Page 31 of Whispers and Warriors
Thankfully, the idiots on the boat crew didn’t seem to.
She looks so vulnerable, yet there’s a strength in her eyes, Bash mused.After all she’s been through, she still has fight left in her. I’ll make damn sure she keeps that fire burning even once we’re safe on the island.
“Glad you could join us,” Liam said, his tone light but tinged with relief. He moved to sit on one of the beds, the mattress dipping under his weight. “Chris’s orders while he’s off scouting the ship?”
Bash nodded, his gaze still fixed on Emma. “Wouldn’t miss it.” His voice was rough, the salty sea air seeming to not agree completely with him. “This doesn’t look as comfy as we can make it, now does it?” He set his hands on his hips and tried to sound playful. “Don’t mind if I fix this, do you?”
He didn’t ask Emma to get up, and she didn’t try to, only nodded her head and tucked her legs underneath her where she sat on the end bed. Looks like Liam set her up against the wall so if anyone entered, they’d have to see past him and Chris first.
With deliberate movements, he crossed the space to where the three beds were lined up on the wall but separate, and pushed the far bed closer to the other, the metal frame scraping against the wood floor. Then he did the same with the third, effectively creating the world’s largest king size bed. The gap between the beds vanished, creating a space just large enough for Emma to lay comfortably between him and Liam.
Right where she belongs,Bash thought.Protected, cherished, surrounded by those who would give their lives for her.
“Much better. Middle bed for you, can’t have you rolling into the wall.”
While Emma switched beds, he gestured for Liam to come and take the other bed. He climbed onto the bed closest the wall as Emma shifted slightly to let him on. His body damn near sighed at finally taking a weight off after helping with ship duties all morning the instant he laid down beside Emma.
Nestled between the two men, a perfect fit in the sanctuary they’d created. Bash’s heart clenched at the sight of her, so vulnerable yet so determined. The world had thrown its worst at her, but she refused to break.
Emma met his eyes, a flicker of uncertainty in their depths. “Bash, I...” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “Do you really think I can do this? Protect myself, if I need to, I mean.”
Bash’s expression softened. He reached out, his calloused hand engulfing her smaller one. “Emma, you’ve already proven yourself a survivor. You’ve faced horrors most people can’t even imagine, and you’re still standing. Still fighting.” He leaned closer, his breath ghosting over her cheek. “I have no doubt you can protect yourself. But you don’t have to do it alone. Liam and I, we’re here. We’ll always be here. Same for Chris, William, and Alex.”
Emma’s lips curved into a small smile, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. “I know. And I’m grateful, more than you can ever know. But it just feels like if I had to do it again, I wouldn’t be able to.”
Bash wasn’t certain how they’d ended up having this conversation again.
We need to make sure it stops haunting her. This will cripple her if we don’t help.
“What you did,” Liam chimed in, patting the bed for Ranger to jump up. “It’s the stuff of legends. It may not have been part of your toolkit before you met us, but because you met us, you were prepared when that scum took you. You saved us all. Including yourself.” Liam took her hand in his and intertwined. “I gotta say, I don’t think I can offer anything better than Bash just did.” He scrubbed his free hand over his chin. “And that’s saying something.”
Bash snickered. “Let’s not forget you survived essentially on your own for three years. You kept livestock alive. You grew plants in a fucking basement. You hid in a radio tower to determine if we were friend or foe.”
“I did do all that, didn’t I?” She smiled.
“Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you’re not a bad ass. Got it?” Liam grinned. “Yeah, doesn’t sound right coming from me and not Bash.”
“How about we relax? It’s been longer than I can remember since we had a bed. Let’s not waste it.”
“I like the sound of that,” Emma released Liam’s hand and laid down, taking each of their hands.
Bash’s eyes remained open,his senses attuned to the slightest sound or movement. Despite the relative safety of the cabin, he couldn’t shake the instinct to remain vigilant. His gaze drifted to Emma’s sleeping form, her features softened by the dim light.
So much strength in such a small package.
Liam rolled on the other side of Emma, his hand reaching out to rest on her arm, a subconscious gesture of comfort and protection. Bash’s lips twitched into a faint smile, the bond between Emma and the five of them wasn’t breakable, even when they slept.
As the boredom stretched on, Bash’s thoughts wandered to the challenges that lay ahead. The world outside was a treacherous place, filled with those who sought to exploit the weak and vulnerable.
The soft rustling of sheets drew his attention back to the present. Emma shifted, her brow furrowing as if in the throes of a dream. Bash’s hand hovered over her, hesitating for a moment before gently brushing a stray curl from her face.
“You’re safe, Emma. We’ve got you.”
“You want to test your escape skills?” She needed a distraction and if they couldn’t go for a walk outside, this was a skill she did need.
Emma’s brow furrowed, her hazel eyes meeting his with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. “What do you mean?”
Bash’s lips curved into a roguish grin. “I could tie you up, see if you can break free. It’s a valuable skill to have in this world. One we haven’t tested before. There’s plenty of time before dinner according to the schedule I overheard.”
