Page 111 of Jagger's Remorse

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"I'm okay," I tell him.

"You're not."

"I will be."

"I know." He works shampoo through my hair, the same gentle way I did for him once. "When I saw you go down?—"

"Don't."

"I lost it, Scarlett. I completely lost it. Hammer says I killed three men with my bare hands."

"Good."

He pauses. "Good?"

"They came for us. For our family. They deserved worse."

Something shifts in his expression. Relief, maybe. Or understanding. "There's my little dragon."

After the shower, he helps me dress in one of his shirts and soft shorts.

I notice something new around his neck—a chain I recognize.

"Is that...?"

He touches it self-consciously. "Your father's ring. You gave it to me. Said I should have it since—" He stops.

"Since you killed him."

"Yeah."

I study him, this man who killed my father, who wears his ring like penance. "Keep it."

"Scarlett—"

"It looks good on you. Papa would have hated that." I smile, sharp despite the pain. "Makes it perfect."

He kisses me then, soft and careful, but a knock interrupts us.

"Come in," Jagger calls.

Raven enters, carrying a tray of food. She stops when she sees me awake, something unreadable crossing her face. "You're up."

"Disappointed?"

"Relieved." She sets the tray down, meets my eyes. "You saved my life."

"You gave me a dress."

"That joke was funnier when you were bleeding out." But her lips twitch. "Eat. You look like death warmed over."

She turns to leave, pauses at the door. "Thank you," she says quietly. "I won't forget."

Then she's gone, leaving me stunned.

"Did Raven just... thank me?"

"She's been here every day," Jagger says. "Helped Doc with your bandages. Threatened anyone who suggested you brought this on us."

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