Page 39 of Counter Bet

He rocks us on the bed until the shaking subsides.

I drift off to sleep.

“I’ve got her,” I hear him say as he shifts us off the bed. “Get her backpack. Josh, grab a couple of bags from the trunk and pack as much of her stuff as you can.”

* * *

Ben.

Steph runs out of the house, sidestepping the snoring dog on the porch. She fusses over Dell in my arms.

“Did you run the bath?” I ask as we enter through the front door and make our way down the hallway.

Steph holds the bathroom door open. “Of course. It’s ready.”

I step through and place Dallas down on the toilet seat, being careful with her injuries. She stirs, slowly blinking her eyes open.

I crouch down, brushing her hair off her brow. “Baby, you’re going to have a bath, okay. We’re going to get you cleaned up.”

“Please… I need him off me.”

Rage courses through me. I grind my teeth and press a soft kiss to her temple. “I know, baby. I know.”

Steph wipes tears off her cheeks but says nothing. I know it hurts her to see her best friend reduced to this. Dallas is usually the strong one in our little group.

I help Dallas out of her clothes and curse under my breath when I lift her t-shirt, revealing the extent of her injuries. Angry bruises cover her ribs and stomach.

Steph gasps next to me, bringing her palms up to her mouth.

I inspect Dallas’ injuries with shaky hands. She has more bruises on her neck.

The fucker choked her.

When she’s fully undressed, I scoop her up, carry her over to the bath and carefully lower her down in the warm water. She doesn’t make a sound and barely opens her eyes.

Steph clears her throat. “I know you care for her, but she’s already had one man touch her today. I’ll wash her.” She begs me with her eyes to understand.

I rise to my feet, nodding reluctantly.

I do understand. Dallas is vulnerable and needs a friend who can sympathize with what she’s gone through tonight.

I squeeze Steph’s shoulder on my way out, and she meets my gaze before crouching down in front of Dallas. She speaks to her in a soothing voice as she lathers up the bath sponge.

I leave them to it and join Matt and Josh in the living room. They’re engrossed in the Xbox game.

I drop down on the couch, rubbing my tired face.

I’m exhausted.

Matt pauses the game, drops the controller on the coffee table, and looks at me expectantly.

I lean back, propping a foot on the coffee table. “Steph is looking after her now.”

They exchange looks.

“What’s the plan?” Josh asks.

We can’t go to the authorities. Nothing good will come of it. Greg will get off lightly, and Dallas’ uncle will punish her. It won’t be pretty.

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