A Survivor's Wound

POV: Malia

"No," I insisted, quickly dropping my hand away from the thick fabric of my sweatshirt.

Rafe did not look convinced. He kept his steady gaze locked on me. "Don't lie to me. The last time you held your stomach like that, you collapsed."

"It doesn't hurt, I swear," I told him. I fought the urge to cross my arms defensively.

"Then why are you holding it?"

"It's nothing." I bit the i