Chapter 21

I felt more guilt as if it would swallow me up when he locked me in his arms. My tears seem to fall, they can't be stopped, and they can't be used up.

I just want to insert my face into the flesh of his chest.

His hand rubbed my back.

He calms me down.

He was breathing deeply.

When I felt better, we headed over to the sofa. He held my hands and squeezed them.

"You seem to like the taste of wine, Veronne," he said.

Even if he didn't say it, I knew he wanted to ask me, why do I drink? I stared at him, trying to tell him what's the truth through my eyes.

"I'm just sad, Marcov. I'm so sad. Really sad."

My tears fell on our hands.

"I rescued you from the life you had, Veronne. You have money now, you have a nice place to live, and you are no longer a slave to your own family." He looked up, thinking about something. He looked around for a moment before looking back at me. "What else is missing? Tell me, I'll give everything to make you okay. You want a car? Dress? What?!"

I shook m