Page 48 of Keeper of Secrets

“It’s all right, love.”He left the window, striding to Chloe.He had his jacket off by the time he reached her, the back of it shredded from the whip.But it would still cover and warm her, and so he dropped it about her shoulders and pulled her into his arms.“I’m here.”

“He was going to…” She let out a soft sob, burying her face in his shoulder.

“Did he hurt you?”

She shook her head.“No.You came just in time.I… how did you…”

“That doesn’t matter.What I need you to know is that I will always come for you.Always.”

She wrapped her arm around his neck.“I was so frightened.”

He cursed himself, a hundred times the fool.He’d brought her into this.She never would have been part of it otherwise.He could see that now.

He’d been so stupid trying to protect the club when he should have been protecting her.

“He said I was a whore,” she whispered, her voice breaking.“He said that your club was full of sin and that you all deserved to be scourged.”

He held her tighter as he swung her into his arms, his back protesting, though he ignored the pain.

She must have felt his grimace though.“What’s wrong?”she asked, her fingers splaying out on his neck.

His back was likely a mess, not that he was setting her down.He’d carry her through the pain.She deserved nothing less and he’d be the man she needed in this moment.

But as he held her close, he couldn’t help but think Adam was at least partially right.He’d been living the wrong life.He could see that now.A life of sin and degradation only led to pain and danger.… It was time to change.

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

Ryker hadChloe home within an hour.

They’d been delayed as he’d searched Adam’s room, and then he and the driver had emptied the sparse contents, taking them back home for Ryker to inspect again later.

He’d also paid the innkeeper generously for the damage and promised more coin if Adam returned and she sent word.

Chloe had never been happier to see Ryker’s home and hear the clang of the gates.

It was late, the house dark.Ryker carried her inside, bringing her up the stairs.He didn’t hesitate, taking her into her room and setting her on her bed.Then he lit several candles before returning to her side.She hadn’t moved a finger, she realized, as he brushed his palm down her cheek.“Let me undo that dress for you.”

She turned, feeling nearly numb as his fingers deftly worked the buttons, the gown falling away as he started pulling at the strings of her corset.Layer by layer, he stripped off her clothes, even rolling down her stockings until she wore nothing but her chemise.

He turned his back on her and that was the moment she came to life.“You can’t leave me.”She could hear the fear lacing her voice as she stood from the bed, her legs wobbling.“Please, Ryker.I’m frightened.”

A string of curses filled the room as he turned back to her.“I’m not going anywhere, love.Just undressing.”

She sat back down.“You’ll stay with me?”

“Of course.”

His words gave her permission to lay back, her body sinking into the bed.She was beyond bone tired; the only time she remembered feeling like this was after her father’s death.It might have been five minutes or twenty-five, Chloe didn’t know.Had she fallen asleep?She woke to Ryker lifting her so that he could pull down the covers.

Setting her down again, he tucked her in and then moved to the other side of the bed.He’d stripped bare to the waist and removed his boots.

He climbed in next to her and she instantly burrowed into his strength and heat.It felt divine to have his large frame curled around hers and she sighed out, “When we wed, I want to sleep like this every night.”

She felt him tense, her brow knitting in confusion.But she was heavy again, and this time, warm and protected, she fell into a deep sleep.

When Chloe woke, the sun was high in the sky.

She tried to stretch her aching body but could hardly move.She looked back, confused to see Ryker still sleeping behind her.

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