“That’s alright.If you’re not strong enough, I’ll carry you.”
A sob burst from her again and she threw her arms around his neck, crying into his shoulder.How?The question ricocheted around in his brain.How could someone have done this to her?How could he take her pain away?How could he help her?
Benson hardly made a sound as he entered and deposited a tea tray on the table.Silent communication passed between them as their gazes met, and he knew the man would be just outside the door if he needed him.Thankfully, Samantha hadn’t heard anything.He wrapped his arms around her, trying to provide some of his strength.Even he didn’t feel strong enough for what she was going through.It wasn’t fair that she had to suffer so much pain.
Slowly, her crying eased and the stiffness in her body gradually relaxed.After a while, she sat up and looked into his eyes.She didn’t say anything, but he could hear the questions.Why was he doing this?What must he think of her?There had to be a part of her that worried he was no better than the man in the sketchbook.After a long moment, she leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.
“Thank you for carrying me.”
“Thank you for allowing me to.”
“I’m sorry I?—”
“No apologies.You haven’t done anything wrong.”
“Well, that certainly isn’t true.At the very least, I frightened you, and I’m sorry for that.”
He nodded, breathing a deep sigh.She had frightened him.More than she could possibly know.But that wasn’t her intention.
“We’ll find a better way for you to feel.”
“How?”Her voice was hoarse.
“I don’t know yet, but we will.I want you to promise me that if you have a desire to hurt yourself again, you’ll tell me.I will find another way.Will you promise me that?”
She swallowed, her brow furrowed.“You have more important things to take care of than me, Trent.”
He shook his head.“I don’t care what I’m doing.If I’m out on the estate working, send someone to find me, and I will come.If I’m asleep, wake me.”She looked confused, but he needed her word.“Promise me?”
After a long moment, she nodded.“I promise.”
“Thank you.”
She scoffed.“Thank you, Trent.”
“I need to go down to Maggie.She doesn’t eat when I’m not there.Would you like to join us?”
“No, thank you.I’m tired and…”
She didn’t have to finish.He nodded his understanding.
He hated to leave her, but he had Maggie to think about too.She was already feeling neglected as of late.“I’m not leaving you alone, though.I’m going to send Benson in.”
Her eyes grew wide with alarm.He took her hand and shook his head.“I will never leave you with someone who would cause you harm.Benson is kind, gentle, and nurturing.You don’t even need to engage with him.If you’d prefer, he’ll just stand by the door, but I trust him more than anyone else in this house.”
She wiped the residual tears from her cheeks.“I must look a fright.”
“You look beautiful.”She did, despite the swollen eyes and short, jagged brown hair.Hopefully she wouldn’t regret that.“Besides, Benson isn’t going to be here to look at you.He’ll be here to make sure you have everything you need.”
Trent stood and settled her into the chair.He squeezed her hands before walking to the door.
“Will you please see that Samantha has everything she needs?”
“Of course I will.”
“Good man.”He clapped Benson on the shoulder and started for his own room.
Did he just say good man?A smile tugged at his lips.Perhaps he really was Ash’s brother.
