Page 72 of 23 Hours

Releasing my hand, he escorts me up the stairs by the curve of my back. A sense of home washes over me as we step over the threshold into his home. Cinnamon and clove. Masculine and calm.

I sigh, freeing my first real breath in… ages.

Finally.

Some peace.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

GUNZ

The house is different. Not the same as before I left. I press two fingers into the center of Kit’s back as I escort her through the living room to the bedroom… our bedroom. It hasn’t changed. The same blue comforter is on the bed. Clean and tidy, as I like it. Someone vacuumed. On Kit’s nightstand, which used to be mine,Dark Loverrests, awaiting her return. Grinning fondly at the memory of our time reading in bed, I caress the book’s cover as she climbs onto the mattress fully clothed and collapses onto her side, snuggling into the plush pillows. The sweetest of contented hums fill the space.

Careful not to cross any lines, I prop my ass on the edge of the mattress and rest a hand on her upturned hip. My lady hasn’t talked about what she’s been through yet. None of the sisters have. I asked Blimp about Loretta and White Boy about Jade. Nada. I’ve checked in with those in charge of keepin’ an eye on Beth and Niki… still no dice.

Not knowin’ if she wants company or to be left alone, I pull my side of the comforter over her as a shield and tuck in the edges to form a cozy burrito of security. It’s not that I’d ever do anything to break her trust. I sure as fuck wouldn’t do it on purpose if I did. But I don’t want my presence to come off wrong. I want her to wear what makes her comfortable and talk about what she needs to whenever she’s ready. I’m not gonna push, pry, or whatever the hell else people do to find out stuff that ain’t none of their damn business. Fucked-up shit happens to the best of us. Kit’s damn sure the best of anyone. Gorgeous. Smart… and finally, fuckin’ here with me. Safe and alive.

My heart clenches to the point of goddamn pain at the thought of those dicks harming her. At what they did. At them touching this skin. My skin. Bruising it. Tying her up, cutting her hair off, and violating this body. It makes me wanna rip those bastards apart all over again with my hands. Slower this time to make ‘em feel it. To experience what my lady did. Pieces of shit.

Nostrils flaring on a deep inhale, my jaw clenches as I release a low, agitated growl, hoping not to spook her. I hate this. Being helpless. Being here when I can’t fix it. I can’t fix anything. All I can do is be present… and you better fuckin’ bet I’m not goin’ anywhere.

Christ.

I rub the center of my chest with two knuckles.

Is this how Big feels about Bink? Overwhelmed. How Dallas feels about Debbie? Addicted. Bulk and Jez? Axel and Pix? The shit’s intense.

Set on my need to be supportive, I keep my hand still on her hip and force it to remain there, just over the blanket and her sweatshirt. No rubbing. No movement. Not because I don’t wanna do more. I wanna caress her skin. I wanna hold her and tell her it’s gonna be okay. That we’re gonna get through this. But I don’t know what she needs or how far is too far. Less is sometimes more. I’m rollin’ with that.

No words are exchanged as Kit drifts off with me by her side. I watch her eyelids flutter in and out of consciousness until they relax long enough to slumber. Her lips part as she breathes—shallow puffs of air passing through. I remain. Watching. Ever watching. The persistent ache on my side doesn’t matter. Not here. Not now. Bonez and Doc did a bang-up job fixin’ me. Not that I expected anything less. In time, I’ll heal. We’ll both heal.

Content, I wait. Patient. Soaking Kit in.

There’s a tiny bruise on her cheekbone and imprints of fingertips around her throat. She’s lost a lot of weight. Too much.

The phone in my pocket vibrates with an incoming text. I check it with my free hand, hoping I don’t disturb her.

Prez: We need to talk. Church.

Now?

I scowl at the screen and lick the front of my teeth, head shaking.

Me: I can’t leave her.

I type out with a thumb, careful not to drop my cell, and press send. Then I gaze upon my lady. Listen to her mini snores. Be with the mother of my child. With the woman I’ve spent weeks searching for. Hoping. Praying. Fuck. Look at her. Just look… have you seen anything so beautiful? So incredible? I…I don’t think I have.

Swallowing thickly, I get mystified just watching her breathe… in and out. In and out.Just as I did last night in the hotel. Her on one bed. Me on the other. Well, part of the night, out of respect. Once she was asleep, I was there, beside her. Inches apart, propped against the headboard. I slept maybe an hour. Enough to recharge a bit.

Prez: I know. I’m sending Bink and Adam.

Me: She’s my responsibility. Not theirs.

Prez: This isn’t a request, brother.

Asshole.

Giving in to baser needs, I lean in and peck my woman’s bare cheek right on the yellowed spot. “I’ll be back soon, sweetheart,” I whisper, in hopes she hears but doesn’t wake.

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