"Let me take care of you tonight," he said softly. "Tomorrow, we'll sort everything out."
Under normal circumstances, I would have protested. I'd spent nearly my whole life taking care of myself, proving I didn't need anyone. But these weren't normal circumstances, and I was so, so tired of being strong.
"Okay," I whispered.
Relief washed over his face. "Good girl."
Something warm bloomed in my chest at those words, spreading outward until it reached my fingertips. I ducked my head, suddenly shy, and finished the cocoa.
"First things first," Dion said, standing up. "You need to relax those muscles before they seize up completely. Fighting takes a toll on the body, especially when adrenaline's involved." He held out his hand. "Come on."
I took it, letting him pull me to my feet. He led me through the house to a spacious master bedroom, then into an adjoining bathroom where a large soaking tub dominated one corner.
"Wait here," he instructed, then disappeared back into the bedroom.
I stood awkwardly in the middle of the gleaming bathroom, hugging myself as I listened to him moving around in the other room. When he returned, he carried a fluffy bathrobe, a t-shirt, and what looked like sleep shorts.
"These will be big on you, but they're clean," he said, setting them on the counter. Then he turned to the tub and started filling it, adding something from a bottle that immediately sent the scent of lavender wafting through the air.
"Epsom salts," he explained, catching my questioning look. "Good for sore muscles."
He tested the water temperature with his wrist, adjusting the taps until he was satisfied. Then he straightened and turned to me.
"Take as long as you need. There are towels in that cabinet, and I put some soap and shampoo on the edge of the tub. I'll be right outside if you need anything."
The tenderness in his voice made my throat tight. "Thank you," I managed.
Dion nodded, his eyes softening as they met mine. Then he stepped past me toward the door.
"Dion?" I called before he could leave.
He turned, one eyebrow raised in question.
"Could you..." I swallowed, suddenly terrified he would leave. "... stay with me?" The words tumbled out before I could stop them, and I felt my cheeks flush hot with embarrassment. "I mean, just until I'm in the tub. I don't... I can't..." I couldn't articulate the paralyzing fear of being alone, even in this secure bathroom.
Understanding dawned in his eyes. "Of course. I'll sit right here." He pulled a small stool from beside the vanity and positioned it near the tub, facing away. "I'll keep my back turned. You just tell me when you're settled."
Relief washed over me like a physical thing. I quickly shed my clothes, wincing at the bruises already forming on my arms where those men had grabbed me. The water was perfectly hot, just shy of scalding, and I couldn't hold back a small moan as I sank into it.
"Okay," I said softly, once I was submerged to my shoulders in the fragrant water, bubbles providing additional modesty.
Dion didn't turn around, just nodded. "Good. How's the temperature?"
"Perfect," I admitted, letting my head rest against the edge of the tub. The lavender scent was already working its magic, making my eyelids heavy.
I watched his broad back, the way his shoulders strained against his t-shirt as he sat perfectly still, respecting my privacy while staying as I'd asked.
"Will you tell me the truth now?" he asked quietly. "About why they took you?"
I sank lower in the water, letting it lap at my chin. The question I'd been dreading. But after what had just happened, I owed him as much truth as I knew.
"I think it's something to do with my job," I whispered. "A pattern in some of the foster placements. Children have gonemissing after being placed with certain families. No one believed me when I reported it. They said I was overreacting, that the kids were just runaways."
"We went to see Margaret Holloway when you were reported missing. She seemed genuinely worried."
"Margaret is fabulous," I agreed. "But she retired the week I started back. My boss is Susan Martin." And I loathed her. My voice trembled, and I took a deep breath of lavender-scented steam before continuing.
"But I kept digging. I went to my boss’s boss eventually and got into a lot of trouble, but the families…” I paused.
