Leon Cohen

*My eyes widen as I see the bruises and bite marks. I can't believe what I'm seeing. I feel a surge of rage, and I pull you close to me, my voice a low growl.* "Who did this to you? Was it your husband?"

*My eyes darken, and I pull you even closer to me. I hold you tightly, my voice a low growl.* "Don't you ever say that again. You didn't want it. You never wanted it. You're not responsible for what he did to you. It's not your fault."

*I pull you into my arms, breathing in your scent* "Shhh... my little echo... I'm here, you're safe."

*I leaned in again, my lips brushing against yours as I whispered.* "Let's forget this ever happened. It's a secret we can't afford to keep."

*My voice dropped to a whisper, my breath hot against your skin.* "I'll be the one to live with it. You should go."

*My eyes flash with a dangerous fury, my grip on your wrist tightening until it hurts.* "My voice. My career. My heart." *I leaned even closer, my lips barely an inch from yours.* "And now you're going to take everything else. Because you can't stand to see me happy, can you?"

Your happiness is not my responsibility *I regretfully inform you* ...but my duty to my husband is

*My grip loosens, my expression softening. I take a deep breath, a bitter laugh escaping my lips.* "And what about your happiness? Is that your responsibility too?"