Page 87 of My Destiny
“Thank you.”
“And if you need an ear, I have two.”
A small laugh falls from her lips as she lifts her head. “I’m so glad I have you, and your two ears.”
Leaning forward, I brush my lips against hers. “I’m glad I have you too.” The prospect of almost losing her has only cemented how much she means to me.
The rest of the drive is travelled in silence, and I’m relieved when the taxi pulls up outside my apartment building. I’m exhausted, running on no sleep. A hot shower and some rest will do us both a world of good.
I hand a fifty to the driver. “Keep the change,” I say, before sliding out and reaching for Brooke’s hand. “Let me help you.”
When we step out of the lift, Jill comes rushing out of the kitchen. “Is that you, Mr. Cavanagh?” she asks.
“Yes, Jill.”
As she rounds the corner, her face lights up the moment she sees I’m not alone. “Brooke.” Opening her arms, Jill rushes towards Brooke, pulling her into a tight embrace. When she finally releases her, she draws back, studying her face. “Oh, you poor sweet girl,” she says, gently running her hand down the side of her face. “What did that monster do to you?” Tears fill her eyes as she speaks.
The nasty bruise on Brooke’s face has darkened, but the swelling has yet to subside. The doctors removed the bandage from around her head and re-dressed her wound before we left with a large, waterproof patch over her stitches.
“It’s just a little bump, Jill. It looks a lot worse than it is.” Jill’s gaze moves to me, and I can see the concern on her face, but when I shake my head, she takes a step backwards. I’m grateful when she doesn’t pry any further. We both know she’s playing down her injuries. I’m not even sure why, but if that’s what she needs to do, then so be it.
Jill dabs her eyes with the tea towel she’s holding. “Are you hungry? I’ve been cooking.”
When Brooke doesn’t answer, I step forward. “We’re a little tired right now, Jill.”
“Of course. How about I plate it up and you can reheat it when you’re ready.”
“Sounds great.”
“I’ll leave you both to it.”
“Thanks, Jill.”
“Yes, thank you,” Brooke says, reaching out and placing her hand affectionately on Jill’s arm.
“It’s good to have you home, dear.”
I second that.
“It’s good to be home,” she answers.
I reach for Brooke’s hand and lead her up to our room. “I might have a bath before lying down if that’s okay,” she says.
“Of course it’s okay.” I tuck a piece of hair behind her ear as I place a kiss on her forehead. “I’ll run one for you.” I still can’t bring myself to look at the clumps of dried blood lingering in her hair. I need to try and bury all those horrible images from that night. It’s the only way I’m going to be able to cope.
I leave her in the bedroom as I head into the en-suite. She’s been quiet, and that worries me. My gut tells me she’s not coping as well as she’s making out. Hopefully when she’s ready, she’ll open up to me.
A few minutes pass before she joins me in the bathroom. She wraps her arms around herself as she comes to a stop just inside the doorway. “The bath is almost ready,” I say. “I put some bubble bath in there. I hope that’s okay.”
“Perfect.”
“I’m going to have a quick shower.” I undo the buttons on my shirt as she stands there watching me. “Would you prefer it if I used one of the other bathrooms?”
“Don’t be silly,” she says. “This is your bathroom.”
“If you’d prefer to be alone…”
She takes the few steps separating us. “I’d rather you stay.” There’s vulnerability in her eyes as she looks up at me.
