Derek's hand abruptly lifted my chin, his touch gentle yet commanding. "I love you, Elena," he declared, his voice filled with a fierce protectiveness. "I will not allow anyone to hurt or love you."
His words were a solemn vow, a promise to shield me from the shadows of my past. They were both comforting and intimidating, leaving me with a sense of security I hadn't felt in a long time.
Derek's next question pierced through the uncertainty that had settled over me. "Tell me about what he did to you now. Please tell me everything," he urged, his voice soft and compassionate.
Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, trying to summon the courage to share the painful chapters of my past. But the memories felt like a heavy burden, and I hesitated. How could I put into words the experiences that had shaped me into the person I had become?
"I…" I began, my voice barely a whisper as I struggled to form the words.
