Chapter 17

• The collective sounds of gasps and murmurs echoed around the room; their eyes widened. I felt my breath hitch in my throat, the sharp smell of vanilla burning my nostrils. The burn of his fingers was the only thing keeping me from collapsing on the floor. Goosebumps prickled along the skin of my arms, body feeling putty in his hold. 
• Isabella's hand flew to her mouth, face whitening as she stared at me. My best friend appeared too shocked to process anything but mouth the words, "Is it true?"
• Guilt swarmed my belly. I couldn't tell her my situation, or she would have gone out of her way to help me. Isabella already did a lot by rejecting offers from other companies to stay with us. I had no desire to burden her anymore.