Turning back, she followed Luke around to the passenger side of the Rover as he opened the door for her. They sat in the car, silence stretching between them. The adrenaline was leaving Embry’s system, and she was shaking like a leaf. She hugged herself tight, afraid that her arms were the only things holding her together. She chanced a look at Luke. His stare was fixed on the darkness in front of them, the muscles in his jaw working furiously. He was angry, that much was obvious. But was it at her? Did he regret getting involved with someone with an abusive past? She stared at her lap, not knowing what to say.
“Goddammit!” Luke shouted, pounding his fists into the steering wheel.
Embry let out a startled yelp. Her nerves were shot, and a fresh wave of tears clouded her eyes.
Luke looked over in wide-eyed horror. “Fuck.” He scrubbed a hand down his face and took a deep breath before pinning Embry with his sad, blue gaze. “I’m sorry, baby. I’m so sorry.”
Embry began to cry in earnest. Heavy sobs wracked her body as she buried her face in her hands, her body working through all of the emotions she’d been suppressing for the past month. Strong arms wrapped around her waist, tugging her out of her seat. Luke arranged her on his lap and cradled her to his chest. He tucked her face into his neck and held her tightly as she fell apart in his arms.
Keeping one arm locked around her, he ran his free hand over her hair and whispered, “Shhh, it’s okay.”
Her sobbing quieted, and she slowly lifted her head. She sucked in a shaky breath, but the tears wouldn’t stop.
His hands came up to cup her cheeks, and he attempted to brush away her tears. “Breathe for me, baby.”
She tried. Gasping for breath, she fought the tears, fought all of the anger and sadness inside of her. The damage Jack had caused was long-reaching, and she was finally realizing how poorly she’d dealt with it. Running had been the answer to her problems, but they were right there waiting for her when she got back. She had no choice but to deal with it. She laid her head against Luke’s chest and let the tears fall until she had no more left.
By the time they made their way back to Embry’s parents’ house, it was well after midnight, and the house was dark. Embry went to the bathroom, avoiding her reflection in the mirror at all costs. She didn’t want to see the evidence of Jack’s terror on her face. Luke had agreed not to call the police, at least for the night. She just wanted to curl up in his arms and try to forget.
She walked into the bedroom and found Luke lying on the bed. He was staring up at the ceiling, and the small bedside lamp cast a soft glow on his face. His eyes shifted to hers, and she eased onto the bed next to him in the same position. Reaching between them, she entwined her fingers with his. She rubbed her thumb lightly over his knuckle, and she felt him flinch at the same time she felt the broken, jagged skin. Pulling their hands toward her face, she let out a soft gasp as she took in the damage. His knuckles were swollen and bloody, split in two places.
“Oh, Luke.” She sat up, eyes wide with concern.
Luke pulled his hand away, flexing his fingers. “It’s nothing.”
“That’s not nothing.” She tugged on his arm until he sat up. “Let me clean you up.”
He shook his head. “Really, it’s not a big deal.”
She glared at him, and he stopped arguing. Embry hopped up from the bed and banged around in the bathroom until she came back with an armful of medical supplies. She laid them on the bed in a heap. Peroxide. Cotton balls. Neosporin. Gauze. Band-aids.
“They’re just a few cuts, Bree,” Luke joked. “I don’t need major surgery.”
She glanced at him while she laid a small towel across the bedspread. “Very funny.” She held her palm out. “Give me your hand.”
Luke did as she asked and placed his hand in hers. She opened the peroxide, poured some onto a cotton ball, and got to work dabbing it on his knuckles. The sleeve of her shirt kept getting in the way. She pushed it up her arm then continued to nurse Luke’s hand.
“What is that?” His harsh voice made her freeze.
She looked at Luke. “What is what?”
Keeping his eyes on hers, he gently took her hand and pushed her sleeve farther up her arm to reveal dark purple bruises. Embry gasped. Luke grit his teeth as he reached for her other arm, drawing the thin fabric back to uncover the same marks on her other wrist. Embry ducked her head, her face hot with shame. How could I let Jack treat me like that? She put a stop to that thought. It wasn’t her fault. She wouldn’t let Jack back into her head. She wouldn’t doubt herself.
Luke hooked his finger under her chin to lift her head. He tilted her face from side to side, inspecting her for injuries. When he was satisfied, he dropped his hand. “Where else did he touch you, Embry?”
“He …” Tears threatened, but she took a breath and reminded herself that she was safe. “He slammed me against the wall by my shoulders. And”—she tugged the band out of her hair—”I hit the back of my head pretty hard.”
Luke held her gaze, his eyes fierce and protective, as he brought her wrists to his mouth and brushed his lips against the bruises. Even after all she’d been through in the past hour, the feel of his lips on her skin sent her blood thrumming through her veins. He placed her hands back in her lap before his fingers found the bottom of her shirt.
“Can I?” he asked, waiting for her permission.
Embry was silent, lost in his eyes.
“I need to see you, baby. I need to make sure you’re okay.”
She nodded, and he dragged her shirt up and over her head. His eyes grew hard and scary, and she realized there must be more bruises. Tilting her head, she took a look at each shoulder, noting the blue and purple marks left by Jack’s rough hands.
Luke leaned in and brushed his mouth over her left shoulder. He kissed his way, soft and slow, across her collarbone, until he reached her right shoulder. Then he brought his lips to her ear, sending a shiver up her spine. “I’m so sorry I let him hurt you.”
Embry nuzzled her head against his. “No, you saved me,” she whispered.
Luke rested his forehead against hers. His eyes were hooded, filled with need. She knew what he wanted. She wanted it, too. Needed it.
Embry leaned in, lightly pressing her lips to his. “Help me forget.”
“Gladly,” he said.
His tongue traced the curve of her lips before stroking into her mouth. She lost herself in his kiss, forgetting everything except the feel of him. She was floating, high on Luke. He laid her on the bed and stripped away the rest of her clothes before undressing himself. He braced himself above her, careful not to let her bear the full weight of his body. But his heavy thighs rested on hers, and suddenly Embry was back against the wall with Jack’s body crushed against hers. She tried to fight the panic, kissing Luke harder, but she started to lose it. Flashes of Jack’s hands touching her, hurting her, raced through her head.
Quickly, but gently, Luke rolled over, taking her with him and bringing her back into the moment. She was astride his lap, his erection pressing deliciously between her legs. His eyes found hers, and they told her everything she needed to know. He was taking away her fear, giving her control. Embry hovered over him, took him in her hand, and slowly sank onto him. A deep groan rumbled through his chest as she began to move. She rocked her hips back and forth, creating a delicious friction. Grabbing his hands and pinning them to the bed above him, she crushed her mouth to his.
“God, you feel good, baby,” Luke murmured.
“Shut up and fuck me,” she said, smiling against his lips.