Brandon Stevens' Pauper Princess | Book I |

Chapter 22

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Hannah's POV

When the light of the afternoon streaming from the parted window hangings hit my face, I forced my eyes open and immediately tears formed to blur my eyesight recalling the horrifying event from the previous night. I let my fingers cautiously wander behind me to check the space occupied by Brandon. Finding it vacant, I let myself sob, feeling sorry for my disgusting fate.

I curled in a ball and cried, hugging myself. I ached all over as if I lifted thousands of sacks of grains like a horse. After I wept for an hour, I sat up gingerly and pushed back the strands of hair around my face. Each movement drew a wince of pain from me. Climbing out of bed, I managed to walk slowly into the bathroom and washed up in spite of the throbbing spasms I was feeling all over me. My mouth was dry and I breathed out hot scorching air from my lungs. My temples throbbed too.

I watched my nude reflection on the mirror as the water cascaded down the entire length of my body. And all I felt was self-pity to see that my arms were covered with dark discoloration from his hard grips. I turned and saw more dark-violet spots from his bites along my back.

Unable to bear the sight, I fell on my feet, drawing my knees into my chest and burying my face on them. For the longest time, I let myself be drowned under the pouring of the water.

When I thought it enough, I gathered myself up, turned off the shower and wrapped myself up with a towel. I made my way to the room and picked my clothes up from the floor suspecting Brandon had tossed them out of rage. I stuffed them back into my traveling bag and set aside an over-size sweatshirt to cover my flaws and shorts. I put them on, the effort almost thieved all my remaining energy.

I made my way downstairs and was relieved when I found the household empty with another human soul. Cupping my upper backside with one arm measuring my soreness, I pushed through the kitchen only to jump in surprise when I saw Jeremy munching on his muffin.

"Thought you weren't home," He mumbled, his eyes on me.

I straightened up and I flinched from the sudden movement. He eyed me critically and he abandoned his food and was now moving towards me.

I backed afraid that he might see through me. He pressed a hand on my forehead and I watched him confusedly.

"God, you're burning with fever!" He fretted. "Come here," He clasped my arm but I flinched, my face a mask of pain.

He stopped dead in his tracks and narrowed his eyes. "Are you hurt or something?" He questioned suspiciously.

I shook my head. "Only head ache," I supplied.

Convinced, he led me gently towards the kitchen counter and searched through the cupboards.

"Aha,!" He breathed holding up the medicine kit. He looked through the contents and picked a tablet of medicine for cold.

"You must eat something first, I'll prepare some hot broth before you take this," He said and set the medicine aside on the counter. He thoughtfully poured me a glass of water and I smiled my gratitude.

He busied himself as he began to cook and I watched him in front of the stove. My chin propped on the heel of my hand.

"Work?" I asked.

"I took a day off. Every employee is entitled for one. Anyway, my cousin told me he won't be back 'till tomorrow." He informed and although I should feel relieved I felt otherwise.

"Ah, I think he should know about your fragile condition. I'm sure he'll run back home and abandon whatever business he must attend tonight." Jeremy winked pulling out his phone from his pocket.