Gracie’s eyes flashed to mine; I saw panic in them. “It’s okay, I have seen you naked.”
I smiled at her but was well aware of her fear. Fear of me seeing the carnage his attack had left over her body.
Brad nodded and Martha bent down and kissed Gracie’s cheek. She winced in pain at the light touch and my heart broke for her. I watched as they walked out and the nurse followed, leaving Gracie and I alone.
I swear she became mute as soon as they left, she sat staring down at our hands. Finally, she spoke. “You found me, didn’t you?”
I nodded. “I did, babe. I knew in my gut something was wrong when you didn’t come for my physio.”
I leaned forward and lifted her head up lightly, drawing her beautiful ice blue eyes to mine. They were filled with worry. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m so sorry that you had to see me like that.” She began to shake, tears fell softly from her eyes, staining her cheeks.
“Babe, fuck.” I didn’t know what else to say. All I could do was stare at her eyes which took a part of my soul with each blink.
“You never agreed to this broken me, so I understand…..”
Anger coiled inside me as I looked into her eyes, my anger danced on each syllable.
“You understand what?”
“If you wanted to go.” She pulled her hands from mine; her eyes fell away from mine.
“Gracie, what the fuck? I don’t want to go anywhere!” What was she getting at? Did she honestly believe I would turn my back on her because of the damage a gutless asshole had caused? Or did she think I’d want to leave because seeing her that way brought back memories of Ari that I didn’t want to deal with?
After everything she’d been through, she was awake and I’d soon be able to take her away from here. It was the only thing keeping me sane.
“You don’t owe me anything, Kaden, you don’t need to try and save me. I’m beyond lost and far from fixable.” Her head was lowered as she spoke, there was so much pain in her voice.
I stood in such a rush; I sent the chair flying backward. My hands cupped her face, making her look at me.
“I’m not going anywhere. Ever. You hear me, Gracie? You’re mine. Nothing, absolutely nothing will keep me from you. So, stop, don’t you dare try and push me away.”
“But I don’t want to hurt you, being like this could send you back down into the dark. I don’t want you to look at me through haunted eyes, Kaden.” Her eyes swelled up with tears. “I don’t want you to regret this, looking after me when I was supposed to be the one looking after you.”
She could say what she wanted, protest all she wanted, but I wasn’t turning my back on her. Not now. Not ever. She was all that mattered to me. As far as I was concerned, my life revolved around her now. Keeping her safe. Healing her. Loving her and taking her away from here.
EPILOGUE
GRACIE-MAY
Waking up looking into his eyes was perfect, they showed gentle concern. He could see me falling apart and was silently begging me to stay with him. He leaned down and kissed my forehead, his scent engulfed me, sending me into a place of pure bliss. To a place where no one could hurt me, hurt us. We keep each other here, alive, breathing and feeling.
He settled his hand lightly on my shoulder and instead of flinching like I usually did, I was soothed by his touch. I didn’t fear him in any way, but my body wasn’t conditioned to feel touch in a beautiful way, I was used to violence.
He left his hand where it was and spoke in such a soft voice, I felt his words calming me. It was his tone even more than the actual words which soothed me. It felt as if I was wrapped in a blanket of his caring.
“Gracie, I’m in love with your smile.” He feathered a kiss on my lips.
“Kaden, I’m in love with your voice.” I brushed another kiss against his lips.
His arms wrapped me in safety, his eyes held longing.
“Gracie, I’m in love with your body.” He feathered his fingertips down my arms.
I smiled at the knowledge, it set my feelings on fire.
“Kaden I’m in love with your eyes.” I kissed each of his lids.
