Chapter 77

• “I can’t do that.”
• Catherine huffs, spinning back toward me, her frustration radiating in waves. “Yes, you can.”
• There’s an odd look on her face, her emotions flickering like a candle in the wind—too fast for me to grasp. Her body betrays her turmoil, shoulders tense, hands clenched at her sides, yet her eyes burn with unwavering determination. Slowly, hesitantly, she moves toward me before lowering herself onto my lap, her knees settling on either side of my thighs.