Page 132 of Lawless

“Just helping,” Reid finally mutters.

“Helping. Sure.”

“I’m not in the mood for a cock measuring contest,” Alana deadpans. “And the water is cold.”

Before either of us can help her stand, she rises from the water.

My mouth runs dry as she reveals her body to me, but the overwhelming hit of desire is squashed the second I take in the dark bruises covering her skin.

She stands there, allowing me to take her in, letting me see everything she’s been through.

Anger shoots through my veins and my fists clench as I desperately try to keep my shit together.

When I finally make it back up to her face, she’s got her head lowered in shame.

“Fuck that,” I bark, reaching behind me for one of the towels that’s folded up on a shelf. Clutching it in one hand, I hold my other out to help her from the tub.

The second she’s standing in front of me, I wrap her in the fluffy towel and then pull her into my body, holding her tight.

Dipping my lips to her ear, I whisper so that only she can hear, “None of it matters, little dove. All that does is this right now.”

She sucks in a shaky breath but doesn’t respond.

“Enjoy your bubble bath, bro,” I say, shooting Reid a glance before I lead Alana from the room.

I want to take her away and keep her to myself. I want to tell her, show her how those bruises marring her body don’t change anything for me. I know she thinks they do, but they don’t. But I can’t. I can’t keep her away from Mav.

Leading her back into the room we all spent the night in, her steps falter when her eyes land on her husband. He hasn’t moved an inch since we put him there last night.

“He’s going to be okay,” I whisper before pressing a kiss on her temple. “Go and sit down, I’ll find you something to wear.”

She does as she’s told, and once I know she’s settled, I open the closet and find the bag that Aubrey abandoned in there when she arrived yesterday. Pulling out some underwear, a pair of leggings and a tank, I walk back to my girl.

She stares at the items with her lip curled in disgust.

“Aubrey assured us they’d fit you,” I tell her.

“I’m sure they’re great,” she mutters, holding her hand out for them. “I just prefer your shirts.”

I can’t help but smile at her confession. “I prefer you in my shirts, too. Or nothing.”

Immediately, she averts her gaze from mine.

“Julian.”

Reaching out, I cup her cheek, bringing her back to face me.

“Don’t hide from me, Dove. You have nothing to hide or be ashamed of.”

Her eyes shutter, but she fights it as I hold her eyes steady, begging her to believe my words.

“Let me help you,” I whisper. “You’re not alone anymore.”

A hiccup of emotion bubbles up her throat and her eyes fill with tears.

Leaning forward, I kiss the tip of her nose before dropping to my knees before her.

Finding the panties, I hold them out for her to step into.