But something happened the moment she married Jason and moved away.Now she knew what broke her sister.
Hunter moved toward the door, leaving the dog behind.Annie met his eyes and mouthed, "Thank you."
He gave a small nod, then stepped out of the room, leaving her with hope that her sister would get better and offering her comfort in the form of a dog.
Chapter 8
Leigh's breathing hadfinally evened out.Annie sat on the edge of the bed, watching her sister sleep, one hand resting lightly on Alanis's back.The dog had curled up beside Leigh, her head tucked against her ribs like she knew precisely where Leigh hurt.
Alanis?That was a unique name for a dog, and she wondered if Hunter had picked it out.
Annie exhaled slowly.Tonight, she felt like she could breathe a little deeper without feeling as if she was about to break into a million pieces.
Seeing her sister stay awake, petting the dog, had helped her believe everything would be okay.That somehow, someway, she was going to get her sister away from Jason, where she could live a life without constant abuse and shame.
She inhaled deeply.Staying here felt oddly comforting, even though she knew this was a clubhouse for a motorcycle club.But anywhere was better than being with Jason.No one here was trying to hurt or threaten them.
She moved away from her sister and stood up, stretching her back.Wanting to use the bathroom, she stepped out of the bedroom and entered the small bathroom, closing the door with a soft click.
Avoiding the mirror, she used the toilet, washed, and walked back out.
Hunter was on the couch, one arm draped over the back, his eyes on the muted television.
She hesitated, then walked over and sat on the opposite end of the sofa.
He glanced at her, then back at the screen.
The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable.She'd discovered that he hated to talk, even though he had no problems speaking.He relied on gestures and facial expressions to communicate, which led her to believe he didn't know sign language.
Annie tucked her hands under her legs and leaned back.When she caught Hunter looking at her again, she said, "She's asleep."
Hunter nodded.
"The dog helped."A faint smile tugged at her lips."Thank you."
He shrugged."Not my dog."
