Page 91 of Her Passionate Hero

“It doesn’t matter,” she said, tugging her robe close around herself.

“It does.”

She swung around to look at him, her eyes furious.

“No, it doesn’t. It was the same kind of stuff as always, they were just older, and the pranks were more sophisticated, but my defenses weren’t any better,” she said bitterly. “Hunter, I had problems. I had no real coping skills, and I didn’t learn them until I got to college and met Dr. Taylor. She was incredible. She didn’t save me, she helped me to save myself. But it was a long hard road, and it still takes vigilance. Even now.”

“What do you mean, Cariña?” he kept his voice soft.

“It was like my drug, for me it alleviated stress and pain. When I feel that now, I flash to that. Sometimes the urge is so strong, it’s incredible.” Her hands clenched in the material of her robe until her knuckles turned white. “But I guess the good news is, I’ve fought it.” She gave him a tentative smile. “You help me to fight.”

He arched a brow in question.

She lifted her right hand and pulled a long chain out from under her robe. Hunter saw the gold medallion swinging in her grasp.

“This Hunter. It’s helped me for years. I’ve kept it close to me ever since you gave it to me.”

His heart stuttered.

“So, in the end? Except for the last couple of days, my life’s had a happy ending. I beat the bitches.” Then she leaned forward, and he got a glimpse of the tops of her breasts, he looked away. “Do you want to know something?” she asked in a whisper.

“Always.”

“I’ve checked up on them.”

“Who?”

“Heather, Lupita and Theresa,” she grinned. “Wanna know a little about their lives?”

Hunter loved the sparkle in her eye. “Abso-fucking-lutely.”

“Lupita got caught stealing from the till at McDonald’s. It was the third time. She’s currently in county lockup.”

“I don’t know what happened to Theresa, but the best is Heather.”

“Lay it on me.”

“Remember how she always said she was going to make it big in Hollywood?”

Hunter nodded.

“Well, she did end up on TV.”

“Okay,” Hunter said slowly.

“Yep,” Aliana grinned. “She was working at one of the brothels in Vegas and on a cable reality show. Her specialty was groups, but then her teeth started coming loose. It turned out she was doing meth, so she ended up losing her job.”

“Couldn’t happen to a nicer gal.”

“You don’t think I’m horrible that I laughed my ass off, and re-watched the episode where her tooth fell out? I drank champagne.”

“Hell no. Do you have it saved on your DVR? Because I want to watch it too,” Hunter smiled broadly.

“Thanks, Hunter.”

“For what?”

“Just for being you. For being part of my past, for not judging me, for being here for me now.”