Lily POV
Tears filled Kai's eyes as he took several steps backward, his horrified gaze fixed on something below my face. His hand rose to point at my neck with a trembling finger.
"Did I do that?" he whispered, his voice breaking on the words.
I reached up instinctively to touch my throat, feeling the tender spots where his fingers had pressed. The skin was already sensitive to the touch, and I knew without looking that bruises were forming.
"It's fine, baby," I said quickly, trying to keep my voice calm and reassuring despite the hoarseness. I took a step toward him, my heart breaking at the devastation written across his features. "It's not that bad—"
But he moved backward again, shaking his head frantically. "No, don't. Don't come closer."
"Kai, please—"
"I hurt you again," he said, his voice rising with panic and self-loathing. "Oh my God, Lily. I'm so sorry." He covered his face with his palms, his shoulders shaking. "I'm so sorry."
