Page 56 of Intertwined Souls

Sometimes even when I refused to speak, I felt like I might be hurting the people I didn’t want to hurt. Until they would tell me it was okay. Or tell me that it didn’t matter if I never talked again or started talking a year from now.

Words matter. And now, I get to use my own words in ways I want that will impact someone I care deeply for. I can make my words matter in my own way.

Walking across the bathroom, I squat over her outstretched legs and tip her chin up with a single finger. “Are you worried about how Grayson, Ryker, and I might react to them?” I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

Harley nods, and a single tear runs down her cheek. With just that tear and her large, sad, hazel eyes, she is being vulnerable with me. She’s trusting me. That makes something in my chest flutter and before I can think twice about it, the words are spewing out.

“Baby girl, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. When I look at you, I see your scar.” I gently run my thumb over the scar on her cheek. “But it doesn’t take away from your beauty. It shows me how you are the epitome of strength and grace. We aren’t with you because you are flawless. We are with you because you bring us all a sense of peace that we’ve never had before.

“When I look at my brothers, I know I will always have them with me. Always. I can count on them for anything and everything. But then you came along and changed everything because not only do we always have each other, but now we have a home.”

Wiping the tears that are flowing down her cheeks, I make sure she is taking in everything I am saying as I focus on her glossy hazel eyes.

“You are our home, baby girl. Wherever you are is where we find peace and safety. So no, your scars do not change a thing. Will we be enraged that you have had to suffer so much? Yes. But it will never take away from what we see when we look at you. I swear that on my life.”

She sniffles, and a slow smile works its way over her lips. “You just said so much all at once, Cade,” Harley murmurs in awe.

Rolling my eyes, I grunt and stand back up, putting my hands out for her. She takes them, and I pull her up to her feet. “Now, you are going to take this t-shirt off and face the mirror for me.” Harley furrows her brows, but before she can protest, I press a finger against her lips and shake my head. “We don’t have that much time before we need to leave, so don’t argue with me.”

Harley pulls her t-shirt off and then hesitantly steps in front of the mirror over the vanity, giving me her back. Coming up behind her, I grasp her hips and then bend down and press my lips against the scar on her shoulder, locking eyes with her through the mirror.

Then I continue on, running my fingers over the scars that are scattered on her back. Some clearly from a whip, some from a belt, and there are knife cuts everywhere. The fury I feel for her burns me from the inside out, and I have to remind myself this is about her and making her feel good.

The rest can come later when someday I get to face Tammy and give her a taste of her own medicine.

My lips follow the path of my fingers and I kiss every scar on her back. By the time I stand up straight again, Harley has her eyes closed and slowly blinks them open.

“Thank you,” she says softly, her passionate gaze meeting mine.

Spinning her around, I grip the side of her neck and kiss her, giving her everything I have. Pulling back, I gently bite her bottom lip and then soothe it with my tongue before murmuring, “Now go out there, put on your dress, and let us show you just how perfect you are.”

“Okay,” she breathes, dazed.

Harley takes a breath, straightens her shoulders, and heads to the door.

A small smile graces my lips as I watch the strength my girl has rise back to the surface and she yet again shows all of us how fucking amazing she truly is.

Chapter Fourteen

Ryker

Cade didn’t explain what Harley was struggling with. He just said that she needed some reassurance and not to worry about it. The bastard is always so close-lipped. I can’t help that I’m nosey and want to know everything.

Now we are in the club’s main room waiting for Harley to come downstairs so we can leave. The sound of heels on the wooden steps of the stairs draws my attention.

All the ladies, including Lex, come into the room, but none of them matter when my redheaded goddess walks around the corner. She is my dream girl. My little flame. The love of my fucking life. Her crimson dress flows softly to the ground, and with the high slit we get a view of her toned leg and the black strappy heels she has on. Her hair is pulled back at the top into some chunky braids and then flows down her back in beautiful curls.

She is only wearing very minimal makeup, so the small smattering of freckles on her face is glowing as I approach her. Stopping an inch away from her, I just stare at her until her cheeks tint pink and she clears her throat.

Harley murmurs, “You guys all look really fucking good.”

“You look beautiful, Harley. Speechlessly so,” Grayson all but purrs from my right.

Cade comes up on my left and leans down, placing a soft kiss on her shoulder where a scar sits and whispers, “I’m so fucking proud of you. You are gorgeous.”

Harley beams at his praise and then glances back up at me. “Are you alright, Ry?”

Blinking, I remember that I still have yet to say anything. “I don’t think I can form any words. Give me some time.”

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