STEP-DADDY'S SIN
Her cheeks are streaked with tears, lips parted like she wants to speak but can’t find the words.
“You don’t owe the world a single damn thing,” I whisper, brushing my thumb over the soft curve of her bottom lip. “Not your pain. Not your guilt. Not even your voice.”
She sniffles, eyes locked to mine.
“But you owe me something,” I add softly, tilting her chin.
She blinks. “What?”
“One kiss,” I say. “Just one. To remind me I’m not dreaming.”
Her lips twitch like maybe—maybe—that tiny smile she used to wear is trying to come back.