"Caroline, you were out of line today. I've always treated you like a sister, but that doesn't give you the right to disrespect my girlfriend."
"Enough. Apologize to Lena. Now."
I stared at Barnaby in disbelief.
It was like I didn't recognize him anymore.
Over the past five years, even though he'd bought me at that underground auction, he had treated me like I was everything.
When I came down with a fever, he stayed up all night by my bedside without closing his eyes.
When I couldn't eat, he printed out recipes and taught himself to cook, just so I'd take one more bite.
When I told him I loved the blind-box toys that came with kids' meals, he sat through countless rounds of greasy fast food with me, just to pull the one I wanted.
But now, standing next to Lena, Barnaby looked like a complete stranger.
Lena was clearly savoring his protection. She shot me a smug glance, then put on a magnanimous front.
"Let it go, Barnaby. Caroline just got out of the hospital. She's probably not feeling well. It's my fault too. I shouldn't have lost my temper."
"Fine, fine. It's late. Let Caroline get some rest."