Page 93 of Dance for Me

She shook her head. “No, she’s not. She’s stuck in a damn wheelchair. How the fuck is she supposed to survive on her own? My parents won’t have taught her how to do anything, how to live in the outside world.”

Atticus smiled. “Well, lucky for her, your Dominant seems to have a soft spot for rescuing McGee girls. Connie and Loki picked her up once she was discharged, and Connie’s taken Alicia under her wing like the mother hen she is. Alicia’s safe, she’s cared for. Now we’ve just got you to worry about.”

“Braun asked Connie to look after my sister?”

“He did. He loves you, sweetheart. Did you think he wouldn’t try to provide for the one family member you have left?”

She never thought she’d be in the position of even considering it. A tear slipped down her cheek. “Why would he do that? Why would Connie? They don’t know Alicia—hell, I don’t know her anymore—but they know about my family. Why would they do that?”

“Because they love you. We all do. Alicia isn’t the product of her upbringing any more than you are. The pair of you have to be the most resilient, courageous women I know. Despite being raised by a pair of blood-thirsty, psychotic criminals, you’ve made yourselves into good, honest people.”

It was difficult to cry with a row of staples holding her together, but Bodie managed it. She let the tears flow freely. There were too many emotions twisted inside her to know what they were, but she’d pick through them eventually, untangling them bit by bit, when she was able. This was about freedom from tyranny and finding hope where she thought there was none left.

Atticus stayed with her as she wept, comforting her with just the touch of his hand over hers. He murmured to her, keeping her calm when sobs threatened to rise, and allowed her to expose her weaknesses without judgement.

He rose and fetched some tissues to the bed, carefully cleaning up the mess crying left behind. “The detectives will be coming by to see you now you’re out of the ICU, sweetheart. They’re nice guys, and you have nothing to worry about. There’s just some loose ends they need to tie up, and then all this is done and finished for you and Alicia. The both of you can focus on healing and living the lives you deserve.”

Bodie peered up at him, grateful for his company even though she probably looked like a hot mess. Crying with someone holding her hand didn’t seem as embarrassing as crying alone in the dark. “Who are you, Atticus?”

“Just your friendly Avalon Master,” he replied with a grin.

She snorted, winced. “Who are you really?”

He stood as Braun slipped into the room behind him, although how he knew Braun was there, she didn’t know. His grin widened. “I’m a ghost, sweetheart.” He bent and kissed her forehead to a chorus of grumbles from Braun. “I’ll catch you around, Bodie. Behave yourself.”

She watched him go, more intrigued than ever.

***

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Chapter Sixteen

Six months later.

“We don’t have to do this tonight, Bodie. What did Faraday tell you about pushing your limits before you’re ready?” Braun leaned against the doorjamb, arms crossed over his bare chest, and scowled at his errant subbie. Seriously, could she be any more stubborn? “Savannah warned you this morning about taking little steps. Little steps, Boadicea.”

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