Up close, I can see the faint bruise along his cheekbone. Yellowing at the edges, half-hidden under his glasses.
Guilt slides into my stomach, knowing exactly how he got those bruises.
That's from Zane and from when I ran away.
"You got hit because of me," I say quietly.
His expression doesn't change, but his shoulders shift slightly.
"That's not your concern, I was just doing my job ma'am ."
Ouch so we are back to him calling me ma'am.
"It is." I say trying to ignore the hurt from him calling me ma'am.
Silence.
"I'm sorry Aaron, for real" I say.
He finally takes off his sunglasses.
His eyes meet mine fully now.
"For what," he asks.
"For running, for putting you in that position, for making it look like you weren't doing your job."
He exhales through his nose.
"You did put me in that position."
"I know and I'm sorry."
"You know Zane he doesn't react well when he thinks he's losing control."
"I know," I repeat.
There's a pause.
