My insides churned. How did I give her what she deserved and missed? “Come here.” I drew her into my embrace, and she willingly came. Without thinking, I slid one hand around her back and the other under her thighs and lifted her against my body. Her hands went around my neck, her legs around my waist, her eyes locking with mine. “I’m sorry.” I apologized for everything she’d suffered.
As if she understood, she leaned her brow against mine. “Thank you,” she murmured. “For everything.
No more words were needed. I carried her back to the car, where Ramone stood with the door open.
Chapter 27 – Cinder
Three Weeks Later
In the last six weeks under Xavier’s care, my wounds healed, the bandages came off, and even though some cuts still throbbed when touched, they didn’t keep me up at night. I’d also started learning to take care of myself. After my first mistake in the bathroom, I learned to use the toilet, the shower and also soaked in the tub with nice smelling bath salts. Except for the shopping trip to get me clothes, and no matter how many times Xavier asked, I never left the room again. I preferred to stand at the window and stare into the pretty gardens. Once Xavier took me out onto the large balcony, though, I’d go out there to paint and dance in the rain.
For company, I had Beth and John. Both were so kind and sweet, it was easy to respond to them. Sometimes they visited with a book to read with me or a dessert, as Beth called it. Besides soup, I’d never eaten any sweet things before, so it took a while to get used to some of the food they offered me because it affected my tummy. To help, Beth would make the most delicious soups so I had something different to eat.
Other than Xavier’s son, the only other person I met was Rhett. He visited a few times and shared some stories he’d laugh at, then paused when I didn’t. Once, he asked why I never laughed, and when I said I don’t know how to, it was the first time since I met him that he never smiled. Almost like he felt sorry for me, yet he never pushed me for more. I enjoyed his company, especially watching movies with him, unlike Xavier, who preferred to read with me. But just like Xavier, Rhett never tired of my endless questions about things I didn’t understand.
Strange noises still frightened me, and sometimes I awoke thinking I was back in the green room. Some nights I woke to find Xavier on the sofa reading. According to him, I either cried out in my sleep or tossed and turned when he came to check on me. I felt safe knowing he was there.
Twice, I ended up back in his room, sitting on the floor with my hand on his chest while he slept. For some reason, his heartbeat always seemed to calm me down. Both times, though, I woke to find myself in his bed, lying with my head on his chest or his large frame curved around my back.
Just like that first time, my body reacted, and I ran, seeking the comfort of my bed. Even though he never mentioned me calling him Master again, I often found Xavier watching me, his expression confusing. I’d never had a man look at me like that before, and it made me curious as to what he was thinking when he did.
Now, we sat in a room I’d learned to call my own, with me on the bed and Xavier on the sofa. Magazines and books lay scattered around me because he wanted me to choose a name. There were too many to decide. Over the last two hours, he’d taught me different things I’d never known existed. Some I’d read in stories, so I recognized the words, but seeing what they looked like was an enjoyable lesson, especially with Xavier teaching me.
The more time I spent with him, the more I looked forward to his visits. He was always patient when I asked him to repeat explanations and never got tired if I forgot something. I liked how he laughed whenever I pointed to one thing while he showed me something else.
“Have you decided on a name?” He set aside the book he was reading to look at me.
“There are too many names to choose,” I said quietly.
Rising, he neared the bed, sat beside me, and reached for one of the books. “You didn’t find one that you like?” He paged through. I shook my head. “Okay, I’ll give you another day.” He smiled. “What about taking a walk in the garden?”
I glanced down at my fingers. For so long, I’d wanted freedom. Now that I had it, why was I scared?
“Hey.” He slid a finger under my chin and lifted until my gaze met his again. “You’ve known that little room for so long. Naturally, you’d fear something different. However, there are two words you need to learn.”
“What’s that?”
