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REID
Alana’s body trembles violently in my arms. For a moment, I’ve no idea what causes the sudden fear to rip through her. But then I find the light switch and illuminate the room. She noticeably relaxes, but I don’t.
My muscles that are already aching from being so tense only lock up tighter as realization dawns.
I can’t say I’m surprised. It’s not a secret that I learned quite a few of my tricks from our father. And light torture was always one of his favorites. It just seems he went for the blackout version this time.
I can only imagine the effect it had on both Alana and Mav, knowing that each other was close, suffering but not being able to see them.
“It’s okay, Pet. I’ve got you,” I assure her, cradling her slim body against my chest.
It should feel alien, looking after someone like this, but I find it weirdly easy.
Usually, I’m doing everything I can to make people hurt, to force them to bend to my will. To break them down and get whatever I need from them.
But right now, I’m trying to keep her together.
The only person I’ve ever tried to hold together before is JD. And I think we all know how successful I’ve been with that.
My regret over everything that’s happened multiplies again.
Everyone around me has been hurt because of me.
All of this is my fault. My unrelenting need to ruin my father and take over this town has done this.
JD nearly died. Again.
Mav has been tortured and punished for trying to protect someone he loves.
And Alana has been forced to revisit her nightmares, as if it isn’t bad enough she can’t escape them whenever she closes her eyes. She’s just had days of experiencing them firsthand again.
“Are you going to be okay here?” I ask, hating how rough my voice is as I lower her to the counter.
But then she looks up at me with watery, terrified eyes, and I’m instantly flooded with relief that she can see it.
I’ve always prided myself in being a cold-hearted monster who can do whatever it takes to get the job done.
I don’t regret that. I’ve achieved almost everything I’ve ever wanted by being that ruthless bastard.
But it’s not all I am. Not really. And right now, I think Alana needs to see that more than anything.
She nods and I take a step back.
The whimper that spills from her lips as I remove my touch from her is quiet. If the house weren’t so silent then I might miss it. But I don’t. Instead, it wraps around my chest and makes it hard to breathe.
Cupping her face in my hands, I stare into her eyes.
“I’m not leaving. Not unless you want me to.”
She shakes her head. The movement is so slight that I wouldn’t know she’d done it if I couldn’t feel it.
“I’m going to run you a bath, okay?” She nods. “We’re going to fix this, Pet. All of it.”
Her eyes fill with tears as she stares back at me. But this time she doesn’t respond.
As I take a step back and turn toward the huge tub that has been positioned to make the most of the view beyond the huge windows, I can’t help but wonder if it’s because she doesn’t believe me.
But then, why should she?
