Page 18 of Saved By Two

She worries her lip, but at least the colour in her cheeks has returned.

“You know we will make sure you’re safe. Whatever you decide, we’ll support you,” Noah says.

Yeah, we will, and then I’ll rip the bastard a new one because there is no way he’ll be walking away from this intact, that’s for sure.

“But what if he comes after me? I don’t want to drag you guys into it. You hardly know me. I already feel bad enough turning up the way I did, but I didn’t know what else to do.”

She’s already questioning herself, and I hate that. She’s not the same carefree young woman she was when we met her.

“I honestly believed him when he said he’d change. Maybe that makes me a fool, but relationships aren’t just about the good, are they?” she asks, looking for validation.

“No, they take work, compromise and communication. But abusive behaviour, verbal or physical, is not what relationships are built on.”

Well, unless there’s pleasure where there’s pain and consent.

But what he did was none of those things.

“Social pressure exists to be in a ‘perfect relationship’.” Noah uses his forefingers and middle fingers to emphasise. “That’s bullshit. I bet to anyone on the outside looking in they think he’s this great guy, right?”

She swallows, and my eyes roam over her visible bruises.

“Listen, I know you’re questioning yourself…don’t. None of this is because of what you did or did not do. It’s all on him.”

Jessica doesn’t agree nor disagree, but give me time, and I’ll help her find that confident young woman who left us with a lasting impression.

ChapterNine

NOAH

Jessica seems as though she might be ready to bolt at any moment, and I can’t say I blame her. Caleb is managing to harness his usual brass self, and honestly, I couldn’t love this man more if I tried.

“Yeah, but—” I cut her off before she can continue.

“Sweet girl, where will you go?”

She shakes her head. “I don’t know. I have a little saved. I could use it for a hotel or bed-and-breakfast.”

“And why would you do that when we have a perfectly good room here, where you’ll be safe and looked after at least until we track your brother down?”

I just can’t bear the thought of her being out there alone, especially not in her state.

Her shoulders slump, her chin lowering as she contemplates my words. I hate that I’m causing her to withdraw. Making her feel weak and vulnerable is not my intention, but letting her leave is not an option.

Caleb kneels beside her, his finger raising her chin until her eyes meet his. “Your brother would never forgive us if we let you go, and neither would we,” he says. “Just stay long enough to heal, and then we’ll discuss your options. How does that sound?”

She glances at me and then back to him, giving a soft nod of her head in agreement.

I almost scoff at that. Discuss my arse. He’s backed her into a corner, playing her brother's card, crafty fucker. Like he will let her go and fend for herself, not bloody likely. One of the many reasons I love him.

“Come on. Those painkillers are strong. You should go lay down and rest, so your body can start to heal.”

He stands to his full height, holding out his hand for Jessica. As always, he exudes power. She takes it and slowly rises to her feet, and I notice how small her hand is compared to his. Everything about her is so delicate and fragile even while standing there beaten and bruised. She’s one of the strongest women I’ve ever met because she’s a fighter, a survivor. I know how hard it was for her to run, especially in her physical state, but she found the strength. She’s a fucking warrior.

She glances at me and smiles timidly as I stack the plates, her open eye darting to the table.

“Let me do that,” she says, trying to pull her hand free from Caleb’s hold.

“Jessica, go rest.”

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