ional. "Miss, don't be alarmed," he said g

e. He felt her trembling and loosened his

d," Blaise said to Ian, his attempt

epped back, putting distance between hers

tic wipes and a small jar of ointment, and began cleaning the br

d, watching in silence. Only the hard li

y as he worked. "But whoever did this was

me," Blaise

ng the wound and handed a small pot of cream to Blaise. "T

ou need anything. And make sure your... guest gets so

and saw him to

gain, the air thick with a

ring at her hands, mortifie

ll pot of ointment. He crouched

," she said, her vo

d it to the bruises. His touch was steady, his fingers warm and calloused. The ointment

irst time. His eyelashes were long. His focus was intense. The

ittle faster. She

tment on the coffee table. "Mor

led out the silver bracelet. He placed it

osed her fingers around the familiar, cool m

you," sh

prised by her gra

said, gesturing down the hall. "G

ar and the bracelet, she walked

me since Lily's death, she s

. On the kitchen counter was a plate of toast and a pie

eelings swirling inside her. She ate the toast, chan

funeral home was waiting. Lil

nd the car took her to the block where her parents lived. H

d onto the stree

s dark as a thundercloud. He had guessed she would

got out. The car pulled away smoothly-too

ed the car until i

ened. Then he

gritted his teeth, his eyes bloodshot and wild.