Page 43 of Betrayed
“Tell me more about Caleb,” I say. “Was there more meaning behind that text?”
She nods and curls up closer, as if she’s the one who wants me to carry her now. My breath catches as I feel the first hot tear slide down my chest.
I pull her up so I can see her face. She tries to hide from me, brushing her hand over her cheeks. “Don’t,” I say. “It’s okay to show me your tears.”
I try to hide my anger and demand to avoid upsetting her, but I can’t help it as I hold her face and search her gaze.
“What did he do to you, Erin? Tell me.”
And she tells me. Between sobs that make her shoulders shake. She tells me everything.
About how he came into her room.
How he never touched her, which almost made it worse for her she said. He would stand there, naked, staring at her. She lay in her bed, frozen in fear and revulsion. He would say, ‘Watch me, baby sister. Watch what you make me do.’
Then he would… I can’t even imagine the act, but I want to cut off the body part he made her watch him touch. She lay there, still and quiet, trying to force her mind to leave her body. She said it felt like watching it happen while floating above her bed.
And when he was done, he told her that if she ever told anyone about his night visits, he’d hurt her sister.
“And I didn’t tell anyone.” Her voice breaks. “Not until now. Not until you.”
“And he still hurt her,” I say for her.
“He took her legs! He could have killed her?—”
And the crying takes over, too hard for her to speak.
And I hold her as tightly as I can.
And plan every way I’m going to make him pay.
I let her cry until she’s all cried out. I kiss every inch of her perfect face. I carry her to the shower, thankful for gas-powered water heaters, and wash her body with the slip of soap I find there.
Dressed warmly and wrapped in my coat, I place a fresh cup of tea in front of her at the table while I tend to the fire. Then I get her some real food — eggs and toast, not one of the 80-calorie granola bars she packed.
I sit down across from her, my hair still damp, the beginnings of a beard on my face, dressed for the weather in heavy boots, thick canvas pants, and layers under my gray wool sweater.
It’s going to be cold and wet. And we’re going hunting.
My men are stationed in the trees. Bayne should be calling me back anytime now. Then, the real plan begins. I reach for the notebook, asking, “Can I take another look at this?”
She nods with a smile, happily sipping her tea.
I’m just opening the page when there’s a knock at the door. Even though I know my men have my back, I can’t stop my heart from pounding in my chest.
“Who’s that?” Erin’s worried gaze flicks to the door, the color draining from her face.
I stand, giving Erin the one look I know she’ll obey. “Stay here. Don’t move unless I tell you to.”
I dip into the bedroom, tucking a Glock in the back of my waistband.
I pass by Erin, giving her one more look. “Stay.”
“Yes, sir.” Even in her worry, she was teasing me with a little dog-like yip.
“Good girl,” I joke back with a wink. “You’ll get a treat later.”
That causes her to blush.
