Page 10 of Carver’s Crusade

I shift forward, resting my forearms on my thighs, lowering my voice even though she can’t hear me.

“You’re okay,” I murmur, more for me than her. “I won’t let anyone hurt you. I promise.”

She stirs slightly but doesn’t wake, but her breathing deepens.

Good.

I watch her for another long moment, memorizing the calm version of her, committing it to memory like it’s something I might need later. Because I know—whoever caused that nightmare is still out there and still a danger to her.

And something inside me… something I don’t question… already knows one thing for sure.

I’m not letting him touch her again.

By the time the sun shines through the blinds, I’ve managed about two hours of sleep. It’s not much, but it will suffice. Besides, it was worth it. When I exit the restroom, I see Raven stir.

Her fingers twitch against the blanket as her breathing changes. When her eyes open, the brilliant green against her warm skin has me freezing in my tracks. She looks ethereal in the morning light, like a figment only my imagination could conjure.

“Hey,” I say quietly.

She swallows as she glances around the room, as if trying to remember where she is. I see the hint of panic flash over her features before they shift into pain as she reaches for her throat.

“Sore?” I ask.

She grimaces before nodding. “I feel like I’ve swallowed glass.”

“Yeah, it will feel like that for a few days. But it will lessen. Do you want me to get you something? Water? Tea?”

“Water,” she croaks.

I fill her water glass and hold the straw up for her to drink. She takes several sips before lying back against her pillows.

“What time is it?” she asks.

“Almost eight. Tally said she’d be by at nine to check on you. She’ll probably spring you this morning. Are you hungry? I can see about getting you breakfast.”

Before she can respond, there is a knock at the door, and the person on the other side pushes it open. A hospital worker steps in carrying a tray. On it is a mug with a small carafe, a covered plate, and silverware.

“Good morning. Dr. Chambers ordered this breakfast for you,” she says, placing the tray on the table that I swung into place. She lifts the lid before backing away. “There’s hot water and tea bags. She wanted you to have only soft food, so there are scrambled eggs and hash browns. I can get you oatmeal if you prefer.”

“This looks good. Thank you,” Raven says, offering a soft smile.

Once she leaves, I sit back down and watch Raven take a tentative bite of eggs. She chews before swallowing. She flinches, but spoons in another mouthful.

I sit quietly until she eats half her breakfast, before washing it down with a cup of tea spiked with honey.

“Do you remember anything more about what happened to you?” I ask her.

She immediately shakes her head.

“You mumbled the name Tony in your sleep. Was that who hurt you?”

Raven freezes with her fork halfway to her mouth. “Tony? Huh. I don’t remember that name.”

She’s lying. I don’t know how I know, but I do.

“Right,” I say. Rather than push her, I sit back and let her finish eating. I study her while she casts uneasy glances in my direction. She knows I don’t believe her. I’m hoping my silence gets her talking, but I soon realize that she’s not going to break so easily.

Before I can press her again, the door opens to allow Tally and Shield entry.