Page 10 of Redemption

Dane is placingme in a plush seat and buckling me in. The floor tilts, and I dimly register the sound of a plane taking off. One big hand rests against the side of my head, gently urging me to lean on his shoulder. My eyelids droop, and I breathe in his spicy cedarwood scent as I float away.

Dane’sstrong hands are on me, lifting me as though I’m a doll. Then I’m seated again, but the world is sliding past me. Or I’m rolling forward. My head swims, so I close my eyes and drift.

“Abigail is my patient.”I register Dane’s accent, smooth and cultured as ever. “The flight was difficult for her after the procedure, so I gave her something to help manage the pain. I have her passport here.”

My eyes flutter open, and I squint against harsh, sterile light. The uniformed officer looms over me, and I realize I’m still seated.

The man doubles in my blurred vision. He’s looking down at the two passports on the desk between us.

Something heavy settles on my shoulder: Dane’s hand. A reassurance? Or a warning?

Distant fear twists my belly, a fleeting twinge.

The officer glances up at Dane, then nods deferentially. “Welcome home, Lord Graham.”

“My father is Lord Graham,” Dane says smoothly, all charm and self-deprecating grace. “I’m just Dane.”

The officer glances at me. “You’re in good hands, miss. Get well soon.”

A soft whimper catches in my throat. I don’t understand what’s happening or where I am, and my chest is getting too tight to draw in full breaths.

“It’s all right,” Dane soothes as the world starts to roll by me again. “We’ll get you more meds as soon as we’re out of the airport.”

The rolling sensation makes my stomach turn. I close my eyes to hold back my rising nausea.

I barely feel the needle sliding into my neck, and then everything is warm and dark.

Dane’smassive body cradles mine, and his unique, masculine scent enfolds me. I breathe him in, and calm settles over me. His deft fingers trail through my hair, skating over the silken strands in a soothing rhythm that lulls me into relaxation.

I’m somewhere between sleep and waking. Being with him like this feels like the sweetest dream, and I distantly marvel that this is real: my dark god is holding me like I’m his precious possession.

You were meant to be mine.His fierce declaration rumbles through my thoughts, and my gut tightens.

You love me.His remembered words hold the ring of command.

As though I don’t have a choice in loving him.

My stomach knots, and my muscles tense.

He shushes me gently and continues stroking my hair in that hypnotic rhythm. I squeeze my eyes shut, longing to stay in the peaceful space with the man I love.

I’ll keep you safe, Abigail. I will do anything to protect you.

A sharp image coalesces in my mind: Dane, covered in mud and a crimson spray that I don’t want to contemplate.

He’d promised to protect me while his heartbreaking face had been splattered with blood.

And then…

A strong hand clamps over my mouth, muffling my scream for help. The familiar pressure of Dane’s arm catching my vulnerable throat tightens, restricting my blood flow to mybrain. I’m floating, but it’s not a peaceful surrender. He’s smothering me, subduing me.

The horrific memory layers over another dark night, the one that shattered my soul…

A gloved hand covers my nose and mouth, smothering my ability to draw breath. The shadows of my apartment close in, drawing me down into darkness. A low curse rumbles at my ear, and I’m suddenly released from the cruel grip. Oxygen floods my system, and my knees buckle. Strong arms catch me before I fall.

Dane’s arms.

He’s the masked man who violated me. He’s GentAnon, my online confidante.

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