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I have her back.
I place the laptop next to my phone, and lying down on my side, I stare at her sleeping face.
Christ, I’m never letting you out of my sight again.
I need to get her a tracker.
And guards.
I want her protected at all times.
Lifting my hand, I gently brush my fingers over her hair.
So this is what it feels like to love a woman with all my heart.
When she’s in danger, there’s only excruciating pain, and when she’s close by and safe, there’s a peaceful calmness.
My eyes drift over her face, touching on the bruises that look much worse today.
She’s been through hell.
I wish I could wipe her memory.
I keep brushing my hand over her head, but then she starts to stir and mumbles, “Stop.”
Pulling my hand away, I expect her to settle down again, but instead, her breathing speeds up, and she grips the pillow beneath her head, her body straining.
“NoNoNoNoNo.” Her voice is tight with panic.
“Tesoro,” I murmur, gently shaking her shoulder so she’ll wake up.
“Stop!”
As the scream tears from her, I sit up in time to catch her when she darts up, her eyes opening wide. Horror bleeds over her face, making her look pale as fuck.
“It’s just a dream,” I say as I hold her close.
She shakes her head, her breaths not calming down. Her fingers grip the sweater I’m wearing tightly, her body trembling severely.
“You’re safe.” I begin to rock her, hoping it will help calm her. “I’m here, Tesoro. No one can get to you.”
She clings to me, and minutes pass before her breathing returns to normal. She doesn’t move but keeps still in my arms with her face buried against my chest.
Her tone sounds haunted when she whispers, “I hallucinated Mandy brushing her hand over my hair, but I think it was Milania.”
Shit, I triggered her trauma.
“I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”
“Huh?” She lifts her head and gives me a confused look.
“While you were sleeping, I caressed your hair, which must’ve triggered you,” I explain. “Sorry, Tesoro.”
“Oh.” She tries to give me a brave smile, busted lip and all. “Don’t worry. I’m okay.”
Christ, this woman is incredible.
She catches me staring at her and asks, “Why are you looking at me like that?”
