Page 30 of Dismantle & Prevail

My eyes cast downward and I shake my head. “I appreciate it, Ace, but you’re mistaken. I couldn’t get them out of there fast enough. They still had to suffer at the hands of that pathetic excuse for a man because I didn’t work fast enough.” I pause and a dry chuckle escapes me, my eyes still looking down at the ground. “And you know what the worst part is, I was just one simple code off from breaking them free. I was stuck on one line of numbers for weeks, and that was what kept me from getting them out. Turns out, I had just copied the numbers down wrong. I copied the fucking numbers down wrong and that kept us trapped in that hellhole, waiting for someone else to come save us. I—”

A hand on my shoulder cuts me off and my head snaps to the side to see Ari lean over, his hand gently caressing my arm.

“Hey, you did everything you could. You did more than anyone could have in that situation. You are more than brave. You are fearless and the strongest person I know. You may not believe it, but you have a heart that is full of so much care and love for others, not just yourself. If no one has ever told you, I am proud of you. I am so happy that you are here, and it is my honor to have someone like you working within Braveheart’s walls. So no, you don’t get to be ashamed or feel as if you didn’t do enough. You did more than enough and it's because of you that you are sitting here today and the other ten girls are thriving. You should be proud of who you are and if you don’t believe in yourself, come to me and I will tell you every day.”

I stare at him, my eyes wide and in complete shock. Ari is a caregiver. I see it daily, but I never thought I would be on the receiving end of it.

Glancing up at the sky, I try to find the words to express how much I needed to hear those words, but it's useless.

Ari senses the struggle and stands from the swing. Before walking away, he stands in front of me and his hand moves to cup each side of my face. My eyes go wide at the motion and his thumb brushes against my cheek, his dark chocolate eyes staring deep into mine.

“Don’t forget it. If you need someone to remind you how brave and how proud you should be of yourself, come to me.”

I nod, and he slowly starts to walk away.

As his footsteps recede, I finally find the words that are nowhere near adequate, but all I can muster.

“Hey Ace?”

Ari turns to look at me over his shoulder. “Yes Hellhound?”

“Thank you.”

A smile pulls on his face. “Anytime Butterfly.” His voice has a devious edge to it, and then he winks at me.

I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face and I shake my head. This damn man.

Chapter Thirteen

Taylor

Myeyesflutteropen,the sun from somewhere in the room casting onto my face.

I try to stretch my arms over my head, but I’m stuck.

What the hell?

Blinking a few times, I begin to look around the room and freeze.

I’m not in my room. I’m in Aries‘. In his bed…

Aries is hugging me to him like a teddy bear, his beard tickling my neck as he nuzzles in, burying his face in further.

My eyes go wide and I lay there frozen.

What is happening? And why am I liking the feeling of this man, who is almost a decade older than me, pressed against my back?

Despite his very unhealthy state, I can still feel his dense muscles and powerful body against me.

Even before Aries disappeared, I knew he was gorgeous. You’d be blind to think otherwise. Who wouldn’t think a six foot two, tattooed, Greek god of man isn’t attractive?

And now, said Greek god is pressing his body against my back and my mind is wandering to places far beyond where a person should about the president of their job.

I need to get out of here. Now.

I’m about to slither out of his arms when a cry escapes him. “No. Leave her alone.”

I turn my head as far as I can and try to get a glance at his face, but it’s buried in my neck. His arms tighten around me and he mutters, “Take me. Leave her alone. Please.”