Chapter 35

Looking up into Rowan’s eyes did nothing to douse the fire growing inside of me. His gentle hands were helping me up to my feet, always handling me with a tender hand, but I shoved it away from me. I didn’t want him touching me. I didn’t want him anywhere near me.

My shoulder was smeared with blood but seemed to clot very quickly. I tried to pull my sweater back up over my shoulder to no avail.

“Are you okay?” Rowan asked gently.

“No, I’m not. Don’t touch me,” I muttered bitterly. “I can’t even look at you.” I couldn’t keep his gaze. I looked away. It just hurt so badly.

“Please, Astrid. I lo-”

“Don’t you dare say that to me right now,” I spat, those unrelenting tears crawling up my throat again. “You lied to me. I trusted you and you threw it back in my face.”

“It’s not that easy,” Rowan began, sighing deeply.

My gaze shot up to his. I could have very well been steaming. I was so angry. “I never said it would be easy. Nothing is ever easy.”