Instinctively,I reached for the spoon,wanting to feed myself,but he pulled it slightly back.
“Don’t.Let me.”
His tone left no room for argument,but his eyes were incredibly gentle.
No one had ever treated me like this before—not even Lennon.
The soup was just the right temperature,so warm and comforting.I sipped it slowly,but soon,without warning,tears welled up in my eyes and fell silently into the bowl.
Lucan set the spoon down and reached out,wiping the tears from my cheeks with soft fingers.
“Why are you crying?”he asked gently.
“Because this isn’t fair for you,”I whispered hoarsely.“You being this kind to me…I don’t deserve it.”
My chest tightened.I took a breath and forced the words out.“I’m sorry.I should tell you the truth.I…I was violated.By random homeless guy.I’m not…clean.”
His expression darkened.His voice dropped to a firm,unshakable tone.“Meredith,do you think that’s something I’d care about?”
He leaned in,cupped my face in both hands and made me look at him gently but firmly.
There was no trace of disgust,only genuine pain and fury.
“I care that you were hurt.I care that Lennon—that bastard—ever let this happen to you.”