Page 20 of Unexpected Heroine

Her breathing ratchets up, and she hisses when I hit certain sections of the backs of her thighs. With each pained twinge I see in her body language, I vow to add ten times the suffering to the men who did this to her.

Maybe more.

Despite the mounting rage inside me, I force calming breaths and keep my focus on aiding in her healing. The rest can wait.

Not for long.

But for now, she deserves all my attention.

“That does feel nice. Thank you,” she coos in a sleepy timbre.

Knowing how much she likes me to tease her about her manners, I offer an exaggerated huff. “Three hundred and fifty-two thank yous. A new record.”

Her shoulders wobble with her soft chuckles.

When I’ve finished applying the cream, I lean forward to kiss the small of her back and the swell of one hip. One of the few spots where her skin isn’t marred.

Before standing, I tattoo the image of her wounded flesh into my memory. I’ll use it as fuel when I prepare to deliver justice on her behalf.

I need to know the name of each person who put a mark on her body—the specific mark—so I can do it to them in return.

Repeatedly until they beg for death.

I set the jar of cream on the nightstand. “You can move to your back now if you want to.”

On the way to my side of the bed, I’m about to cut the lights when something gives me pause. I leave my hand hovering over the switch. “Light on or off?”

Her face waxes over while she contemplates my question. “Um... can we leave the bathroom light on and turn off the overhead light?”

“Sure, baby.”

“Thank you.”

I groan playfully, drawing a giggle from her.

And for a simple moment, everything feels normal.

But the moment is shattered when I slip into bed behind her and try to pull her close. Her body stiffens when I wrap my arm around her waist, and she sucks in a sharp breath from the pain.

Instantly, I pull away. “Sorry, sugar.”

“No, please don’t apologize. I want you to hold me.”

“I don’t want to hurt you.”

She whimpers an adorable tiny pout. “How about you lie on your back and let me cuddle on you?”

“Anything you want.”

Once we find a comfortable position with her on her side and one arm tossed over my chest, she sighs deeply. This time, it’s not from pain. It’s either contentment or exhaustion. Probably a bit of both.

I run my hand through her damp hair and hold her the best I can without hurting her.

Right before she dozes off, she whispers, “You won’t leave me when I fall asleep, will you?”

“No, sweetness. I’m staying right here.”

“All night?”

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