Page 149 of Severed Heart
Stinging and desperate for a numbing sip, I nod.
Short minutes later, he’s pulling a clean T-shirt from his duffle over my head. The scent of fabric softener surrounds me as he sits me at the edge of my bed and starts to run a brush through my towel-dried hair. Exhausted, I’m barely able to keep upright. My limbs shaking with effort to remain where I am—to take in his gentle touch and tender brush strokes.
“I did not miss this fucking house,” he states. Glancing back, I watch his expression harden as he sweeps my bedroom until our gazes again meet and hold. He breaks contact, continuing to brush my hair. I briefly trail the water still running from his skin to the towel now wrapped around his waist.
“You must be so tired,” I utter, comforted by the feel of his hands.
“I’m fine,” he assures.
“I’ve done nothing but sleep and can’t even think.”
“You don’t have to think,” he states as I glance back at him. “In fact, you’re relieved of thinking until further notice.”
I latch my eyes to his as he continues.
“I’m going to tell you what to do, what to eat, and when to sleep. Don’t scowl at me.” His lips lift at my expression. “It’s simply to establish a new routine. One you know you need. You and me, we’re going to keepvery busy. And tomorrow, you’re going to talk to someone.”
I tense as he turns my head gently to face forward and continues brushing. “You know my mother is a psychologist.”
“You can’t be serious,” I admonish as he keeps me facing forward.
“Dead serious, she’s the only one I trust,” he relays, continually running the brush.
“Andyou’re the only oneI trust,” I tell him.
“Same, but this is different, Delphine.”
“You truly want me to tellyour motherabout myself? My life? My past and secrets, Tyler?”
“Why not?”
“Because she’ll know.” I bulge my eyes back at him.
“That you’ve been horribly wronged by life and shitty circumstances like every other human? Yes, she’ll know,” he says, easily straightening my head again as anxiety thrums through me.
“Tyler, this is not a good idea.”
“You said you trust me,” he reminds me with a sharp edge.
“I do, but therapy with your mother?” I shake my head. “My past is no one’s business.”
“Well, your way hasn’t worked in twenty years, so we’re going to try it my way ... Just,” he sighs, “just talk to her, try to talk about what you hold so close. Besides, if you’re worried about anonymity, she’s required,by law, never to tell another soul.”
“Really?” I ask.
“Really,” he assures. “Not even me.”
I blow out a breath as his eyes beckon me to agree. “Fine. I’ll try.” I puff my cheeks with breath. “God, I fucking hate feeling so weak.”
“Right now, you’reanything butweak, Delphine. I swear to you.” He stops the brush. “Come on, let’s get you back in bed.”
“Pathetic,” I utter at the relief I feel once resting on the mattress, “that ashowertook so much effort and energy.”
“You’ll get it back,” he assures, pulling some clothes from his duffle. “Will you be all right if I go change?”
I nod, watching as he retreats into Dom’s room. As he starts to close the door, my eyes begin to slip shut, but not before meeting his gaze briefly before he drops it. The truth becoming more evident that I’ve hurt my soldier in a way he may never forgive me for.
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