Page 93 of The Traitor Queen (The Bridge Kingdom 2)

“Once I stitch it, it will be okay.”

“By the time you finish stitching, you’ll have bled to death.” He released her wrists. “I’ll do it.”

“You don’t—” She broke off, the look on his face silencing her protest.

Finding some soap, he washed his hands in a basin, and she took this moment of distraction to watch him. To memorize his face. This was the first time they’d been alone together since their trek to Valcotta. And for all she knew, it could be the last.

“You need to stop doing this.”

“Doing what?” she asked, though she knew what he meant.

“Throwing yourself into harm’s way.” He scrubbed hard at his skin, washing away dirt and the blood of his enemies. “It won’t change anything other than eventually getting you killed.” His voice went hoarse as he saidkilled,and Lara’s chest tightened.

“Taryn’s alive. She’s free. That’s something.”

“It doesn’t negate the fact that you caused her to be taken prisoner in the first place.” His hands stilled. “It doesn’t change how everyone thinks of you.”

As a liar. As a traitor. As the enemy.Pulling her gaze from Aren’s hands, Lara stared at the blood welling up from the gash on her leg and fought to suppress the hiccups from her bout of tears. “I’m not trying to change the way everyone thinks of me. I know that will never happen.”

“Why, then?” His voice was angry. “Trying to get yourself killed?”

“No.” Her throat tightened. “Trying to find a way to live with myself.”

She sensed rather than saw him lift his head. Felt his scrutiny as he asked, “Is it working?”

Closing her eyes, Lara focused on the pain in her leg, trying to drown out the pain in her heart. “Not yet.”

Aren’s boots made soft thuds as he circled the table, and a tremble tore through Lara’s body as he took hold of her leg, his hands warm against her naked skin.

“Do you want something to bite down on?”

She shook her head, pressing her forehead against the table as he pulled the lantern closer. She clenched her hands into fists as he picked up the needle, the tug of the thread sending bites of pain lancing up her thigh. “Just do it.”

Her words were nothing but bravado, a sob tearing from her lips as Aren delved into the wound, drawing her flesh together, her self-control fracturing with each pass of the needle. She clawed at the table, her body shuddering so hard the light from the lantern danced wildly.

At some point, she passed out, coming to and finding Aren’s bloody hands resting on her leg. Sweat beaded on his brow and his eyes were red. “Worst is over,” he muttered, then he rethreaded the needle, pulling her skin together for another layer of stitches. “Given the amount of grief you gave me for so much as flinching every time you stitched me up, you’re handling this rather poorly.”

She gasped out a laugh. “I hate stitches. I’d rather be stabbed than stitched up.”

“You’re being a baby. It’s not that bad.”

“Asshole.” But their eyes met, and the look in his chased away her pain. This was hurting him as much as it was hurting her. “Thank you.”

“Thank you for saving my cousin.”

One victory in a sea of loss, but the tension in Lara’s chest still eased.

He finished her stitches, wrapping a length of bandage around her leg and knotting it with a practiced hand. Sitting upright, Lara slid off the table onto her feet, but a wave of dizziness made her sway, and she reached out instinctively to catch hold of his shoulders.

She expected him to push her away, but instead his hands slipped around her waist, holding her steady. And though Lara knew she shouldn’t, she rested her forehead against his chest, feeling the heat of him through his clothes.

“You’ve lost a lot of blood.” His voice was low, breath warm against her ear. “You need to rest.”

He was right, but she was afraid to show any weakness. Afraid that they’d leave her behind if she was no longer any use to them. That she’d lose her chance to atone. “I’ll be fine.”

“Lara—”

“I just need something to eat and drink.” Her knees were wobbling, betraying her. “Please don’t leave me behind. Please let me fight.”

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