Page 81 of And Then Came You

Caroline holds me, not giving a damn that I’m soaking her clothes. Leading me down the hall, I peer up through my good eye. Shit. We’re on the top floor.

“I can’t see Sam, Caroline. Not like this. He’s already so angry with me.” Clutching her arm, I implore her to reconsider.

Caroline buzzes open the door, leading me into the foyer. “I’m overruling your request. Sam needs to see this.”

“Sam needs to see what?” He walks toward the door, a look of abject horror crossing his features when he sees me. “Lexi, what the fuck happened?”

The next moment I’m in his arms, as he holds me firm against his chest. “Caroline, run a bath and get the doctor up here.”

“On it.”

Sam carries me to the bathroom, setting me on the vanity to examine my wounds. “Who did this to you?”

My face crumples as I look away, the tears pouring from my eyes. “You were right, Sam. I should have listened to you. It happened so fast, and I was so scared. I didn’t know where else to go.”

Pulling me to him, Sam strokes my spine, pressing gentle kisses against my hair. “This is exactly where you should be. You’re safe. I’ve got you, Lex Lex. No one will ever hurt you again.”

“Promise?” I choke out, my throat constricting.

He tips up my chin, and I see the pain reflected in his eyes, along with the simmering undercurrent of fury. “I swear on my life.”

I close my eyes, the feel of his hands so warm against my frigid skin. For the first time in weeks, I feel safe.

I forgot how desperately I missed Sam’s presence in my world. He’s more than my safety net. He’s the warm blanket after an icy wind, protecting against the chill.

“My Lex Lex.” Sam whispers the words over and over, his gentle caresses trying to undo the damage Damian inflicted.

The tremors overtake my body as I shake uncontrollably. I doubt I’ll ever lose this chill.

“Come on, you need to get warm. Let’s get you in the tub.”

Managing a nod, I slide from the vanity, wincing as I put pressure on my right ankle. Wonderful. I must have turned it in the melee. Another parting gift from Damian.

“Your ankle?”

“I didn’t notice it before. I was too desperate to get away.”

A muscle jumps in Sam’s jaw, his fists clenching at his sides. “I have to make a quick phone call. Are you okay here for a minute?”

I offer a nod as he leaves the room, letting my hands drift in the warm bathwater, another shiver pulsating through my body.

“This is going to suck,” I mutter as I struggle to reach the zipper on the back of my dress. Hell, I could barely zip the damn thing up earlier and that was before my fingers were half-frozen and my face looked like the aftermath of a boxing match.

I can’t manage the clasp. Let’s hope the dress will fit over my head, because that’s my only option.

“Hang on, I’ve got it.” Sam turns me around, gently lowering the zipper and letting the sodden garment fall to the floor. “There you go.” His fingers graze my arm, no doubt observing a few more pieces of Damian’s colorful artwork, before unclasping my bra and sliding off my underwear.

Under normal circumstances, the idea of disrobing in front of a man like Samuel Bernard might be intimidating. But tonight, necessity overpowers embarrassment. Besides, I’m fairly certain he’s more affected by the bruises littering my body than any jiggle in my thighs.

Sam scoops me up once more, gently lowering me into the warm water.

A low groan escapes my lips as the water stabs like knives against my frozen skin.

“It’s not that hot. It only feels that way.” He grabs a washcloth and sets to wiping away the pain of the evening. “Lean back, E.T. I’ve got you.”

“I’m so cold, but the water hurts,” I manage, tears streaming down my cheeks. God, I’m a mess and a half right now. Glancing up at his chiseled face, I offer a small shrug. “I’m so sorry for everything. I should have listened. I’m sorry I didn’t call—”

“That’s it.” Sam stands, and I worry that I’ve angered him with my apology. Perhaps dredging up old wounds isn’t the smartest idea when I’ve got a plethora of fresh bruises that need attention.

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