Page 72 of Ruined

I swear from the glare she gives me, she’d murder me or at the very least stab me for saying that.

“Are you okay?” I ask, sobering up.

Blake frowns, slowly nodding. Rubbing circles into her back, she flinches when I brush over one particular scar.

“Was this one the worst?”

Shaking her head, she holds up three fingers, dropping her hands back to my chest and resting against it.

“I know you might not believe me, but I’ll kill them. You just have to say the word, tell me who they are, point them out, I don’t care. No matter what, I’ll always be in your corner.” Lifting her further, I press my lips against her forehead. “I’ve thought about this a lot, but for peace of mind, I have to tell you. You’re not a job. You haven’t ever been a job, and the moment I make you feel that way, I give you my permission to stab me. Kick me in the nuts, do anything you desire. Because listen to me when I tell you this, I’m not going anywhere.”

Tears fill her eyes, fighting against not wanting to cry in front of me. But it’s useless, the moment she blinks, they run down her cheeks. Brushing my thumb across her cheek, her eyes drift closed, leaning into my touch.

Slowly she pulls away, holding her pinkie up.

Promise, I sign to her, linking our pinkies together.

Promise,she signs. Dropping her arms around my shoulders, she silently cries into my shoulder, and I realize this is the first time she must have cried in front of someone and felt safe. That she wouldn’t be judged for breaking down. Tilting my head up, I wrap my arms around her, holding Blake tighter againstmy chest. Vowing now that no matter what, she is safe with me, physically and emotionally.

27

Iwake up alone on the couch, but I can hear low, hushed voices behind me in the kitchen. Rolling onto my back, I stare up at the ceiling. How the hell did I get here?Never in my wildest dreams did I think before the kidnapping would I be involved with two men. Let aloneafter.Before, the thought of someone touching me, a man being near me, it made me stabby. But I like Jace’s soft touches. I enjoy the roughness Ryker gives me.

They make me feel safe, even if one of them is choking the life out of me. I crave their touches, their mouths on me. Everything about Jace and Ryker I crave.

Blowing out a silent breath, I stretch my hands above my head. Swinging my legs over the side, I take notice that I wasn’t wearing a shirt when I fell asleep but am now.

“Morning, Sunshine.”

I smile tilting my head up to Jace. I hold my hand out reaching for him. He has no problem pulling me into his arms.

“You hungry?” he asks resting his chin on the top of my head. Wrapping my arms around his waist, I rest my head against his chest. “You okay?”

I nod my head, squeezing his waist a little harder. I’m not sure how I can tell him that everything is perfect, everything feels like home.

Stepping back, I sign,Home.

“I think lessons should start today.” He frowns.

“Who’s supposed to teach you?” Ryker appears from behind me.

“You, jackoff.”

Rolling my eyes, I squeeze behind Jace and head into the kitchen. It’s like the moment Ryker and I stopped being at each other’s throats, they decided it was their turn.

Opening the fridge, I open the drawers, searching around for the cinnamon rolls. I know Jace told Ryker to go to the store before we arrived and had him stock up on my favorite food. But I couldn’t have eaten that many cans, could I? Blowing silent raspberries, I close the fridge, going towards the cabinets. Opening and closing them, I don’t find a single thing to eat. Or anything Iwantto eat anyway.

“What are you looking for?” Ryker asks behind me.

Shrugging, I re-open the same cabinet, hoping something would appear. Ryker appears beside me, grabbing my shoulder.

“What are you looking for?” he asks again, gripping my chin.

Cinnamon rolls.

“We don’t have any.”

I sigh, my eyes shifting down.

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