Free [excerpt] by Editor Page B

escaped the door’s hinges when Serina shoved it open. Both she and Lucian jumped. Raven never flinched. “She sleeps like the dead.” Lucian pushed past Serina and went to his sister’s side, then sat upon the bed. “I probably should rephrase that!” He sighed.
    Serina walked to the opposite side of the bed and pressed her palm to Raven’s forehead. Raven was clammy and her clothing smelled of strong urine. “Excuse me a moment?” Serina turned and left the room. When she returned she held a stack of white linens, some clean undergarments and a night-dress. She set the pile down beside Raven. “Lucian, would you excuse us for a few minutes?” Serina didn’t want to tell Lucian that Raven had soiled herself.
    Lucian stood in haste. “Why?”
    “Your sister needs dry clothing, that’s all.”
    “I’ll do it. I’ll change her.”
    Puzzled, Serina asked, “Wouldn’t she rather a woman change her?”
    Lucian shook his head adamantly no. “I said I’ll do it.”
    Serina backed away, both angered and hurt by his shortness. After all, she was only trying to help.
    “I hadn’t meant to sound so bitter, but my concern for Raven has gnawed away my last nerve. She’d die a thousand deaths if she knew anyone ever saw her.”
    “But, Lucian, I am a doctor and a woman.”
    Lucian fingered the stubble on his chin before he spoke. “You don’t understand. How could you?” He tossed his hands in the air, at a loss. “Raven wears scars across her body that she wants no one to witness. Ever . She was raped four years ago and came close to death. The bastard chewed chunks from her, Serina. She allowed only myself to care for her as she healed. She clings to her dignity. If she knew you saw her, she’d worry you would think less of her or worse—pity her. So if you’ll give us some privacy, I’ll attend to my sister.” Lucian gave Serina the full weight of his gaze.
    Serina’s heart immediately went out to Lucian. To carry such a burden and such love for his sister, showed true unconditional love. Serina closed the distance and embraced him. “I’m sorry,” she offered as she glanced directly into his chest. She couldn’t help the small curl to her lips. Their height differences made standing together somewhat awkward. “I should have asked, not just presumed I would provide her care.”
    Lucian grabbed Serina and held her. He even went as far as to plant a small peck on the top of her head. “It is I who should apologize, m’lady. I am just so used to doing everything for her. It is hard to let go. Harder to let others in.”
    “Possibly you could start now, by letting me help you. Maybe in time Raven could grow to trust me as well.” Serina backed out from Lucian’s grasp and left to get water.
    Lucian felt a small piece of his soul relax. This little woman he’d found was a rare, special creature. Her caring and generosity took him by storm, but then again, everything about her had.
    When she came back into the room he asked, “Are you certain you want to see this? It is truly inhumane.”
    Serina braced herself for whatever Lucian revealed as he lifted the covers. Serina stared in disbelief at Raven’s scars for some time. And then tears flooded in her eyes.
    “You all right?” he asked.
    Serina shook her head no.
    Lucian tilted her chin to bring her face into view. “Maybe now you understand why Raven doesn’t want anyone to see this.”
    “Lucian?” Raven called out.
    Lucian dropped the coverlet in haste. “’Ello, Beauty. How you faring?”
    Raven licked her lips. “Parched comes to mind. A cup of tea would hit the spot.” Her smile was weak, but there. “Mind filling me in why I’m in a strange bed?”
    “I’ve got the tea. You two catch up.” Serina offered a little too fast. On her feet and headed out, Lucian grabbed her wrist as she passed him.
    He whispered, “Nice. You’re leaving me with the real dirty work of explaining?”
    “Beauty and brains, m’lord. A rarity