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“I don’t know how, love.”
“Change it. I want to feel someone I care for, I don’t want the last touch on me to be… wrong. Foul,” she hissed, and I searched her face, realizing what she was saying.
“You’re hurting, Vee. I know the assault would’ve hurt you, I don’t want to—”
“Please.” The word was so raw, the heartbreak evident in her eyes as her lip trembled.
“If it’s what you truly want, princess. I’ll do anything to help you right now,” I said solemnly, although I was hesitant. Surely she’d be in pain and hurting. “How about we wait until—”
“No, please, I need this, now,” she begged.
I wanted to fix it for her, but this request, it concerned me. She was hurting, she had to be, and I didn’t want to make it any worse.
“Please,” she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper, those green eyes so lost and broken, desperate to regain herself in some way.
“Okay. But you have to tell me to stop if it’s too much. I’ll do this for you if you promise me that, deal?”
The smallest smile touched her lips as she gave a tiny nod.
I cupped her face, brushing away the tears that had trailed down her cheeks, wanting to take away all of her pain and torment.
“Okay, princess.” I slid off the bed and scooped her up, her arms instantly locking around my neck.
Her body felt so perfect in my arms as I carried her bridal style to the bathroom, already knowing how I wanted to help ease this for her.
She needed me right now, and not my furious, chaotic self that wanted to tear apart the man who hurt her. No, she needed me caring for her, treating her like the princess she was.
And I wasn’t going to let her down again.
23
KIERAN
Iran the bath for her, turning away as she stripped down. I dimmed the lighting, wanting to give the room a comfortable warmth like candlelight. I had to be grateful to the designers of the place for the extra touch, it was ideal for this moment.
I undressed and finally turned to her, the sight both mesmerizing and saddening.
The way she wrapped her arms around her, unable to meet my gaze, had me torn between wanting to reassure her and cave in someone’s head.
I opted for the former.
“You’re beautiful, Veronica. Nothing has changed there. You’re not damaged or dirty,” I said as I closed the gap between us, catching her chin with my forefinger and thumb to tilt her head up.
The emerald orbs gazing back at me were uneasy, but I just stroked her cheek tenderly, my heart fluttering when she leaned into my palm.
“Thank you,” she breathed as she closed her eyes for a moment.
I pulled her in close, holding her bare body against mine, forcing it not to react. Now was not the time, I’d do that later, for now, I wanted to show her how special and cherished she was.
I kissed her forehead before ducking down to test the water.
“Come, princess.” I guided her into the bath, sliding in behind her and wrapping my arms around her.
“Why are we having a bath?” she asked.
“Because I want to show you how cherished you are. That you deserve all the good things life has to offer you,” I said as I kissed her neck.
She fit so perfectly against me, like it was exactly where she belonged.
