I inhale her hair and kiss her neck. Her skin is so smooth, and she smells heavenly. Lying here in the dark, I can almost pretend she’s not covered in another man’s bruises.
I’m aware of her tiny legs against mine and the swell of her breasts above my forearms. I listen to her breathing and memorize the way her chest rises and falls. I wonder if the little whimpers she makes are from pain or if she always sounds like that in her sleep.
Though my T-shirt is long on her, it rose up when she settled on the bed, and her naked bottom is nestled against my thigh. I don’t dare move a muscle. This is my new reality. The only thing I will change about this sleeping arrangement in the future is the T-shirt. I’d rather hold her naked.
It takes my mind forever to slow down before I finally fall asleep.
Chapter 6
Simone
* * *
Two things happen at the same time when I open my eyes. One, I quickly remember where I am, thank God. And two, everything hurts, especially one of my eyes. I moan before I can stop myself.
Camden is behind me. His arms are wrapped around me, holding me close. He eases his arm out from under my breasts and strokes my bicep. “Where does it hurt, Baby girl?”
“Everywhere,” I whimper. The room is filled with sunlight. It’s probably mid-morning. Also, I need to pee.
He leans over me. “I’m going to go downstairs and get you some juice so you can take some more painkillers.”
“Okay.” I miss his warmth immediately, and I moan again as I push to sitting.
“Stay there, Little one,” he orders as he pulls a T-shirt over his head.
I only have one good eye. The other is swollen shut entirely now. But I can see well enough to know I’d rather he didn’t put that shirt on. I’ve never seen Camden’s chest. I’ve never seen his legs, either. He’s fit, and heavens… Hotter than I imagined.
I slide off the edge of the bed. “Have to go potty.”
“Ah, okay.” He hurries over to the attached master bathroom and reaches in to flip on the lights. “You okay alone?”
I nod as I rush past him, shove him out of the way, and shut the door. If he’s half as overbearing as Jameson, he’ll want to accompany me to the bathroom. I’m not ready for that yet.
He chuckles on the other side of the door before I assume he walks away.
I quickly pee in the attached smaller room that contains only the toilet, and then I wash my hands in the bathroom before looking up in the mirror.
And gasp.
Holy fuck. I look much worse than last night. My face is so swollen on one side that I can’t even recognize myself, and around my eye is a mix of black and blue. I look down at my arms and legs. There are bruises all over from fighting against my assailant. Most of them are obviously from that fucker gripping me. My elbows are tight. There are abrasions on them I didn’t notice last night, too.
Without thinking, I pull off my T-shirt and move to the full-length mirror attached to the back of the door.
Blue circles have formed on my breasts, and I honestly don’t remember him grabbing my boobs that many times. My thighs have similar markings. When I turn around to look at my back, there are numerous red scrapes. I think those are from being dragged across the ground.
My face is definitely the worst. It’s going to take some time before I’ll be able to show myself anywhere. And shit. I’ve got interviews lined up for internships. I’ll have to cancel them.
Emotions well up inside me. I try to tamp them down, but I can’t stop the onslaught of anger and sadness. I’m pissed at myself. In the light of day, I can’t believe I told the police officer I didn’t want them to pursue my assailant.
It doesn’t matter, of course. Camden asked so many questions about my rights that I grasp them better now. I have none. The state decides if they want to prosecute. I’m nobody in this situation. Just the victim.
There’s a brief knock on the door before it opens.
I don’t even consider covering myself. He saw me naked last night. He’s not likely to give me privacy. I’d be shocked if he did.
My tears still fall, though, as I meet his gaze.
He comes to me and wraps me in his arms. “You’ll heal, Baby girl. I promise.”
