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Without thinking, I pull her into my arms, holding her close against my chest. Her body trembles, and she clings to me, her fingernails digging into my back while I stroke her hair. Fury wells inside me, imagining what that bastard Oliver did to make her this way. It took too long, and she had to get hurt for her to return to me.

“Shhh, I’ve got you.”

She melts against me, her body molding to mine like two puzzle pieces fitting together.

After a long moment, I lean back to get a good look at her. With my thumb, I wipe away the streaks of mascara staining her cheeks. Then, keeping one arm around her back and the other under her knees, I lift her into my arms, carry her over to the sofa, and set her down against the cushions.

Gemma curls herself into the corner of the sofa, hugging one of the throw pillows against her chest.

She’s here.

I pour her a glass of water from the bar. “Drink this.”

She takes it with a nod, eyes lowered. I sit on the coffee table across from her, elbows on my knees.

“Tell me everything.”

Gemma shifts. Fresh tears pool in her eyes, threatening to spill over reddened cheeks.

“Tell me what happened, little gem.”

She swallows hard. “I was snooping around. Trying to find something to help get me out of this. But Oliver caught me going through his study. He...” Gemma’s words come out in a rush now, her voice wavering. “He dragged me out of there, and his grip was so tight around my wrist, I thought he might break it. And after everyone was gone… That’s when he slammed me against the wall and squeezed...” She chokes.

My hands clench into fists. That motherfucker. I’ll kill him for this.

Dissolving into sobs, she clutches at my shirt. “I can’t do this alone anymore. I’m so sorry. I never should have lied to you.”

“It’s fine.”

“No. I’m sorry I hurt you. It’s all because I messed up. I didn’t want to bring you into the mess I—”

I cup her face in my hands, cutting off her rambling with a tender kiss. The taste of her tears is salty on my tongue. She melts into me, her fingers digging almost desperately into my shoulders. I can feel the frantic beat of her heart against my chest.

After a long moment, I break the kiss and lean my forehead against hers. Her eyes are still closed.

“Want to take a shower, little gem?” I murmur. “It’ll make you feel better.”

Gemma’s eyes flutter open to meet mine. “I don’t want to be alone.”

“You won’t.” In one smooth motion, I sweep her up into my arms. She wraps her arms around my neck and lays her head on my shoulder as I carry her through the bedroom and into the adjoining bathroom.

I set Gemma down on the edge of the tub and turn on the water, adjusting it until steam starts to fill the room. When I turn back around, she’s staring at the floor tiles.

Kneeling in front of her, I grasp her hands in mine. “Hey. Look at me.”

Slowly, she lifts her eyes to meet mine.

“You’re safe now. I won’t let him hurt you again, I promise.”

She gives a small nod, and I brush my lips over her knuckles before standing up. I help Gemma out of her wrinkled dress, unable to stop my blood pressure from rising, when I see the faint bruises already forming on her slim wrists and the finger marks on her neck. That bastard is going to pay for every single mark on her body.

Once we’re both undressed, I guide Gemma into the shower. She stands under the hot spray, eyes closed, while I gently wash away the lingering evidence of what she’s endured this night. I massage shampoo into her golden hair until the suds run clear.

When I’m satisfied every trace of that monster has been erased from her skin, I reach to turn off the water, but Gemma stops me, her hand circling my wrist.

I see the glint of gold on her finger, and my blood boils. The claim Oliver has staked on what is mine.

Reaching down, I take Gemma’s hand in mine, sliding the disgusting piece off her slender finger and flinging it away. The ring clatters against the tile floor and rolls to a stop in the corner. Good fucking riddance.

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