Page 135 of Deliverance

“Is it okay if I come in?”

“I already told you it was.” I sit up, pulling down my skirt, like it will provide me some modesty.

“Sky found some clothes for you. Thought you’d want to change,” she says as she hands me a sweatshirt and sweatpants.

I nod. “Tell her thank you.”

Maggie nods, setting the clothes on the bed before sitting at my feet. We both sit there in silence for several seconds, my anxiety ratcheting with each passing moment.

“I’m sorry you walked in on that. That you had to…see that.” I cringe.

Maggie frowns, disbelief in her eyes as she shakes her head.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you. I’m sorry my crazy ex did this. I’m sorry…for so much,” she says, shaking her head as she covers her face with her hands.

“He hurt me long before you came along, Maggie. But because of you, it was the last time.”

She looks over to me, like she doesn’t quite believe me. Reaching out, she laces our fingers together as she shakes her head.

“You have to know I’d do anything to keep you safe. Bridgette, you’re my entire fucking world.”

My heart thumps at her words. “You’re mine.”

Maggie smiles sweetly, bringing my hand to her lips as she places a soft kiss to it.

“Do you want to take a shower? Clean up?” she offers.

“The doctor said I couldn’t get my…you know, wet.”

She nods. “That’s okay. One second.”

Maggie disappears through a set of french doors that lead to an en-suite as she begins making noise. The sounds of shuffling and running water are all I hear before Maggie comes out, running a hand through her wild hair. She stops at the side of the bed, offering me a hand as she helps me to the bathroom.

She has a stool set up against the clawfoot tub, the water running as she gestures for me to sit. When I do, she tilts my head back and begins wetting my hair. The warm water feels like being reborn. Like I’m being cleansed. I keep my eyes closed, but the crunchy dried blood in my hair begins to come loose, the faint smell of copper hitting my nose before Maggie lathers her hands with shampoo, scrubbing my head gently.

My neck is practically spaghetti as I sink into her touch. She massages my scalp in a way that has me mewling before washing it away and repeating the step. Once my hair is washed and conditioned, she takes a washcloth, wetting it with warm water before gently cleaning my face.

The tender act has me feeling so relaxed, so…at peace, at least for a little while.

When she’s done, I open my eyes, looking up at her as she wraps a towel around my head. Her sparkling green eyes meet mine as she leans down, placing a featherlight kiss against my lips.

* * *

After I get changed, Maggie and I head downstairs, where all the guys are gathered. Wesley and Ronan are cooking, Liam and Asher are talking off to the side, and Skyla is perched on Vincent’s lap.

“Is it done?” Maggie asks.

“It’s done,” Ronan confirms.

“What did you do with him?” I ask.

“Better that you not know,” Vincent says. “Offense given, it’s just that I don’t fucking trust you.”

“Vincent.” Skyla admonishes, smacking his chest.

I nod. “I haven’t given you much reason to trust me, any of you. I’m sorry,” I say, my eyes trailing through the room before pausing on Asher. “I’m really sorry.”

He stares at me impassively before giving a quick head nod.

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