Page 127 of Beneath the Surface

Gingerly, I move the straps of her tank top over her slinged arm, then lift her shirt the rest of the way off, my stomach tensing with worry that I’ll graze her hurt shoulder.

I reach behind her and unhook her bra, repeating the motion of the straps and letting it fall to the floor beside us. Unable to stop myself, I lean back in, pressing another kiss to her chest, right over her heart. “You can hate me, little bird. I can live with that. Just as long as you promise to stay alive.”

Glancing up, I expect a response, but her breathing has evened out, her eyes closed.

I allow myself a few minutes to soak her in, and then I lay down beside her, wrapping her in my arms, and whispering that I’ll keep her safe.

Tonight, I’ll hold her.

Tomorrow, I’ll find that motherfucker and make him pay.

59

Mason

Despite Lily’s battered body, she sleeps through the night, and I’m able to slip out of her bed in the morning before she wakes up. I stretch, making my way down the hall, the smell of fresh brewed coffee and the need for a cigarette tweaking my insides. Walking into the kitchen, I stop short when I see Alina staring at the pot of coffee like it insulted her.

“Morning,” I rasp, my voice still gravelly from sleep.

She spins around, a smile lighting her face. “Mornin’!” she chirps. “You want some coffee?”

I nod, rubbing the back of my neck. “I’d love some, actually. Thank you.”

She grins and gets down a cup, sliding it over to me. “I’ll get you a mug, but the rest is up to you. Your legs ain’t broke.”

I laugh, enjoying her candor. Her gaze flicks past me, her eyes sparkling as Chase walks into the room. He moves to her, his arms wrapping around her waist, bending her backward and diving his tongue into her mouth, obviously not giving a single fuck that I’m in the room.

Chuckling, I walk out to their back patio, and pull a cigarette from my pocket, inhaling the sweet relief. The sliding door opens a few minutes later, Chase sipping his coffee as he stands next to me.

“So, when do we leave?” he asks.

I look at him, quirking an eyebrow. “You’ll need to be more specific.”

“I assume you’re going to find this fuckface, right?”

Taking a deep drag off my cigarette, my head tilts toward the sky as I blow the smoke. Licking my lips, I nod, my insides tense with the anger I’m holding back for when I find the piece of shit. “Yep, that sounds about right.”

Chase’s eyes darken. “Good. I’m coming with.” His hands rest on top of his head. “Derek called, said there’s a warrant out for Darryl’s arrest for attempted murder.”

I huff a laugh, smoke flowing from my nose. “That won’t do shit unless he turns himself in or they find him.”

“Yeah, well. I won’t let her run away again, Mason. She’s here and she’s staying. And Ineedher to feel safe.” His arms rise to his sides. “So let’s do what we need to do to make that happen.”

Determination winds its way through my insides, and I nod in agreement. “Okay. Be ready in an hour. You’re driving.” I put out the butt of my cigarette, walking inside.

When I make it back to Lily’s room, she’s awake, frustration lining her features, her brow drawn and lips pursed.

“Need some help?”

She snaps her gaze to me. “I need to clean the wound, but...” She shakes her head. “Do you think it’s okay to take a shower?”

My chest spasms. “Yeah, little bird. Do you need help?”

Her chin lifts, eyes hardening. “No, I can do it. I just... I want my baby back here with me, but I—” She waves her hand down her body. “What will he think?”

My heart stutters, stomach tightening as I walk over to her, crouching down until I’m staring up into her face. Her hair falls in a curtain, and I reach up, brushing it behind her ears, before gently cupping her chin in my hand. “He’ll think that his mom is a fighter. A warrior. Asurvivor.”

Wetness trails down her cheek and drips over my knuckles. Unable to take the sight, I surge up, kissing away her tears, my mouth trailing over her bruises and landing on the corner of her lips.

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