Chapter28:

“Kit—stop that,” Eli insisted brushing her hair back away from her face. His thumb caressed her cheek, a subtle soothing to her misery. “You will do fine. Just have a little faith in yourself.” Kit drew in a deep breath, and her whole body shook. She realized for the first time that she was actually sitting on his lap, that his arms were around her. His scent was calming, and even though she knew she’d put herself in a dangerous position, at the moment, she didn’t care. She leaned her head against his shoulder and concentrated on filling her lungs with air as he continued to rub her back, his other arm wrapped protectively around her. “What then?” she asked, once she felt more in control of herself. “What if they do decide he should live? She won’t let him go without punishment. She can’t—she’d look weak.” “While that is true, I suppose you have to ask yourself what could be worse? Do you think there’s a punishment worse than death?” He scooted back slightly so he was leaning against t