Chapter Eleven

CHAPTER ELEVEN

She spent the night in Lu’s bed, because she didn’t want to be alone. It was a new thing to feel lips without fists and her hair pulled without hatred.

“Renan is going to come for me, you know,” she told him. She traced his ribs, found a couple that stuck out farther than they should have. Broken how many times? Maybe one day she’d ask. Most likely she wouldn’t get the chance.

“Think I’m scared of him?”

Lu had one hand under his head, the other around her. She watched as he studied the ceiling, and it was beautiful. Beautiful plaster, beautiful lighting. Funny how he’d never noticed it before.

“I’m just telling you, Lu. He doesn’t like to lose things.”

“You’re not a thing.”

She sighed. Sat up and pulled his T-shirt on. “You’re the only one who seems to think that.”

“Once you think it, everybody else will follow suit.”

She padded to the window and looked out. Highway. A gas station with a fast food joint inside. So unlovely.

She wanted to stay here forever.

“Te