Page 76 of Reaper

When her breathing evens out, I slip her into bed, pulling the covers over her before going to the bathroom to clean up the mess in my pants. I should probably wake her up so she can handle her business but I don’t want to disturb her.

Then I climb into bed with my woman because there’s no doubting it now.

She’s mine.

* * *

Last night was more than I could have ever imagined.

I thought being intimate with a man again would be hard, but with Harrison, everything has always been easy. It’s almost as if something inside of me recognizes something inside of him, marking him as safe. Or maybe I’m naive.

Either way, he brings me a sense of calm I’ve never known. Even with everything going on around us, he slows it all down, giving me time to process.

Then there are his brothers. They’ve scared me since the moment I walked into this place, but last night I saw another side to them.

They are funny and kind. They teased me, but they also teased one another, making me feel part of the group. They didn’t have to do that, but they did.

Then Harrison showed up and it only got better. I can see why he thinks so highly of these men. They are a family.

Last night, I felt like I was a part of that too.

Then Harrison took me back to his room and I definitely felt part of him then.

Maybe that’s why I’m so chipper this morning. I’ve showered, dressed, and now I’m ready to face the world.

I think today I’ll talk to Harrison about a trip outside the compound. It’s a huge step, but I feel like I might be ready.

I head out of my room to the kitchen to make myself something to eat.

Crying from the main bathroom catches my attention as I walk by. I pause outside to listen for a second. I get the confirmation I need.

Knocking softly, I speak through the door. “Are you okay?”

I can hear whoever is behind it muffling their tears.

“Fine,” they call out after a moment.

I recognize the voice. Tara. One of the sweetbutts.

“Tara, can I come in?” I ask.

“Why?” she chokes out.

“I want to check on you. Please?”

It’s silent so long that I think she will refuse, but then the door opens. She’s got bruises on her arms and neck. I hiss at the sight, pushing inside to close the door.

“Who did this to you?”

She shakes her head. “I can’t tell you. It won’t matter anyway. I need this place.”

I let out a small growl. “This is not okay. One of these guys did this to you?”

“Why do you even care?” she asks suddenly.

I sink back against the wall, watching her attempt to cover up the bruises with makeup.

“No one should have to live like this. I get that you are here for a reason and that it’s none of my business, but this is not okay. You shouldn’t be living in fear or pain because you have no other options. I won’t stand for it.”

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