A soft sigh reached my ears, and a light breeze warned that Ryker moved. By the time I finished shivering from the frosty air, Ryker guided my arms through straps, followed by my head through the space between them. A sigh shuddered from my lips once the vampire lord dropped the bunched fabric to allow it to fall to my knees. A tap to my thigh had me sit instead of kneel, albeit I swallowed nervously. Chuckling, Ryker guided my feet through a small piece of fabric, and tears filled my eyes. “I know,” Ryker whispered against my temple, “I know what nightmare terrifies you the most, Angel. I want you to understand that you need not fear it from me. No matter how badly you piss me off, rape is not a punishment you will receive. Not you. Some have, but never you, little one.”
Even with his words, relief filled my soul when Ryker’s fingers tapped my upper thigh so he could settle the pair of underwear around my hips. It’s incredible how much more at ease I felt because of what was essentially a scrap of fabric. Chuckling indulgently, Ryker knelt behind me to gently brush my hair while I fought to keep my eyes open. What felt like seconds later, the vampire kissed my cheek and encouraged me to lie down. A breeze gently tugged my hair, and Ryker was beside me, pulling my head to his bare chest. I balked, and he chuckled before his fingers traced featherlight patterns on my back. A shiver caused my entire body to tremble, chasing away any resistance I had left. Thus, I snuggled closer to the vampire to give him better access. “That’s it,” Ryker murmured, sounding pleased. “You snuggle close, little one, and I will soothe you back to sleep. Rest is what you need because while your mind does not wish to admit it, your body was very close to shutting down, permanently.”
I refused to focus on his words, allowing the wondrous feeling of his fingers on my back to overtake my thoughts instead. Soon, darkness shut down my mind, and I welcomed the release from trying to understand things I never imagined a few days ago.
What felt like seconds later, my eyes fluttered open to find soft light filled the previously inky room. Ryker chuckled when I raised my head to sit up, and he met my gaze with a grin that caused my belly to flutter. My cheeks heating, I ducked my head but still saw him turn his from the corner of my eye. It surprised me to discover the vampire already dressed and sitting in a chair with a laptop beside him. Seconds later, small arms wrapped around my neck and I sighed while hugging Matty as tight as I could. “Are you all right, Angel?” The concern in his voice made my heart ache, but I tried to smile, regardless.
“I believe so,” I answered honestly, meeting Matty’s gaze to find concern and love in his eyes.
“Angel needs to take it easy for a few days, after which she needs to keep her nose clean for at least a few more. If she gets to the state she was in two days ago too soon, then I can no longer buy time and must commit to one path or another. Now is not the time to discuss it, but soon. Unfortunately, I have a trip I must take later today that I cannot postpone. So, Matty, you are to ensure Angel takes it easy,” Ryker declared in gentle tones.
Immediately, Matty lit up like a Christmas tree, and my lips curled into a smile. Even though I wasn’t sure how to react to someone fawning, I would allow it because it would make Matty happy and feel important. Blinking when Ryker’s words sank in, I met his gaze while feeling shell-shocked, and he chuckled with a gentle smile. “Yes, little bunny, it’s been two days. You’ve slept most of them, other than your shower. My blood needed time to fix the damage wrought inside of you, and it was extensive.”
Shaking my head, I wanted to ask him to explain but refrained after eyeing Matty. I didn’t want to worry him, and I noticed he was on the edge of falling into that abyss. With a sigh, I swallowed my questions before smiling reassuringly at my baby brother. Ruffling his hair, I laughed when he protested and hugged him. Matty’s arms wrapped so tight around my neck that tears burned my eyes when he shuddered because of how much I worried him. “I’m sorry, Matty,” I whispered past the painful lump in my throat. Matty’s arms tightened to the point it almost hurt, but I kissed the top of his head while hoping I didn’t upset him so much he didn’t sleep. When he leaned back, I sighed with relief upon finding no dark bruises under his eyes and smiled. I had a feeling Liam had something to do with that, for which I was grateful. While the vampire terrified me upon our first meeting, I was thankful he took to Matty like a duck to water.
Ryker helped
