Page 26 of Tainted Tempos

“You don’t think I’m ruined, do you?” My voice wobbles, but I need to know the truth. And Mav is a straight shooter. I know he won’t bullshit me, not even tonight.

I stare right at him, my eyes bleeding the questions my voice doesn’t ask.

Do I have a chance at a real, stable relationship?

Could he still want me? Even now?

I was raped and couldn’t remember it. I spent two years seeing and talking to my rapist and didn’t comprehend the situation.

What the hell is wrong with me?

Mav’s brow furrows, and his eyes harden. First, with anger, then with pain. “Fuck, no, you’re not ruined. Or broken. You’re fucking perfect, Mckenna Byrne. Strong and resilient and a survivor. You’re bold and beautiful and smart. You are the farthest thing from ruined, and the man lucky enough to keep you, and I fucking hope it’s me, will have a treasure in his life.” His lips twist as he says the last part, and his expression turns severe for a blink. Then, it’s gone, and he’s brushing his lips over my forehead. My eyelids flutter closed. Mav’s hand cups mycheek and I lean into his touch, into his warmth, his strength and the safety he provides. “You’re brave as fuck, beauty,” he whispers. “So goddamn strong. Brave as hell for telling me too.”

I let out the breath I was holding. Mav’s words, his belief in me, ease some of my anxiety.

“Thanks for listening, Mav. For believing me.”

He shakes his head. “I’ll always listen, Mckenna. And I’ll always fucking believe in you.”

Believe in you.

I smile softly. Mav tucks me back against his chest, propping his chin on my head. We sit like that for long minutes. Hell, maybe even hours.

I listen to the steady drum of his heartbeat. I focus on the even breaths he takes. My eyelids grow heavy. My body falls limp.

But Mav has me. He keeps me safe. He guards my secrets.

I reach for him when he tucks me back into my bed and pulls the covers up to my chin. “Stay with me, Mav. Please.”

He looks conflicted and hesitates.

“Don’t make me beg,” I whisper. “I’m...scared. I’m scared of what I’ll see in my nightmares.”

His face falls, and he nods, slipping into the space beside me. Mav curls his body around mine like a crescent moon, and I relax in his presence.

I grab his hand and pull it across my stomach, linking our fingers together.

Mav sighs and tightens his hold, dragging me back against his chest so he presses up against my back.

“You okay?” he asks.

“Yeah,” I say. “I feel better than I have in days.”

Mav snorts. “I don’t.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” he admonishes. “I thought you were avoiding me, and I was angry. But now, fuck, I wish this never happened to you, and you just couldn’t stand me instead.”

I chuckle, and it’s easy. Genuine. “I was overwhelmed. Processing.”

“I know.” He kisses the back of my head. “There’s more than a chance for us, Mckenna. I’m not going anywhere unless you tell me to.”

“Good. Because I actuallylikebeing with you.”

Mav snorts. “Well, thank God for small miracles. Since we’re married and all.”

I smile and nod in agreement.

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