If we find them before the police do.
I’m not sure what happens next. Maybe it’s the gentleness of my voice. Or the way I couldn’t bring myself to use the word “rape” or something else. But it’s like a dam breaks free.
Before I can say anything else, her tears come in a rush, as if she’s been holding them back all this time. Long, loud sobs that come from somewhere deep in her chest. She covers her face with her hands and cries like she might never stop.
For a moment, I’m frozen, unsure what to do, if anything.
But then I can’t stop myself and I reach out a tentative hand.
“Can I…touch you, Allora?”
She nods through her tears and I move, so I’m sitting on the edge of the hospital bed. Then I pull her close and wrap my arms around her tightly, letting her get out as much emotion as she needs to. I won’t pretend to know what it’s like to be violated the way she was, but I believe I’d want someone to hold me in the aftermath.
So that’s what I do.
And she cries for a long time.
Daniil appears in the doorway but I give a slight shake of my head, letting him know this isn’t the time. So, he backs away and I go back to focusing on the task at hand.
Holding her.
Letting her get as much pain out of her system as possible.
There probably isn’t anything anyone can really do other than be available. Healing from this kind of thing will take time.She’s still in shock, still trying to come to terms with everything that happened, and we’re strangers. Even though it doesn’t feel like it at the moment.
Her trembling body is soft and warm against mine, nestled against my chest like she’ll never move. And that’s fine with me. I’m as drawn to her now as I was when I saw her at that gas station, and hearing her cry like this guts me. My stomach knots as she continues to sob into my chest. I lift one hand to stroke her hair, wishing I could take some of the pain from her.
I’m so involved in what I’m doing I don’t notice the man standing in the doorway to her room until he growls, “Get your fucking hands off my daughter.”
Chapter Four
Allora
The sound of my father’s thunderous voice makes me jump, but not in fear. He just startled me. I’m well aware of his temper, though, and that’s the last thing I need tonight, so I quickly lift my head, brushing at my tears.
“Dad, I?—”
“Who the fuck are you? If you don’t get your hands off her—” Dad is marching toward Grim like he’s going to do something obnoxious.
“Dad!” Despite my breakdown, I find a way to gather my wits and yell loud enough to stop him in his tracks. “This is Landon. He’s the one who rescued me.”
Dad’s face is tight, eyes narrowed, as he assesses the situation.
“From what?” he demands.
I pull in a shaky breath. “I was kidnapped two nights ago.”
“Kidnapped?” He looks confused. “What the hell are you talking about, Allora?”
“Dad, could you just sit down and…let me explain?”
He stalks over to the bed and lifts my chin, staring into my face. “This guy better not be involved.”
I scowl. “Of course not! Jesus.” I huff, even though I can barely breathe because I’m so stuffed up.
“I’m Landon Grimshaw.” Grim extends his hand. “I’m sorry we’re meeting under these circumstances.”
Dad eyes him for a beat before slowly taking his hand. “What circumstances, exactly, are we talking about?”
