Page 105 of Marks of Rebellion
She softly laughs then sniffles. "Does this mean I'm yours again?"
"Yes. And I'm yours."
Her lip twitches. "Good. Now bring your lips down here."
"Yes, ma'am." I don't hesitate, and we stand in the yard and make out for several minutes.
"Let's get you iced up." She takes my hand to go back inside.
"Hey, Flower."
She spins back. "Hmmm?"
"I'm sorry you had to see that fight."
She pauses then says, "It might be better if you save those moves for your enemies."
"Got it."
She tilts her head. "You and Ryker made up though?"
"Yeah, we're good."
"And you and Julieta?"
"We're good, too."
She runs her hand through my hair. "I didn't like being away from you last night."
I draw her closer. "It was hell."
Guilt fills her face. "I should have checked on you. I'm sorry I didn't."
"No, you shouldn't have. Ryker and I both needed to think about what we did."
Her tortured expression doesn't change.
I break the silence. "What is it?"
"Your face and body are so battered. It makes me remember how alone I was when Carlos would do things to me. No matter what happened, I should have come to check on you."
I take a deep breath to try to calm the anger that stirs whenever I hear his name. Placing both hands on her cheeks, I tilt her head up. "It's not the same thing. You've done nothing wrong." I kiss her. "Let's go inside. I want you to tell me everything so I can keep you safe."
She closes her eyes, and I wonder if she's going to change her mind.
"It's important to me, Flower."
"I just don't want you to get hurt," she whispers.
"I won't. Trust me."
She opens her eyes. "I do trust you. But I've seen what they are capable of."
"No one will hurt me. And I'll be able to protect you better. Will you please tell me?"
"Yes. But ice first."
We go inside, and she covers my body in ice. When we finish, we go into the kitchen and sit at the table with Julieta and Ryker. They seem to be in a better place since earlier, but I don't want to assume they are back to where they were. And I'm not going to be pushy and ask.
