Ride It

Chapter 4

I hear him exhale sharply as I reveal my wounds to him.

"He did a number on you, huh?" His voice is low, hard for me to tell what it is he's thinking.

I shrug weakly and say, "Now you understand why I was on that cliff."

"Mm, can I unclasp it? It's in the way." He asks, referring to my bra that I had placed back on after my shower.

My nerves scatter across my skin as I nod, my hand holding onto the front in preparation.

A shudder runs down my body the second his hand touches my back.

Cold.

His hands are cold.

I close my eyes as the bra snaps open and tighten my hold on the front to hold it up.

"I'm gonna be honest, sweetheart. This will probably leave scars." He murmurs as his fingers lightly trace my imperfect skin.

I nod, already aware of this. "I know."

It's strange.

Everything that's happening right now. The way I'm letting this stranger get so close to me. Is it because I was ready to kill myself just an hour ago? Is this why I'm more carefree? Less cautious?

If Bentley tries to do something right now, will I have the strength to fight back? The will to even?

At this point, I don't even care what happens to me. As Bentley said, if I don't want my life, I might as well give it to him. Anything is better than being with Jason.

"Help me out here," he murmurs, reaching his hand with the bandage around me. "Take this and wrap it around your front, then pass it back to me."

I do as he says and properly wrap myself with his help.

"That should be enough. You can put your shirt back on now," he says, then goes to pack up his supplies. "We'll do this every night after taking a shower."

I nod and pull my shirt down. I don't put my bra back on. The bandages covering my chest seem like enough coverage.

He did nothing. Does he seriously not have any other motives for bringing me here?

I yawn and slide off my seat to wash my glass. Before I can though, Bentley slips the glass out of my hand and rests it aside.

"Leave that to me. If you're sleepy, I'll show you your room."

"Are you sure?" I ask worriedly, not wanting to seem like I'm taking advantage.

He places his hand on my shoulder and gently guides me forward. "C'mon, sweetheart. Let's get you settled in for the night."

I allow him to guide me back up the stairs and into a room on the far right.

"My room is next door, so if you need something, don't be afraid to come ask. We'll talk more in the morning, but it's getting late. I'm sure you want to go to sleep."

I look around at the room and all the wooden furniture. It's a nice and cozy place decked in neutral tones, from the rustic bed sheets to the beige blanket thrown messily over the bed.

"Goodnight," I say to him as he turns to leave.

He flashes a smile and nods. "I'll see you in the morning."

Then he closes the door behind him. I hesitate for a bit before choosing to lock the door. There's a part of me that's afraid that Jason will suddenly pop into the room and drag me away.

This is the most relaxed I've felt in such a long time. I don't want it to be ruined.

I sit on the bed and glide my fingers through the woolen blanket.