Page 26 of Hope and Country

I stepped forward but kept a distance between our bodies. “You’re staying here for as many nights as you need to. You’ll be safe. I’ll make sure of it. This house has the latest security system. Will add more if necessary.”

Her voice sounded like a complaint. “That’s what he always says. That he’s doing this to keep me from being harmed. Whatever it means.”

I blinked. Hard. My own eyes burned with unshed tears.

“I’ll never hurt ya.”

Devon hung her head lower. “I know.”

“And getting you a new wardrobe is the least I can do. You need a fresh start. And I’m offering you one. Just say yes and let me be there for you.”

Her gaze lifted to meet mine.

We exchanged promises only our souls could comprehend right now.

More tears welled up in Devon’s eyes, making them appear larger. The exhaustion and gratitude in them humbled me.

If she wasn’t all banged up, would she let me hold her? Comfort her heart?

Devon brought a hand to her face to rub off her tears but winced at the gesture.

I flinched inside at the sight of her injuries. I stepped closer and used my thumb to dry the stream gently. Something woke up inside me. A need to protect her. Even with my own life. With careful fingers, I pushed the wild tendrils of her hair away from her face, making sure she had no wounds requiring immediate attention.

Most of them were bruises.

And the scratch on her face looked superficial. No stitches needed.

I struggled with my breathing.

Not getting her other injuries looked at felt wrong.

“You sure you don’t wanna go see a doctor? Maybe I can find one who makes house calls.”

“No. I know what a broken face feels like. And this isn’t it. I can tell.”

My stomach knotted.

She could tell what a broken face felt like? What was wrong with the world?

How could someone beat another person senseless?

Chunks of my heart plummeted down my chest. Bile rose in my throat.

I sucked in some air, not willing to let the woman in front of me see how much I was affected.

The vulnerability in her eyes broke me some more. I curled a hand around the back of her neck and pulled her to me. In the most delicate way.

Because she deserved to be comforted. Or perhaps I was the one craving the comfort of her, my heart and head unable to process any of this.

My thoughts raced in my head. Dizziness troubled my senses.

I leaned back and fought my emotions, begging them to stay put.

“Gimme a few minutes, I’ll fill the bathtub and come back to get you.” I inhaled. “Devon, before we do that, would you allow me to take pictures of your wounds? It will be used as evidence if you decide to go to the cops.”

Her breath stopped as tears sprang to her eyes. Photographing her abuse would be the most humiliating thing for her. My heart bled at her pain. How I wished I could whisk her away from all this and heal her.

Almost in front of my eyes, I saw strength push the embarrassment away. And she nodded.