Page 50 of Restored

“Why were you in the stables?” He stomps to the bathroom.

“I was looking for you and wanted to see Apollo before we left. It was stupid.”

“Yes, Layla, it was stupid.” Ledger kneels in front of me and gently presses a wet rag to my cheek. I wince at the sting of alcohol and dare a glance at his face. He is eerily calm, hisfeatures stone cold. I can tell what he is feeling in the flaring of his nostrils as he stares at the cut on my cheek.

Our gazes collide, his green eyes holding mine hostage before he abruptly looks away, standing. The rag falls away limply in his hand.

His body is tense, his movements jerky as he throws a few things into his bag. “We need to leave. Can you ride?” He takes out a plain shirt and hands it to me.

“Yes.” I take the offering, grimacing as I stand. My ribs scream in pain.

Ledger’s eyes harden. “Put it on.” His voice is quiet, restrained. He turns his back to give me a moment of privacy. I pause before gingerly removing the cloak and torn tunic, trying not to jostle my ribs.

I slide the garment on, and Ledger doesn’t wait for my response before turning around. His lips curl as he looks at my tattered top on the ground. “Lift up your shirt.”

My mouth falls open slightly, wanting to deny his request. I realize in my current state, riding Apollo will be extremely uncomfortable.

My hands play with the hem of the shirt as I take in Ledger’s still form. He stares at me with a blank expression.

I raise the corner. The skin on my left ribs is no longer pale but an angry cherry red, blotches of purple spreading. Ledger glances down. I fear he will crack a tooth because of how hard he clenches his jaw. He stiffly walks to the bathroom, coming back with a roll of stretchy bandages.

“I’ll need to wrap your ribs, or we won’t make it very far.” He approaches and I nod.

He bends down, unrolling the bandages. His fingertips dig lightly into my back. He huffs a breath that drifts over my skin. I bite my lip as my head drops back to count the nails on the patched ceiling.

His other hand shifts to my bare hip and my breath stalls in my lungs. His calluses scrape against my skin as he moves, and I fight to stay still. He’s gentle as he maneuvers, so at war with his stiff posture and stoic face.

I flinch when he wraps the bandage firmly around the most sensitive part of my rib. He pauses, grinding his teeth together before continuing. My head spins as his fingertips skate over the flesh of my stomach.

He finally ties the bandage in place. He tugs the hem of my shirt softly, and the fabric falls, covering my torso. “We need to leave,” is all he says before turning from me, grabbing his bag, and walking to the door.

I look dumblyat his back, my brain and body still reeling.

“Do you need me to carry you?” Ledger’s back is still to me and my cheeks heat at his words.

God, I’ve never felt more pathetic than I do at this moment.

Indignation fills my veins at being assaulted and not being able to properly defend myself. I am sick of being a victim, sick of being weak and compliant. I never want to feel this way again. “I’d sooner throw myself down the stairs.” I spit as I push past Ledger, ignoring the pounding of my head and the aching in my ribs. Weakness was something I was done feeling and refused to show.

I march right out of the inn and straight over to our horses. Cam is in his saddle on high alert as he scansthe area. Mia and Archie are whispering to each other and as I approach, they swiftly stop, looking at me cautiously.

Mia walks over as I grab the pommel of Apollo’s saddle. The movement sends a sharp pain radiating through my chest.

“You okay?” Mia’s voice is soft as she gently palms my shoulder. When I glance over at her, her brows are furrowed, and she looks genuinely concerned.

“I’m fine.”

“I’m glad you fought back,” she says, and I pause for a moment considering her words.

“Barely. He was seconds away from tossing me onto his horse and parading me back to Bellehaven. I want you to train me. I want to be able to really fight back.” I have been so sheltered my entire life and have relied on Maddox for too much. I am sick of being a victim, sick of having not even a semblance of control over my life.

A small smile spreads across her face. “Gladly.”

“Okay, we start when we arrive in Westray.” I walk to Apollo. He nudges my middle gently. I wrap my arms around him and pat his neck as he nuzzles in further. “I’m okay, buddy; you did good back there.”

Ledger studies our interaction.

When I’m ready, I grit my teeth, stepping into the stirrup and pulling myself into the saddle. The pain steals my breath, and it’s an effort to keep my face blank.

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