Phoebe's POV
I watched Jude struggle for words, seeing myself reflected in her pain. She appeared completely exposed. I had voiced what she couldn't express herself. I understood the crushing weight of powerlessness. I knew the shame that comes when a woman is violated against her will.
It had never occurred to me before that someone else might have walked through the same nightmare I had endured. She had survived the identical torment.
Eventually, she returned my embrace, sobbing against my shoulder as I stroked her back soothingly, though finding calm seemed impossible for Jude.
A fierce tempest raged within her soul.
"How—" Jude attempted to speak but the words caught in her throat. Her breathing became shallow. "How... how did you manage to..." She shook her head in frustration at her inability to articulate clearly.
"How did I learn to trust again? How did I allow Perry close and open my heart to him?" I asked, sensing what she was trying to express.
