“Yes.”
“Will you stay with me?”
I stood, carrying her to the tub. “Always.”
* * *
There seemed to be no problem with me touching Raven. In fact, she was calmer when I was close. I helped her into the bath, my eyes mapping the bruises that stood out on her body. Shadows of pain that showed on her pale skin. She winced as she sat down, then sighed in relief as the warm water surrounded her. I had capped off the IV so she could relax. I tossed her clothes into the garbage, knowing she would never want to wear them again.
“My earring broke.”
I sat down next to the tub. “I know.” She reached for my hand, and I entwined our fingers. “I think it caught on the edge of the sink when he grabbed you. We found your hair clip and one shoe in the cart he was pushing. And I had your bag and your cell phone. Five trackers, all useless.”
She nodded, leaning her head back, shutting her eyes. I slipped a rolled towel under her neck and sat back. The dark, painful-looking ring around her neck made me angry all over again. I had to concentrate on staying calm. Sofia was right, and Raven didn’t need to be witness to my rage. Except all I saw was pain on her body. The bruises and cuts. The marks left by the metal biting into her skin.
“Can you get past this?” she asked, startling me out of my growing turmoil.
“Me?” I questioned. “I’m worried about you, Raven.”
“I need some time, but I won’t let him take away all the good I found. If I did, then he wins.”
I lifted her hand to my mouth and kissed her knuckles. “Neither will I.”
She shut her eyes again and was quiet.
“He was right in front of me the whole time,” I confessed quietly. “I said I would keep you safe, and I failed.”
Her eyes flew open. “He fooled all of us, Damien. You can’t blame yourself because you didn’t see through his disguises. You weren’t looking for costumes and masks. You were looking for a real person.”
“He hurt you. I don’t know if I can forgive myself for that.”
“I forgive you.”
I studied her. “Just like that?”
“Just like that. I knew you’d come for me, Damien. That’s what kept me going. So, there is nothing to forgive.” She reached out and took my hand. “I love you, and you did save me. You found me and brought me home.”
“Your faith in me…” I shook my head. “I can’t believe it.”
“Believe it. I love you, Damien.”
I leaned over and kissed her. “I love you, my Ravenna Jade. I’m never letting you go again.”
“Good. Please don’t torment yourself, Damien. Let it go. Don’t let him win. He’s gone.”
I pressed a kiss to her head with a quiet okay. I marveled at her strength. I would talk to Marcus and Julian again. Maybe a professional. But for now, I would concentrate on Raven.
“I’m hungry,” she said suddenly.
“Tell me what you want, and I’ll get it.”
“Toast and honey. And some tea.”
“Okay.” I began to rise, but she grabbed my hand. “No,” she pleaded. “Stay.”
I sat back down. “Okay. When you get out.”
“I’d like a shower now.”