Page 10 of Jaded Soul

I pull Rowan’s shirt down, not wanting her to feel more exposed or vulnerable than she already does. I get off of my chair and kneel in front of her, placing one hand on her knee while the other slowly reaches out to cup her face. I give her plenty of time to pull away, but instead, she welcomes my touch.

I brush her tears away with my thumb, tenderly grazing her skin in what I hope is a calming gesture. “Never apologize for sharing a piece of your story with me,” I tell her, meaning every single word. “I’m so sorry you grew up like that. I can’t imagine…” I look away, shaking my head. I can’t fathom treating my sister like that, or anyone, for that matter. How could her own father degrade her and lay hands on her in anger? Why didn’t he protect her and nurture her?

“It’s over now,” Rowan says, pulling my attention back to her. “Or, at least I hoped it was. After today, I’m not sure of anything anymore.”

“You can be sure ofme, angel. I won't let you down and I won't let anyone hurt you ever again. Fuck, the thought of someone beating you…" I growl and wipe a hand down my face.

To my shock, Rowan places her hand over mine where I’m still cupping her cheek. “I’m here now, with you, remember?” she whispers.

“Yes, you are,” I agree. We both take a few breaths together, soaking in this moment.

Rowan yawns, breaking the intensity and making me smile. She’s so damn adorable as she blinks her heavy eyelids.

"Let's get you set up in the guest bedroom," I suggest. "I'll lay out some clean clothes for you to wear for the night, and then we can hit up your place tomorrow for some of your things."

“Hold up, we didn’t discuss me moving in with you,” she halfheartedly protests.

I stand and hold my hand out for her, helping her to her feet as well. “We can start with one night and see how you feel,” I offer. “There’s no way in hell I’m letting you out of my sight for the night, so either you stay here or I’ll come crash at your place.”

Rowan narrows her eyes at me, but I see a grin hiding just beneath the surface. She likes it when I take care of her, she's just not sure how to accept it. "Fine. But just for tonight."

“We’ll see,” is all I say in response. She rolls her eyes at me and I just smile as I guide her to the guest room.

Thirty minutes later, Rowan is sound asleep. It took all of five minutes to convince her to lie down for a bit. As I pace in front of the closed door to the guest room, I wonder where to go from here. How can I get more of her story and how can I convince her to stay with me for good?

6

ROWAN

It takes me a few moments to clear the fog in my brain, but when I finally wake up, I realize my phone is ringing. Groping around in the dim morning light, I find my cell phone and answer the call as I rub the sleep out of my eyes.

“Hi, hun, this is Maggie,” the owner of the diner says.

“Oh. Hi. I… I’m sorry about the window. You can take the money from my paychecks until it’s all paid off.”

“What? Oh, no, sweetie. I’m not calling to blame you for anything. You were a victim of a violent crime, Rowan. That’s not your fault, you know that, right?”

But it is, I want to say. This whole mess is my fault. “Um, so what’s up? Do you need me to come in early today?” I ask, hoping to switch topics. Jett also tried convincing me it’s not my fault, but I’m not sure I believe him, either.

Maggie sighs, and for a moment, I think she might bring the conversation back to the assault. Instead, she decides to move on, which I appreciate.

“The diner is actually going to be closed for a few days while I get some professionals in here to clean up and install a new window. Don’t worry about the money, sugar,” she says. Howdid she know I was about to offer to pay for everything again? “We have insurance that will take care of the window. I’m just concerned about you. Did your man get you all patched up?”

“Who, Jett? Oh, he’s not… we’re not together or anything. He’s just…” I trail off, not knowing how to describe our relationship.

“Mmhm. You might not be togetheryet, but that man is already half in love with you, Row.”

“No, that’s ridiculous. He’s just… protective.”

“Uh-huh, sure,” Maggie replies, completely unconvinced. “You just let me know when the wedding is so I can cater it, okay?”

“Maggie!” I gasp, making her laugh.

“Take care of yourself, hun. I’ll let you know when we’re open again.”

We say our goodbyes and I hang up before stretching and letting out a yawn. I’m sore from everything yesterday, but I’ve felt worse. These aches and pains will be gone soon, unlike some of the other times I’ve woken up after a traumatic day.

I swing my legs over the bed and stand, smiling to myself when the shirt I'm wearing falls to just above my knees. Jett gave me a T-shirt and joggers of his to wear to bed. I opted for just the shirt since it's basically a dress on me.

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