Page 56 of Brutal Truths

“I hate seeing her like that.” My gaze shifts to my empty plate. “She was such a strong, independent woman for so many years. No one got in her way. And when they tried, she had no problem reminding them who was in charge and why.”

I drop my fork, the sound sharper than I expected.

“Now she can barely remember what day it is. Hell, she barely remembers what year it is, and seeing her like that is depressing as fuck.” I let out a slow breath. “It’s hard to watch.”

More than that.

“It makes what I’m going through harder, because I know she could help figure it out. She’d have answers, or at least be able to steer me in the right direction. I’m pretty sure she had a hand in helping my mother decide what to do.”

My voice lowers as sadness settles in. “If her mind were clear, she could tell me exactly what that was and why.”

Aiden’s hand falls off my back, only to return at my chin, guiding my gaze up to his.

“Let me know when you’re ready, and I’ll share what I know. You can read over it, and if you have questions, I’ll do my best to answer them.” He never looks away, sounding so sure he can help. “Those I can’t answer, we’ll find someone who can.”

His thumb brushes lightly along my jaw. “We can do it here, but I think it’d be best if we went to my room. More private.”

My head cocks to the side as I raise an eyebrow. “Are you sure you aren’t just trying to get me alone?”

His grip tightens, pulling me in as he leans forward. “Would you like it if I had alternative reasons for inviting you to my room?”

Would I?

“I want to say yes.” A shiver runs down my spine, and I swallow. “I really want to say yes, but I’m a little worried after what happened⁠—”

“You don’t have to be. Nothing will ever happen unless you want it to.” His voice is so serious and calm. “It stops if you say stop. You set the pace. You control the boundaries. I’ll follow them.”

His expression shifts instantly. No teasing, no pressure.

“If you only want to talk, then we just talk. And if being alone with me feels like too much right now… we don’t⁠—”

I don’t let him finish.

I move first, closing the distance between us, my lips crashing into his as the rough texture of his beard brushes against my skin as our mouths collide.

It’s been eleven days.

I’m still sore, still healing from what that arsehole did to me, but I’m here. Breathing. Standing. Trying to take back something that feels like mine.

That doesn’t mean I’m ready for everything.

The pain—physical and otherwise—lingers, making me hesitate even as I lean into him.

We saw a doctor before going off-grid. I was given x-rays to make sure my ribs weren’t broken. They weren’t. But my cheek has a hairline fracture that will heal in time. My concussion was worse than I realized, though Misty’s done an excellent job of making sure it didn’t turn worse.

I’m better… but sex probably isn’t something I’d be cleared for.

Aiden’s phone rings, interrupting us.

He pulls back with a low grunt, already reaching for it, irritation flashing across his face as he checks the screen.

“What now?”

Chapter 16

Isabel

When Aiden ends the phone call five minutes later, the tension in his face only sharpens, his frustration clear in the tight set of his jaw.