Page 17 of Unexpected Heroine

Doing the fuck knows what.

Cuts and bruises.

Fucking cigarette burns on her arm.

Welts on the backs of her upper thighs from what I suspect was a belt.

And the fucking bruises on her torso where she was clearly kicked. Repeatedly.

“James.”

It’s all so vivid I can practically smell the burn from the cigarettes they put out on her.

“Earth to James.”

Blinking twice, I look at her. “Sorry. What is it?”

“The sandwich.”

Her gaze slides from my face to the pan.

Where I’m burning her grilled cheese.

She’s the one who should be barely able to function. Not me. Jesus.

“Fuck. Sorry.” I flip it over to see if it’s salvageable. “Dammit. I’ll make a new one.”

“No, don’t. I like it that way,” she lies.

I arch a disbelieving brow at her. “You’re not very convincing.”

She holds out her plate. “Put it here, please. I’m famished, and it smells so freaking good. I don’t care if it’s charcoal. I’m eating it.”

Fighting a grin, I slide the sandwich onto her plate. “Want me to help you to the table?”

Shaking her head, she blows on the sandwich to cool it. “I’m fine here. The next time you move me, it better be straight to bed.”

Once she starts eating, she makes one of those precious moans.

Having spent most of my childhood years dealing with frequent hunger pangs, I know how amazing the first bite can be.

“Don’t eat too fast, sugar. Take it slow.”

She nods, licking the cheese off her fingertips and holding my gaze. “Can I have more water, please?”

Not bothering to answer, I retrieve her glass from the table and bring it to her. Too bad I don’t have electrolyte drinks or coconut water. I’ll order some for delivery once I get her to bed.

“Thank you.”

“Stop thanking me.”

She rolls her eyes. I’m relieved to see a touch of amusement behind her hazy blue irises. With her next bite of the sandwich, another moan leaves her sweet lips.

That’s it. I need to fucking kiss her.

Moving slowly to avoid startling her, I take the plate from her hand and set it on the counter.

Her whine of protest is cut off when I gingerly cup her cheeks and move in for a kiss. She tilts her head back and offers me her lips.

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