Cornelia's POV
My entire body went rigid, as if someone had poured ice water directly into my veins. Every muscle locked up and my breathing hitched.
He hated me. The words hit like a physical blow, stealing the air from my lungs. How could he say something so devastating? What was I supposed to do with that information?
I struggled against his hold, desperate to see his face. His eyes would tell me the truth. They always did. But David's arms only tightened around me, keeping me pressed firmly against his chest like a prisoner.
"David," I breathed, still fighting to break free. I needed to look into those dark eyes of his. That was all I needed to know if he meant it.
But he refused to let go. His fingers continued their slow journey through my hair, the gentle motion at complete odds with his harsh words. The contradiction made my stomach clench with anxiety.
