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And the bruises against his skin forced tears down my cheeks.
32
Clinton
Worry.
The first word that came to mind as Rae’s gaze danced over my face was worry. She analyzed my bruises. I saw her hand come up before she hesitated. Tears streaked her cheeks as I stood there, hovering over her. Watching her from my perch.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered.
I’d spent the better part of the afternoon away from the hotel. Trying to get a grip on things. Trying to find the information she needed. The information she didn’t know how to find herself. I understood what that felt like. I understood that kind of struggle. But it all faded away as I studied the worry in her eyes.
“I’m so sorry. Clint, my God. I--What can I do to--?”
My voice softened. “Rae.”
“I was such an idiot. I don’t know why I said those things. I was freaking out about school and completely drunk and I’ve never done any drugs bef--”
I took her hand and brought it to my cheek. She drew in a shuddering breath as her fingertips brushed against my bruises. With my hand wrapped around her wrist, I trailed her touch along my skin, wincing with every mark that hurt a little more than the last. I slid her hand down my neck. The warmth of her touch filled me with healing power. I felt myself growing stronger. Becoming happier. Finding the strength to move forward.
To press on.
“I know, and it’s all right.”
Rae shook her head. “No, it’s not. None of this is right. Clint, I just--”
I brought her fingertips to my lips. I kissed them softly, one by one, as tears dripped down the expanse of her neck. It seemed as if the entire world around us stopped. Muted itself, so we could focus on one another. Her lower lip quivered. I wanted to capture it with my own. My gaze danced between her beautiful eyes.
Eyes filled with such sadness and guilt.
“I’m so glad you’re okay,” she whispered.
I nodded. “
I’ll always be okay as long as I have you.”
She drew in a slow breath. “So we’re still together?”
I snickered. “Did you break up with me and I not realize it?”
She shook her head quickly. “No. No, no, no, no. Not even a little bit.”
I shrugged. “Then, we’re still together, as far as I’m concerned.”
“Can we go somewhere and talk, please?”
“You mean you don’t want to keep standing here with everyone watching us?”
She giggled through her tears. “You are insane, you know that?”
“And you’re finally smiling. Hello there, Rae.”
She sniffled. “Hi, Clint.”
I pressed her hand back against my cheek before releasing her. I slid my knuckles against her skin, wiping the tears away. I felt them sliding against my own skin. I brushed them away, wanting nothing more than to capture her lips with my own.
But I didn’t feel it was the right time yet.
