Page 93 of The Quiet Witness

His gaze pinned her in place. “We don’t get over that, we just learn to live with the scars of life. However deep they run.”

Just like she was attempting to do.

“I can’t promise she’ll live. But I know you standing up for her means the world. You could have run, but you stayed by her side, you may have been the only one in her life.”

“I could never run.”

“I know, it’s not in your nature.” He pushed a strand of hair out of her face, touch lingering as he said. “I’m so damn proud of you.”

As much as the words grazed that gaping hole in her heart. The part of her that wanted to be seen. She knew he shouldn’t be. She should have responded differently.

“I tempted them…” Her voice fell away. “I thought that if I got the first one in, I’d somehow manage. All I did was light the fuse.”

The hand cupping her knee squeezed her lightly. “Look at me.” She did. “No.” He murmured. “You cannot sway people like that. They don’t function the way you do.”

Not us, her. Because Lucien himself fell outside of the categories. “The outcome was on his mind before he set foot in that parking lot. Long before you girls walked out of that class. The only variable was you. He wasn’t expecting to fight with a ferocious spitfire like you.” A pained smile took over. “Something I can at least relate to.”

“They got away.” Kate watched, witness to the way his jaw clenched. His green eyes darkened. The danger in them visible.

“Those three did not get away. Not by a long shot.”

They deserved it. Every second of what he would do. But to see it written on his face. She couldn’t help the answering shiver from running down her spine.

Handing her a towel, she used it to pat her face dry, breathing out in the softness of the cloth, she clenched it in her lap. Watching the scarlet streaks mix with water as Lucien sprayed around the tub until it gathered and swirled into the drain.

Kate stood and peeled off her leggings and socks with an ease she’d never expected to have in sharing the room with a man. But he didn’t look once while she shrugged on the clothes he’d brought in for her, his.

She’d kill for an actual bath, but for today it would have to make do.

Lucien dried the chess-colored floor while she hobbled over to the kitchen. Her throat was parched. In dire need of water, she rummaged through the fridge. But there was no bottle to be found. She rested against the aluminum of the door, frowning.

“Here.” Lucien stood behind her, grabbing a bottle off the counter. He took off the lid and offered it to her.

“Thank you.”

He merely nodded, leaning against the counter while she took deep gulps, enjoying how it soothed the ache in her throat.

“You should go to sleep, sweetheart.”

“I know, it’s just…”

That sleep will undoubtedly make it worse. Her hand clenched around the bottle, plastic crackling in her grasp.

“Want me to stay with you, just for tonight?”

Her eyes lit up, she swallowed. “I know it’s stupid but…”

She needed him tonight. Needed his presence to ground her if the nightmares would visit.

“Nonsense. I’m here for you.”

“I know.” She sank down on the couch. Not a second later, Ghost jumped up to lean against her side, resting his chin on her lap.

The couch dipped beside her, and Lucien’s calloused hand gently guided her head to fit below his chin. Warmth on both sides and two heartbeats calming her down, Kate finally closed her eyes.

All while Ghost kept his eyes glued firmly on Lucien’s.

Chapter 38