Page 45 of Desperate Temptations

T hey made it home within minutes. He put the truck in “park,” turned the key, and then turned toward her as she sat frozen.

She was in the same position, looking out the side window, not saying anything.

He could see she was still shivering and rubbing her arms as if she were cold, even with the heat on high and the blanket still wrapped around her.

Maybe he should have taken her to the hospital? But he expected that might send her over the edge. He hoped he was making the right decision. He’d see what he could do for her here, because he guessed that at this point, a hospital would do more damage than good.

But later, if things didn’t change, he’d make the decision to get her help if he thought she needed it. He unbuckled her, gathered her against his muscular chest, slid out the driver's-side door of the truck, and carried her into the house.

Cain stopped just inside the front door. The feel of her in his arms was heaven. He tightened his grip on her, bowed his head, inhaling her scent. Visions of an hour before flashed through his mind. Would he ever get over the fact he’d almost lost her today?

If he hadn’t been able to save her, he knew it would kill something vital in him, and he knew he’d never be the same.

When he arrived at the bathroom, he set her down, ensuring she was steady on her feet before stripping them both and starting the shower.

He adjusted the temperature, so it wasn’t too hot for her, and pulled her in after him, letting the warm water cascade down her back while he pressed against her front, giving her his heat and as much comfort as she needed.

A sob caught in her throat as Jessa’s face crumbled.

“Cain, I killed a man.”

Fuck, he hated that she had to deal with this. She should never have been in a position to protect herself.

He gathered her closer when her legs sagged, her arms clutching his waist. He bent his head over hers.

“I know, Baby. I’m so sorry you had to go through that. Please know we’ll get through this together. I will do everything I can to make this better.”

She raised tear-stained eyes up at him, her chin resting against his chest.

“You’ve kil-killed be-fore?” she asked shakily.

She was breaking his heart. He gently touched her face and wiped away her tears.

“Yeah, I have.” More than he’d ever tell her. “I know the feeling, and I’ll help you through this, I promise.” He cupped her cheek, sweetly kissing the corners of her mouth. “Can you trust me to help you?”

She closed her eyes but nodded.

“Yes, I trust you...” A sob burst from her throat. Jessa tucked her chin down as her grip on him tightened. He continued to hold her, knowing her cleansing tears were the best thing for her.

He held her for a long time, just letting her cry, until the water started to cool.

He turned off the water and wrapped a towel around her.

He walked with her to the bed and sat down with her in his lap.

The sobs continued, harshly shaking her body.

She was going to make herself sick if she persisted.

He kept rubbing her back, murmuring to her soothingly.

Finally, she started to calm down, hiccupping but gaining control.

He stretched, gathering several tissues and handing them to her.

He watched her wipe her tears and blow her nose.

After he tossed the Kleenex on the nightstand, he raised her chin.

Her face was very red and puffy. Her eyes were almost swollen shut.

But she’d never looked more beautiful to him.

He lowered his head, gently kissing her, then pulled back.

He would do whatever he had to get the lost, almost desperate look off her face because he couldn’t take it any longer.