That they buttons belonged to Richard were the only reason she didn't tear the necklace off and throw it at him. She didn't want to take the chance to tarnish the metal before she had a chance to return them to him. Because whether or not they were a part of the trade, they were hers now. Hers to do what she wished with. And she'd make certain to return it to the man who was the closest thing she had to a father in eight years.
But it still hurt to hear his response. Hurt and frightened her. Because it made her think of those women from the Seam, those women she so despised. The ones that would sell themselves to Cray in return for cash. If she had been any older when her father died, would she have been one of them? One of those willing to prostitute themselves in order to feed her family?
Probably. She'd do anything to protect Prim. To keep her safe.
Her cheeks flamed in shame at the thought. Grey eyes narrowed, self-loathing and anger mixing together. She needed to know. "That's it? That's the only reason you gave them to me? You weren't... you weren't buying me, my affections...
no subject
But it still hurt to hear his response. Hurt and frightened her. Because it made her think of those women from the Seam, those women she so despised. The ones that would sell themselves to Cray in return for cash. If she had been any older when her father died, would she have been one of them? One of those willing to prostitute themselves in order to feed her family?
Probably. She'd do anything to protect Prim. To keep her safe.
Her cheeks flamed in shame at the thought. Grey eyes narrowed, self-loathing and anger mixing together. She needed to know. "That's it? That's the only reason you gave them to me? You weren't... you weren't buying me, my affections...
Were you?"