Page 52 of Reins

Moving from the SUV to my pickup, I tuck the alcohol under my arm before climbing the stairs.

But stop at the bottom, fighting the new surge of bile that threatens to rise in my throat.

Ava did that.

Popping the top of the liquor, I down a fast swallow to let the numbing heat move into me.

All the years I’ve mourned such a cruel person burns a hole of fire in my stomach.

Trudging up the steps, I realize the only shining point in this entire situation is that I’ve been given the chance to finally make something right for her.

I can help her by giving her one person in this fucking world who isn’t out to hurt her. Who genuinely wants her to thrive and succeed.

She’s never had that.

“Ros?” I set her bag down and push the door shut. “Do you want me to add a little bit of this to your soda? It’ll help cut the pain.” I hold up the bourbon before setting it on the counter.

Her nose wrinkles.

That’s all the answer I need.

Prying the top of her can open, I set it on the table next to her. “I’m never gonna force you to do anything, remember? You always have a choice.” But I scowl as I sit next to her with my beer in hand. “Except when you’re choosing to not take care of yourself.” Waving idly at her bandaged elbow, my lips thin. “I don’t want you to hurt, okay?”

Relief loosens her features. “Thank you.”

After the way she was raised, I don’t blame her for having doubts.

“Here.” I pick up her small duffel and set it on my lap. “I figured you’d want to put on a shirt before I asked you to take off your pants.” I try to smile. “Not exactly my ideal way of getting a pretty girl to strip down for me.”

She freezes, her mouth dropping open. “You think I’m pretty?” Then her chin starts to tremble. “Even with the…the…”

My heart shatters for her. “Ros, you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen. Inside and out.”

Tears shine in her eyes as she focuses on her bag. “No one’s ever called me that.” Then her head shakes stiffly. “I’m not. Please don’t say it. I don’t want you to lie to me.” Her whimper sends coils of frustration into me.

“I’m being honest, Ros. Don’t do that. I hate being called a liar for telling the truth,” I growl, not even bothering to hide my scowl.

Her broken lip rolls out. “Doesn’t mean I’ll believe you.”

“Fair enough.” I tip back my beer and watch her pull a pink top from her satchel.

Then she lays it out on her lap and stares at it.

Why isn’t she putting it on? “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, I just, um.” Her pinched eyes raise to mine. “I kinda want to take this off first, but my arm doesn’t work that way.”

When her fingers pick at the strap of her bra, I freeze.

Shit.

“Do you need help?” I swallow hard when she nods.

“Tell me what to do.” The last thing I want to do is scare her.

But I’m flustered as fuck right now.

“I just need you to unsnap me.” Her cheeks flush with pink. “My arms don’t bend that way today.” She lets the edges of the flannel blanket loosen to fall off her shoulders, averting her eyes as if she’s humiliated.