Total pages in book: 43
Estimated words: 40524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
“It’s all right, honey. Just lift your shirt over your belly. You don’t have to completely undress.”
She nodded and I saw what was happening. She needed me to take over but was probably uncomfortable asking since she didn’t know me that well.
Once her shirt was out of the way, Stitches looked her over with an assessing eye. His expression hardened and I finally took my focus off of Scarlet’s face and let my gaze shift to her torso…
And wished I hadn’t.
Her skin was mottled with bruises along her belly, sides, and back. I could see reddish-blue areas snaking from her side down her hip to disappear into her pants which meant her hips and thighs were probably the same way.
“That motherfuckin’ bastard…” My growled response got a look from Stitches but he didn’t say anything. Scarlet didn’t say a word. Only ducked her head like she was ashamed. Which wouldn’t do at all. “Hey.” I lifted her chin with my fingers gently. “Look at me, beautiful girl.” When her eyes met mine, I held her gaze for a couple of seconds before I continued. “You don’t duck your head to no one. Not about this. You survived. Hammer’s a big bastard and you’re just a tiny little thing. The fact you’re still alive is more about your strength than his.”
Her brows knit in confusion. “But… I tried to…”
Without thinking I moved in to press my lips to hers. It was only meant to stop her from voicing what she’d done but the second my lips met hers, I knew I was in huge fucking trouble.
Scarlet sucked in a breath but, instead of pushing me away as she should have, instead of being angry I was in her personal space and basically assaulting her, she let out a little sigh and melted into me.
I was all too aware of Stitches being in the room, especially when he put a hand on my shoulder and exerted pressure to pull me back. Normally, I’d have said fuck it and done as I pleased, but I knew Stitches was right. I was way the fuck outta line.
I pulled back but rested my forehead against hers lightly for a moment, trying to get my wits back about me. Unable to help myself, I gave her one more soft, lingering kiss. Then I stepped back and cleared my throat. I held her gaze, though. I wanted to see every expression that crossed her lovely face. If I saw fear, I might kick my own ass. I didn’t. Only a wide-eyed innocence stunned at the intimate contact. She touched her lips lightly with trembling fingers before giving me a tentative smile.
“We know what almost happened,” Stitches said softly. “But it didn’t.” He gave her a tight smile. “Now, let’s finish this so you can rest.”
Stitches probed a couple of the worst bruises with gentle fingers. Scarlet still winced and every time she did, I growled at Stitches.
After the fifth time, he stopped and turned to me, hands on his hips. “Would you shut up? I’m not touchin’ you, you big pussy.”
“No. You’re touchin’ her. And you’re hurting her. Surely to God there’s something else you can do besides poke and prod at every fucking bruise on her body.”
“It’s all right.” Scarlet spoke softly, interrupting our little tiff. “It’s not that bad. I know you’re trying to help.” She looked from Stitches to me and gave me a small, shy smile.
Stitches raised an eyebrow at me. “See? She’s good.”
“Fine,” I grumbled, stepping back and crossing my arms over my chest, watching every move Stitches made. I was in protector mode and couldn’t seem to pull myself out. The last thing I needed to do was have this girl imprinted on me. She didn’t need my overbearing interference, and I didn’t need a woman glued to my side. Because, if Scarlet was the woman, she would definitely be glued to my side. No way I could let her go her own way without my protection.
Not ten seconds later, Stitches used his fingers to touch an area on her lower back and Scarlet sucked in a breath. I growled again. Then to my complete and utter shock, Scarlet giggled. Just once, but it was there. She had her gaze fixed on me before turning back to Stitches, her expression innocent.
Stitches barked out a laugh. “You think he’s funny.” It wasn’t a question.
Instead of verbalizing her answer, Scarlet shook her head before lowering her gaze to her lap. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips before she curled them inward.
I narrowed my gaze at her. “Did she… Did she just… bait me?”
“I think she likes your growly bear side. God only knows why.” Stitches took out his stethoscope, warming the bell between his hands before putting the earpieces in his ears and placing the bell on Scarlet’s chest. “Gotta admit, though. You are rather amusing.” He nodded at Scarlet. “Deep breath in, honey.”