“I was? Oh no, did I wake you? I’m so sorry.”
“You didn’t wake me,” Kellan said. “I was already awake.”
“Oh, right. That’s good.”
“Can you tell us about the nightmare?” Eli asked.
“No.” She stared down at her hands which she had twisted together. “I don’t remember.”
“Are you lying?” Kellan asked.
She sucked in a breath and let it out slowly. Eli rubbed his hand up and down her back, trying to massage any tight muscles that he found.
“Oh, that spot right there is good,” she said with a groan.
“Tell us about the nightmare,” Eli cajoled. “Maybe it will help.”
“I don’t want to talk about it. I don’t remember what it was. Although I can make a few guesses.”
“A few?” Kellan asked, sounding unimpressed. “How many nightmares do you have?”
“A few,” she said.
He snorted in response, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.
Eli just kept holding her and massaging her muscles. He could feel her melting against him.
“That’s it, baby. Just relax. Everything is all right. You’re going to be just fine. We’re here. We won’t let anyone hurt you.”
“People always hurt me,” she mumbled. “They hurt me and leave me and use me.”
God, his heart hurt for her.
When he glanced up at Kellan he could see the anger blazing from his eyes.
“Who did that to you?” Kellan asked.
She shook her head.
“Your father?” Eli asked.
She stiffened. They already knew the answer, but she’d just cinched it.
“That fucking asshole,” Eli muttered. “We won’t pressure you to tell us.”
Kellan let out a grunt of disapproval. But he was the one who’d just been telling Eli that he was being too pushy.
“But when you’re ready we’re here and we’ll listen. Okay?” Eli said
She nodded. But it wasn’t enough.
“Eyes on me,” he said firmly.
Her gaze moved up to his. “Good girl.” Eli cupped the underside of her chin and ran his thumb over her cheek. “We’re here for you. Tell me you understand.”
“Yes, I understand.”
He couldn’t help himself, he leaned in and lightly kissed her lips. Drawing back, he stared down at her, wanting to see if he made her uncomfortable in any way. The last thing he wanted was to scare her. Or to kiss her if she wasn’t fully awake and aware.
