*TRIGGER: Chapter may contain some trigger material for some* Emma’s POV Liam is the most thoughtful and generous lover. Not just a lover, but man. I have never known one to be so kind and caring with a woman. I laid in a trance as I slowly traced circles on his chest. I can tell he likes it because he’s purring slightly. “Liam, have you ever been with another woman?”. I have no idea why I asked that. In truth, if he has I don’t want to know. He props himself up, confused. “No, I haven’t. Is it apparent?”. Oh god, he thinks I’m comparing him. “Oh my goddess, no! That came out so wrong. I didn’t even mean for that to come out”. I pull my hands over my face to hide my guilt and embarrassment. He gently grabs my hands, exposing my face. “I’m sorry I asked that Liam”. He moves to the headboard and brings me with him so he can cuddle me. “Emma, no question is off limits. You can ask me anything, always. I will never lie to you and never do anything to hurt you. Why
**POTENTIAL TRIGGER WARNING** Liam’s POV I’m still baffled by Emma’s proposal to discuss her trauma. I’m not even sure what I would ask or if I even want to know. As I ponder this, she seems slightly uncomfortable and I don’t know if it’s my delay or something else. “There are things I would want to ask but once you tell me, I can’t unknow them”. Biting her lip and looking down, “I don’t want you to see me differently than you do now. I don’t want you to think less of me is all I care about”. Grabbing her face and pulling it gently to eye level, “nothing could make me love you less than I do. It’s physically impossible”. I sense her reassurance. “Let’s go climb into the bathtub”, I suggest. I wasn’t planning on probing for any information, just wanted her to be comfortable. Emma’s POV As we both slip into the tub, I’m reminded about the water incident. Where would I even start in this story? Morgan leans in, “you’ve got this Em. Your bond will grow even str
Liam’s POV I won’t lie, there were parts of that story I wanted to puke. The thought of my mate going through that was indescribable. Now is not the time to show my weakness though, I need to be strong for Emma. I pull her into me, kissing her forehead. “There are a lot of things I could say but the fact that you survived that and still accepted a mate is astounding. You are the most brave person I know”. I hadn’t really planned on crying today; definitely not this many times. I feel her small hand wiping away my tears, bringing me back to my thoughts. “Emma, I love you more than anything in the world. No one will ever hurt you again. Ever”. I feel a sense of relief through the bond. I could feel our bond was stronger than before. The only secret that remained was the continued trafficking but I wanted to wait until we weren’t so emotional to bring it up. Turning slightly so we are facing, I still felt a slight need to reassure her in every way. I knew the truth
Stupid alarm blares. Ugh, no. My mate is still cozied into me exactly where she fell asleep, I love that. I gently untangle myself to go hop in the shower when I hear, “wait for me”. A sleepy Emma trying to get untangled from the sheets and out of the giant bed. “I think that bed is bigger than a king” she adds as she trips on the sheet wrapped around her foot. “I hope our kids don’t inherit your balancing skills baby”. I give her nose a kiss. “But I do hope they inherit your good looks” and smack her butt as she walks past me. I soak up all the time in the shower with my girl. I will never get tired of watching her wash her hair. We both get dressed and head down for breakfast, suitcase in tow. I have a brief thought, wondering if she took her panties out… I hope not. The dreaded moment comes when we have to head out. Zak, Dan and his beta Matt had all eaten much earlier and had the suburban pulled forward. I don’t know if she is as forlorn as I am but she didn’t seem
Emma’s POV We spent the day baking cookies, drinking mimosas and giggling. I really do enjoy Ruth. She is so light hearted and bubbly. When the doorbell rings, she goes racing to the front door. I am so confused as to why. She comes back with a stack of magazines. “Ruth, what are those?”. She just grins. “These are wedding magazines! We’re going to start planning your wedding… eeek!”. Her happiness is contagious. “Ruth, exactly what are we planning?”. She shakes her head, “girl, there is so much you don’t know”. We head up to her suite. I’ve never been in here before. There is pink wallpaper but it is shockingly not hideous. She has black mixed in, making it look chic. Dropping the magazines on her couch, she motions for me to sit. When she returns, she hands me a rather large mimosa and drops a bunch of snacks on the table. I am already feeling kinda loopy from the earlier drinks but they are tasty. We flip through the magazines as I listen to Ruth judge di
Emma’s POV I’m shivering so painfully. I didn’t know there was such a thing as being numb to cold. Suddenly I hear arguing and the younger boy walks toward my cage. I’m so cold, I can’t really move away from him. “Come on, let’s get you warm. If I had my way you’d have proper clothes and wouldn’t be in this fucking mess”. For some reason this one was always nice to me. He never hits me, never tries to rape me… he sneaks me food and water. He is the reason I’m not dead. “Oh my stars, you are on the verge of frostbite… here, take my jacket”. He wraps his winter coat around me and settles me by the fire. I almost can’t feel the heat, my skin is numb. I’m shaking so badly, it’s uncontrollable. He always looks at me with such sad eyes. He hands me some warm liquid but I’m so cold I can’t drink it without spilling. “Hold on, let me find a straw”. I manage to sneak out, “why are you helping me?”. The boy doesn’t answer my question, instead just settles the thermos bac
Emma’s POV I head into the kitchen to grab some coffee when I hear Leo making some sort of bargain with Ruth. “Ruth, that is not the place I told him we were going. He’s going to skin my ass alive if we change plans now”. She throws her hands up, “Leo, drop him the pin. If you do this, I will have dinner with you. Paalllleaaaseee”. I see him ponder for a serious, solid minute. “FINE. But still just these two places. And you better not flake on dinner”. She brushes his cheek and I see him flush. Ruth spots me, “Hey Em! Ready for our semi girls’ day part 2?”. I just giggle at her. “So what is it we are doing exactly?”. She takes me by the elbow toward the coffee pot. “First up is pedicures followed by a surprise”. “Pedi what?”, I ask looking confused. “It’ll be a first for you and Leo both”. I turn around to a very confused Leo, “hell no! I am not gettin’ no pedicure Ruth, that wasn’t part of the deal!”. She just shrugs, “suit yourself”. We finish our coffee and h
Emma’s POV My toes looked actually really pretty and my feet have never felt so soft. I used Ruth’s facebook to send Liam a picture of my toes. His reply was hysterical, “Ruth why on earth are you showing me your toes?”... “Those are Leo’s”... “Gross!”.... “Hahahahhahaha, no they’re Emma’s. She wanted to make sure you like polish or not. They look pretty huh?” “I do like them… ON EMMA.. and remind me to get her, her own facebook”. Next, we pull up to a very elegant looking building with dresses in the windows. As we walk in, the whole staff is lined up waiting for us. What is going on? “Ruth, dearest! This must be your sister, the bride!”. I immediately feel overwhelmed by the attention and try slinking somewhat. “Oh no you don’t Emma, you get your buns over here!”. Ruth grabs me and pulls me toward the lounge area. I hear a click behind me and see Leo locking the doors behind us, strange. He stays standing by the doors. We enter this back a