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William leaps to his feet and faster than a tornado, he’s in front of me, lifting me into his arms. I wind my arms around him, burying my face in his neck as I break, my loud sobs filling the room, echoing from the walls.
“I’ve got you, love,” his strong voice whispers against my skin as he grips me tightly. “I’ll always find you.”
His words soothe and calm me, throwing me the safety net I desperately need as I drown in his arms.
Pulling back, I wipe the tears from my cheeks. “Thank God you’re here.” I give him a shaky, watery smile, agony still coursing through me at how close I came to be assaulted.
His eyes glow with all the love he feels for me. “When the darkness finds you, it will always be me who pulls you back to the light.”
I nod, tears flowing down my face. Raising my hands to cover my quivering lips, he grabs my wrist, halting my movements. His eyes roam over my face, a deep frown marring his as he takes in my beaten, bloody face. I feel the stickiness, the copper smell swirling around me, the pain from the hits Colin delivered.
A growl rumbles deep within his chest, shaking my body as he holds me in his arms.
“William, don’t.” I slide one hand from his neck to his jawline, caressing gently. “I’m fine.” Staring into his ice-blue eyes, I see the guilt simmering there and know exactly what he’s thinking. “You saved me, Will. He didn’t get a chance to…” I close my eyes for a few beats, unable to say the word.
Opening my eyes, I say, “You prevented it. You’re my hero… again.”
His face softens, and in a span of seconds, he goes from William to Will.
A slow smile tugs his lips up. “I’ve never wanted to, nor claimed to, be a hero. But I’ll proudly be your hero, goddess.”
I grip him tighter, my gaze going over to where Darin has his knee pressed into Colin’s back, who lays face first on the floor. Colin lays there, limply, as Darin meets my gaze. His face and hands are bloody, as though he was beating on Colin, too.
Will follows my gaze, then gently grabs my quivering chin, turning it to him. “Eyes on me, goddess.”
“I’m scared, Will. That experience…” I shiver. “It left me in a very dark place.”
“I know.” His voice is husky with emotion as he presses his back to the wall, sinking down to the floor, still holding me in his arms. “But remember, I’ll always pull you from the darkness, drawing out your light.”
Laying my head against his neck, I breath in his comforting scent. His powerful yet warm embrace is like a security blanket wrapped around me.
Raising my head, I meet his concerned blue eyes. Raising a hand to his face, I touch him reverently. “You’re my full moon, cutting through the darkened sky, lighting up my world.” I try to brush my tears away, but he stops me when I wince, my wrists raw from the rope burns.
Using his thumbs, he gently wipes my face, warmth flowing inside my aching heart from the trauma I experienced tonight.
Although he treats me with softness, he doesn’t make me feel like I’m broken or victimized. His gentleness is a healing balm, covering my invisible wounds, making me feel stronger.
His eyes lock with mine. “I love you to the moon and back. To infinity and beyond.”
I’m so overwhelmed by the swirling emotions inside me, like a tornado of light and darkness swirling inside, that I can only say, “Ditto, my love.”
He squeezes me tighter. “Let your light shine, beautiful. This problem will be eliminated, and I’ll make damn sure no one ever hurts you again.”
He stares at me for a few beats before his lips cover mine, and I taste the promise on his lips and tongue.
twenty-two
William
AsIholdherin my arms, I focus on being what she needs. A calming force, driving back the darkness, pulling her into the light.
Inwardly, however, it’s a different story. Rage leaps inside me, burning through my veins like an uncontrollable wildfire, ready to burn down this entire fucking town because the unconscious jackass on the floor put his hands on my woman.
Hehither. Tried torapeher.
Fucking unacceptable that he put his hands on her, let alone assaulted her.
I’m glad I was able to get here before he sexually assaulted her.
