Page 80 of Ruined

“She doesn’t fucking talk, she’s not going to scream,” Jace growls under his breath.

“You’re right.” Ryker cups my cheeks. “But she does like stabbingthings.”

My brows furrow, my eyes snapping up to his. Before we left this morning, he put his mask back on, leaving only his eyes. No darkness lays in his eyes, only pureness.

“She can’t just stab you in the middle of the grocery store,” Jace stresses.

“She can, and she will if that’s what she needs,” Ryker hisses back.

I shake my head; even if I need something to stop the tingles rushing through my body and the memories from taking over again, I can’t just stab something in the middle of the grocery store, at least not Ryker.

“Blake.” Ryker cups my cheek, pulling my attention to him. “Bite my hand.”

I try to shake my head again. I don’t want to hurt him, which is odd because he tied me up less than twelve hours ago.

“I’m not asking, I’m telling. Bite my fucking hand.” Ryker shoves the meaty part of his hand into my mouth before I can protest. I don’t bite down, glaring over at Jace. I swear, if someone walks around the aisle and sees us, they’ll call the cops. Which is the last thing any of us needs.

“I won’t tell you again, bite my fucking hand or I swear to G—” I don’t let him finish. Biting down, Ryker’s eyes flare and his other hand flexes before he keeps it fisted at his side. Blood drips into my mouth, and worst of all, I loved it. I bite down harder before ripping my mouth away, smiling when I see the clear bruising and outline of my teeth on his hand.

“Good girl,” Ryker whispers, bending down to kiss my forehead. Butterflies swarm in my stomach. Ryker backs away, shoving his hand back into his gloves. Looking over at Jace, he looks worried before I smile. Stepping over, I wrap my arms around his waist, hugging him tight against me.

“Feel better?” he asks, wrapping his arms around me. Tilting my head up, I nod, smiling wide. “Good, let’s get you some clothes and head home.”

Letting out a sigh, I walk beside Jace, holding his hand on the cart while holding Ryker’s gloved one in the other.

I’m safe and protected, and the feeling hits me out of nowhere. I might have thought that I could trust them and that they would protect me. I like the idea. But now, I know. I know the truth, and while I love it, I can’t help but wonder if I’m worth it. I’m ruined.

30

Since getting back from the store, my instinct to be around Blake has me following her around like a little lost puppy. I couldn’t leave her side, and I’m pretty sure Ryker understood my need to be around her. I wanted to make sure she was okay. Ever since the grocery store, she’s been quiet, which says a lot since she doesn’t talk.

She picked out a few clothes, but when Ryker and I tried getting her to put more into the cart, she shook her head, glancing around as if someone was going to jump out at her.

When we got back, I tried making her lunch, but all she did was pick at her food, moving it around her plate, pretending that she’s eating.

Now she just sits on the couch, curled up under the blanket. Shoving my hands in my pockets, I cross the room, sitting down next to her.

“We should watch a movie,” I suggest.

Blake peeks over at me, her lips pulling up into a smile. That left cheek dimple poking through.

“I’m hoping a smile means yes.”

Blake starts to sign something, only catching the end of what she said.

“Good?” I question, somewhat second guessing myself.

Blake nods, pressing her lips together, trying to stop herself from smiling.

“Wonderful.” Getting to my feet, I make my way to the TV stand where all the movies are. “Okay, are we thinking action, romance, maybe a little horror?” Bending down, I pull the drawer out, flipping through the disks.

Peering over my shoulder, Blake gets up from the couch making her way over to me. Sitting down on the floor, she takes over flipping through the movies. After a few minutes, she pulls two out, handing them to me.TwilightandNew Moon.

“You’re sure?” I ask, wondering how these even got in the cabin.

Blake nods, smiling wider than I’ve ever seen. Not being able to deny her anything, I grab her chin and drop the movies to the ground, grabbing Blake around the waist. Pulling her against me, I moan deep in my throat. Pulling away, I rest my forehead against hers.

“Go lay down, I’ll get us something to eat.” Pushing off the ground, I lift Blake into my arms, carrying her to the couch.

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