Page 84 of Death

There’s zero relief, but before I can make a grave mistake, I hear a baby crying, and it instantly clears my head.

Ripping my mouth away from hers, I take three steps backward and try to breathe through the thick haze of desire.

Ciara’s gasping for air, her eyes clouded with the same need coursing through my veins, and it makes it near fucking impossible for me to keep the distance between us.

My eyes burn on hers, and my body screams for more…for everything. But by the grace of God, I remain frozen on the spot and don’t take what I want.

Then she takes a step closer to me, and I shake my head, indicating with a gesture for her to give me a moment.

I suck in deep breaths and with iron-clad will, I force the relentless craving I have for her back until I’m in control again.

Concern tenses her features. “Are you okay?”

I nod while rubbing my palm over my face. “Just needed a minute so I don’t lose control with you.”

Knowing there’s no way I can be alone with her right now, I take her hand and pull her back out of the house.

She links her fingers with mine and keeps quiet as we walk toward the main road that leads through the village. As we start to pass by cottages, my emotions settle, and I take time to talk with my people.

I introduce Ciara, and even though she’s still not comfortable around people, she powers through for me.

I pass Carmen and Catalina’s place, knowing they must be resting, seeing as Thiago is with Astrid.

When we reach the clinic, Ciara’s smile widens. “Can we stop to say hello to Eden and Dr. Pires?”

“Of course.” I lead her inside, and when Eden sees us, her face lights up.

“Oh my gosh,” Eden exclaims excitedly as she comes out from behind the nurse’s station. “Dr. Pires! Come look.”

I let go of Ciara’s hand, and when she actually hugs Eden, pride swells in my chest.

Every day, she takes huge steps toward healing.

She’s right. That fucker didn’t break her. I pray the day will come when she won’t think of him at all.

Dr. Pires comes rushing into the waiting area, and seeing Ciara, she says, “Oh my gosh. You look amazing!” She doesn’t go in for a hug, but stops in front of Ciara. “How are you feeling?”

“Back to normal,” Ciara answers. “I wanted to thank you for everything you did for me. Both of you.”

Dr. Pires waves her hand through the air. “It was my pleasure.”

While we’re here, I ask, “How are the women who came in last week?”

“They’re good. I’ve moved them to a cottage, and they’ve started therapy with Gloria.”

“That’s good to hear,” I murmur. “Talking about Dr. Alvarado. Is she available?”

Dr. Pires nods. “She’s in her office.”

I take hold of Ciara’s hand, and leading her down the hallway, I say, “I just want to introduce you. When you’re ready, you can talk to her.”

We pass by the room Ciara was in when she first arrived, and she glances at the empty bed.

When we reach the office, the door stands open, but I still tap my fingers against the wood. “Do you have a minute?”

Dr. Alvarado lifts her head, and seeing me, she smiles warmly. “Of course.” She climbs to her feet. “Come in. Come in.” Her eyes move to Ciara, then lower to where our hands are linked. “You must be Ciara.” Keeping her distance, she continues to say, “I’m Dr. Gloria Alvarado, the resident psychiatrist here in the village. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“Hi,” Ciara murmurs, her eyes darting over the comfortable armchairs, plants, and bookshelves before resting on the psychiatrist again. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”