Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 100470 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100470 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Closing my eyes, I breathe through the throbbing reminder of Logan’s rape, trying desperately not to break down.
I can do this.
I’m safe.
Warm hands clutch onto mine and then I’m being pulled to my feet. Rowdy’s strong arm slides around my waist as he assists me the rest of the way down. I lean against him, soaking in his strength, hoping just a little bit will rub off on me.
“I’ve got you,” Ryder rumbles. “You’re okay.”
It’s like he knows I’m struggling with a lot more than just a fall down the hill. The pain I’m feeling, yes, is physical, but there’s a whole mental aspect to it that keeps fucking with me.
What will Ryder think when I tell him about me and Raegan?
Will he hate us?
I can almost see his handsome face twisted into one of pain. It makes me sick to even think about. Maybe we can forget about everything that happened with Michael’s psychopathic cult.
That would be amazing.
Forget the sex with my sister. Forget the rape. Forget the lifeless baby I was forced to bury.
“Hey,” Ryder says, snapping his fingers in my face. “You’re out of it. What’s going on?”
His concern sends warmth coursing through me. Unable to stop myself, I pull him to me for a fierce hug. I bury my nose against his neck, inhaling his woodsy scent. He rubs his palm up and down my back, offering me the comfort I so desperately need.
I wish he could hold me like this forever.
I’m home in his arms—safe, protected, intensely loved.
All too soon, Ryder pulls away and studies me. “I’m going to get our tent set up. Just sit beside Dez and rest. We’ll take care of you guys.”
I give him a nod before joining my sister, who sits with her head bowed, absently rubbing at her hands that are stained with Jace’s blood. Kristen gives me a sad smile before searching for some sticks to use for the campfire. Rowdy and Ryder make quick work of erecting our one and only tent. It’s going to be a tight squeeze with the five of us inside.
By the time night falls, we have a nice, warm fire going and are munching away on the food Ryder had packed in his bag. It’s nice being able to actually see for a change. Knowing Ryder thought to bring my glasses with him just makes me love him a little more if that’s even possible.
“You have to eat something,” Rowdy urges Destiny. “Please.”
He hovers over her, watching her every move—which is very little—as though she might vanish if he blinks. When she doesn’t open her mouth or attempt to eat, he scrubs a palm over his face, a weary expression taking over.
“Come on. Time for bed,” he says with a grunt. “You get a pass tonight, but you have to eat something in the morning.”
The unspoken “or I’ll force it down your throat” hangs in the air.
I shudder. Kristen looks away, shivering. Ryder frowns.
But Destiny?
She doesn’t move or flinch.
He scoops her into his arms again before striding over to the unzipped tent. Kristen reaches over to tug at my sleeve, eyes pleading for me to go to the tent with her. After being with Logan for so long, I don’t understand why she seems creeped out by my brother. He’s harmless.
“I’m beat,” I say with a grunt as I stand. “Ry, you coming?”
His narrowed eyes dart to where Kristen’s hand slides inside mine. He stares a beat longer, nostrils flaring, before also standing.
He stalks ahead of us toward the tent. Kristen steps inside next with me following after. There’s enough glow from the campfire that I can see the tight sleeping arrangements well. Rowdy is to the far left, Destiny tucked protectively at his side, whereas Ryder is on the far right. Since we only have the one sleeping bag, they unzipped it and spread it across the bottom of the tent for padding, but we won’t have anything to cover up with tonight.
“Put the girls in the middle where it’s safe,” Ryder instructs.
Kristen stretches out on her side beside Destiny and I’m left with a tiny sliver of space between her and Ryder. I’m also unable to lie flat on my back and end up on my side as well. As soon as I relax, Ryder’s warmth envelops me from behind and his arm hooks over me, pulling me closer into his embrace.
Snuggling with Ryder is the best thing that’s happened to me in what feels like forever. His muscular body molds to mine, freely sharing his body heat. Easily, I’m able to drift to sleep with his safe hold around me.
Logan’s dick presses against my ass as he snakes his palm under my shirt. Fear surges through me, cold and numbing. I can’t move. Soon, he’ll rip my jeans away and push his dick inside of me. All the soreness that’s been trying to heal will be reopened, making me bleed…hopefully to death.