Page 30 of Deceptive Lies

Laying Willow down on the bed, he hurried into the bathroom, grabbed a washcloth, ran it under the faucet, and then returned to the bed. Willow was still unconscious, and he hoped if she woke in the middle of this she would understand he was only trying to take care of her and not take advantage of her in any way.

Peeling back the layers of black material, Cooper’s heart stilled in his chest until it felt like it had stopped beating altogether.

Beneath her clothes Willow was naked.

Barely a single inch of skin remained untouched.

Bruises in every shade of black, blue, purple, yellow, and green marred her skin.

Literally from her feet all the way up her body to her head.

“Damn,” he muttered, uncharacteristic helplessness hitting him hard.

This woman had been through hell.

Yet despite that, she’d been clear-headed enough to help him come up with a plan, to assist in her own rescue, and to save both their butts when they were escaping.

Who was this woman and how was she so amazing?

Honestly, he’d known special forces operators who couldn’t pull through what she had with as much determination and strength.

Doing his best to avoid her most intimate areas, Cooper got to work cleaning the dust and sweat from her body, focusing on her legs, arms, stomach, and face. Several times he had to return to the bathroom to wash all the dirt out of the cloth. But by the time he was done, she looked mostly clean, at least well enough until she was strong enough to shower.

Next, he eased onto the bed beside her and very carefully lifted Willow’s upper body until it rested against his bent legs and went to work on untangling the knots in her mane of blonde hair. It had been a long time since he’d brushed someone’s hair, not since Cassandra got old enough to do it herself, but it brought back a lot of memories.

It probably took him close to half an hour to get them all out and make her hair soft and smooth again. It definitely needed a good wash like the rest of her, but for now, he was confident that Willow would be able to rest comfortably.

Easing out from beneath her again, Cooper went to his bag and rifled through it. They’d have to do something about clothes for her later, but for now, he didn't want her to feel exposed and vulnerable before him. So, he grabbed a pair of his sweatpants and a T-shirt and took them to the bed.

It was a testament to her exhaustion because Willow didn't stir as he worked the sweatpants up her legs and over her hips, or while he slipped the T-shirt over her head. The clothes made her look even smaller and more fragile, and he had to remind himself that this woman was tougher than most. She was strong, resilient, and whatever she’d been through she’d find a way to survive and come out the other side, probably stronger than she’d been before.

There was a small couch in the room by the balcony, it was definitely the option he should take.

Yet Cooper found himself shifting Willow so he could pull back the covers, then stretching out beside her. When he had them both tucked in, he let his eyes fall closed. Even if this did wind up ruining his chances of getting intel that could help prove his mother’s innocence, rescuing Willow was worth it.

With a small sigh, she turned and snuggled her body into his.

Back away.

Although the voice in his head screamed at him to put distance between them, Cooper found he couldn’t.

Instead, he snaked out an arm and tugged the woman closer. He had no idea what he was getting himself into when it came to her, but he couldn’t fight against whatever was pulling him toward her.

Didn't even know if he wanted to fight it.

Consequencesbe damned.

July 12th

6:31 A.M

Blows rained down on her.

One after the other.

They struck her everywhere.

Willow clamped her mouth shut.

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