Chapter86: Chapter 86

Chapter 86 XENOIS  I looked toward the building where Celeste had gone to clean up. I thought about the way she'd pretended not to see Victoria coming.  The way she'd been prepared to take the fall rather than defend herself. Because I'd trained her not to defend herself.Because I'd made her believe that protecting herself wasn't worth the consequences I would inflict. "This is killing me," I admitted quietly.  "Knowing what I did to her. Knowing I can't even apologize for it because I'm not supposed to remember." "I know," Miranda said sympathetically.  "But David's right. The best thing you can do right now is continue being the man you've become. Show her through your actions that she's safe. That she's valued. That she's free." "And maybe someday," David added, "she'll tell you about the deal herself. When she's ready. When she trusts that you won't use it against her anymore."I nodded slowly, accepting the wisdom of their words even though it felt like swallowing broken glass.  "T