Chapter 14

"I'm not worth it," Lucille said. Her eyes dimmed.

Spencer moved his hand from her head to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. He wasn't in any rush to respond to her words. He placed a warm hand on her cheek and gently caressed it.

The physical contact made Lucille's hair stand on end. Her cheek tingled from his touch. He was so close to her that she could see her reflection in his eyes. It was as if she was all he could see.

Then, Spencer said, "You're worth it."

He sounded confident and firm. Lucille couldn't help widening her eyes at his words, and she clenched her fists on her blanket.

Spencer reminded, "Have you forgotten what I told you last night?"

She recalled what he'd said to her at the hospital. He'd told her he would protect her and asked her to learn to rely on him.

Spencer narrowed his eyes when he saw her bite her lip. She looked so fragile and unguarded that he couldn't help swallowing. He wasn't enough of a monster to take advantage of someone who was sic