Page 76 of Ruling the Green

“It’s okay. You’re going to feel better in one second. Can I take off your shirt?” I asked as I sat her on the edge of the tub.

She gave me a small nod, like it took all her strength to do it.

I didn’t waste time trying to pry the soaking material up. I reached for my knife, slicing off the straps, then cutting it right up the center.

I tried not to notice.

On the throne, I swear I did.

But it was impossible not to see the soft swells of her breasts, the tight twists of her nipples.

My body stirred, but I glanced back at her wrists to remind myself how hurt she was.

I pulled off the shirt, then helped her to her feet, yanking down her underwear, then guiding her into the tub.

She lowered down, whimpering as the water lapped up around her. I didn’t know if she was responding to the cool water or pain as it moved over her wounds.

“It’s okay. You’re going to feel better,” I said, hoping I was right. “Just settle in.”

“Come in with me?” she asked, voice tiny.

That was the last thing I needed.

But I couldn’t deny her such a simple request, could I?

I stripped off my shirt, slid down my pants, but kept on my underwear as I stepped into the giant bathtub with her. Reaching, I pulled her between my legs to settle against my chest.

She settled instantly, her eyes sliding shut. Likely to try to hide the fact that she was crying. But from over her shoulder, there was no missing them as they slid down her cheeks.

I wrapped my arms around her—one across her upper chest, the other around her waist, holding her tight.

I wasn’t a soft man.

I didn’t have words of comfort.

I didn’t know how to handle tears, never having been allowed to shed any myself.

But I could be there. I could hold her. I could let her know she wasn’t alone.

It wasn’t long before her silent sobs rocked her body, making the water lap up over the sides of the tub. “He… he was going to…”

“Shh.”

“I burned him with the iron… there,” she choked out between sobs.

“That’s my girl.”

“But then he… he was going to…”

“I know, baby. I know.”

There were no more words then, just tears and soft cries that seemed to create little cracks in my heart.

Eventually, though, the sobs eased and the tears ceased.

“Can you lift your hand for me?” I asked, wanting to know how much healing the water could do for her.

When her hand lifted, water cascaded down from a small red wound around her wrist.