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Chapter 21 Desire

Author: Artemis Z.Y.
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

Christian

I carried Bernice back to her room, her body seeming so fragile and light in my arms. The events of the night weighed heavily on my mind as I gently laid her on the bed, carefully arranging the pillows to make her more comfortable.

I couldn't shake the guilt and anger that coursed through me - guilt that I hadn't been there to protect her sooner, and anger at the monster who had dared to lay a hand on her.

As I pulled the covers over her trembling form, Bernice's eyes fluttered open, her normally vibrant gaze hazy and unfocused. "Christian," she mumbled, her hand reaching out clumsily to grasp mine. "Please... don't leave me."

The raw vulnerability in her voice tore at my heart. I sat down on the edge of the bed, my free hand instinctively moving to brush a stray lock of hair from her flushed face. "I'm here, Bernice. I'm not going anywhere," I reassured her softly, my thumb tracing soothing circles on her palm. "You're safe now."

But Bernice was insistent, pulling herself u
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