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“Elise thought that ain “Is her name really Hilary?”

“It is,” Rhys said as the cat purred louder on his lap “Do you want me to tell you her story?”

Zoey started when a black cat ju chair and sat on Zoey’s shoulder She reached up to give the kitty a head scratch “Is her story similar to mine?”

“Yes, but it’s not the part about her assault that I want to tell you”

“Then, what is it?”

“Your bravery hat made her want to come forward”

Zoey quickly looked back at Rhys His strong gaze held hers “It wasn’t bravery, what I did that night,” she countered “It was the only type of justice I thought I’d ever get And it was my way out”

“Still brave,” he retorted

She shook her head adamantly as the black cat headbutted her for attention “No, it’s not It was anger and rage, that’s all Hilary is the one ants her story out in public She’s the brave one”

Rhys stopped petting the cat and frowned “Just because you don’t want your story told doesn’t mean you aren’t brave You confronted the men who assaulted you Don’t undervalue yourself”

She just shrugged as her response Brave was not hiding anyo to the police?”

Rhys nodded “That’s the plan” At whatever emotion crossed her expression, he quickly added, “But you don’t have to worry, she’s going to leave you, and your naation now to help her ot a solid case If there are more victims, Archer will find them”

&

nbsp; “Good,” Zoey breathed “That’s good” And yet, she felt like a coward, hiding behind her own fear But the alternative, going forward, adain…

Just as her head began to spin, the black cat swatted Zoey’s face before juhed “I’ you the attention you deserve?” The cat purred, rubbing his head against Zoey’s leg She hurried to give the animal the scratches he demanded, and he purred even louder