Page 60 of Broken
I laugh, knowing that he probably was.
“As soon as I can have you under me, we’ll lock the door and stay in bed until we both pass out, then I’ll wake up and take you again. I won’t risk you being hurt any more than what they did.”
He tightens his grip on me and as much as I’m disappointed I’m happy. Max makes me feel loved and cared for. It’s something I’ve never really had, and I was never sure I would get.
“Go to sleep, beautiful.” He kisses my head and I relax against him.
***
I wake up and reach for Max, feeling nothing but cold sheets. I shoot up in bed, looking around. I calm once I realize that I am still home and I’m okay.
The door opens and Lucy walks in holding a bottle of water. “Hey, I hope you don’t mind. I had him take a hike because I wanted to come see you.” She hands me the bottle of water and sits down next to me. “I think he just went to take a shower, so he won’t be long.”
I take a drink of the water.
“How’re you doing?”
“I’m okay.”
She studies me. “I know we haven’t talked much about my past but just know you can talk to me. I came to the club a lot like you did. Hurt, scared, confused, and naive to this life. Whip was a prospect when I first got here, and I was underage. We had to keep our relationship from happening until he patched in and I turned eighteen. I was also taken. That is something I really don’t talk about. When the guys finally got to me I was in bad shape, and I dealt with it even worse.” Her hand runs through her long hair. “I guess what I’m saying is if you ever need anyone. If you ever feel alone, just know that you aren’t. As strange as it may seem everyone here is your family. Guys whose names you don’t even know will lay down their life for you. I know you said that you never had anyone to lean on. Now you have a whole village.”
Tears swell in my eyes. For someone who can’t even remember a loving hug or kiss as a child, I feel like I’m dreaming.
Lucy’s arms wrap around me. “Welcome home. We missed you.”
The door opens and Doc walks in. “Well, looks like you’re feeling okay.” He gives Lucy a hug before walking over to me. “Let’s check out the cuts on your neck.”
I sit up a bit, and he unwinds the bandages from around my neck. I hear a sharp inhale come from Lucy.
“Looks like the bleeding has stopped.” Doc examines my skin closely. “You’ll be sore. It may hurt turning your head from side to side. You’re very lucky that it didn’t crush your esophagus. Continue to rest and don’t strain yourself.” He offers me a smile before giving Lucy a nod and leaving the room.
“Can you give me a mirror?”
“Are you sure?” Lucy bites her lip as she looks at me.
I nod. I need to see how bad it is. She walks over to the dresser, grabs a handheld mirror, and comes back to sit next to me. I can see her hesitation as she slowly lifts the mirror up.
I gasp. My neck is rimmed with an almost black bruise. There are so many puncture wounds that have now closed but leave ugly red marks. I look like a monster. Tears spring to my eyes again and this time, I can’t stop them from falling.
“What happened?” I hear Max’s voice.
“Doc took off the bandages. She wanted to see.” I can hear the sadness in her voice.
Max’s hand grips mine, pulling me to him. “It’s okay, babe. They’ll fade. They aren’t permanent. Today is a good day. I get to make you mine today.”
I shake my head. “I don’t want anyone to see me like this.”
“I can help.” Lucy says from beside me. “Why don’t you grab her some clothes from her room and I’ll help her get ready.”
Max pulls back, looking at me.
“I’m fine. Go.”
He hesitates for a minute before leaving.
Lucy offers me her hand. “Here, why don’t you grab a shower? Just call me if you need anything.”
I stand up with her help, my legs feeling like jelly at first. “I wanted today to be about us. All anyone will see when they look at me are the bruises. I don’t want everyone to pity me when it should be a day of celebration.”
