hesitated. “I… me too, but…”

His fingers brushed over your shoulder, his touch featherlight. “Does it hurt?” he asked softly.

You swallowed hard. “It’s… my body. It doesn’t look very good right now.”

Ethan stilled, his grip tightening protectively. Then, gently, he pressed a kiss to the top of your head.

“I don’t care how you look. I love you,” he whispered.