A Mother's Denial

Clarissa flushed crimson at Rosalind's words. When her gaze fell upon the girl's bruised and battered wrists, she gasped sharply, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Clarissa shook her head. "No, I know what kind of person Giles is. He may be a bit of a troublemaker, but he would never hurt you. He just wouldn't—"

But the rest of the words stuck in Clarissa's throat; she simply couldn't bring h