Free Savage Cinderella by PJ Sharon

like this, they were clearly visible. They
didn’t detract from his handsome features, however. Instead, they
added a wisdom and understanding to his face that made his eyes
wells of compassion. Looking into them was like falling into a deep
pool, a sense, not of drowning, but of diving downward, as if she
wanted to go deeper, only she was afraid she couldn't hold her
breath long enough to make it back to the sunlit surface.
    She rested her palms on his chest, which she
noticed moved in and out a bit faster than usual. His heart pounded
a thundering rhythm beneath her hands. She didn't want to let him
go. She liked his arms around her—this idea of being held, not
taken.
    "Justin, since you’re leaving tomorrow, do
you think you could...would you mind...holding me while I sleep?"
Starved for touch and security for so long, the thought of
snuggling in the warmth of his embrace brought a startling sense of
need and rightness surging to the forefront. When his smile
widened, peace washed over her, carrying away the last of the
lingering apprehension.
    He lifted her chin so their eyes met. "It
would be an honor."
     
    ∞∞∞
     
    Brinn lay awake for a long time, listening to
Justin's breathing and feeling the warmth of it on her cheek. With
her back to him, he seemed to have naturally enveloped her, the
firm curves of his body outlining hers perfectly, his arms loosely
wrapped around her like a sheltering cocoon. To her relief, any
sign of stiffness in his male parts had disappeared. She relaxed
into him. Everything about him felt raw and new. The scent of him
compelled her to draw in deep breaths, memorizing the sweet, earthy
aroma of his unique marker. She wanted to wrap herself in it and
remember it when he was gone. It was the smell of safety,
protection, and home. She drifted into sleep.
     
    She was running across a field, trying to get
away: away from the dark, away from the smell of blood, away from
the crawling of her skin. But she couldn't run fast enough. Her
legs felt heavy as if she carried a bag of rocks on her back. She
tried to get them off, but they clung like rough hands, pulling her
down under their weight.
     
    She struggled and screamed, thrashing until
she came fully awake in Justin's arms, his voice calm and soothing
in her ear.
    "Brinn, it's all right. I'm here. You’re
okay. No one is going to hurt you. You're safe." His words stroked
along her spine, mimicking the movement of his hands on her hair
and cheek.
    Her face was wet with tears, but the numbing
coldness of fear spilled out around her like an icy cloak. She
shook as Justin held her, his warm embrace tethering her to the
light. His touch kept the darkness from taking her. As he continued
with soft assurances, his gentle strength poured out. He held her
until she crumbled into his arms completely. She buried her face in
his shirt and wept until the darkness of night gave way to the
dawn.

Chapter 8
    Saying Good-bye
     
    Brinn wrapped the crux of the homemade crutch
with rags, creating a padded surface for Justin to lean on. It took
them half the next day to reach a trail that opened to clear views
of the valley far below. Together, they made their way through the
dense forest and down the steep slopes of the endless mountains.
The going was arduous as Justin limped along behind Brinn, who made
sure they stopped for frequent rests.
    Neither had slept much the night before and
fatigue showed on both their faces, he knew. Brinn never spoke
about her dream or what had made her shake and sob through the
night, and Justin couldn’t bring himself to ask. All he did was
hold her tight and feel her pain. The intensity of it shook him to
the core. It was a night he wouldn’t forget.
    When they reached an opening in the thick
foliage where he could look out over the mountains, he recognized
Brasstown Bald only a few peaks away, the smaller Blood Mountain in
its wake. Taking note of rock formations and peculiar features, he
wondered if he could ever