I can’t decide if she’s at least a tiny bit unsettled by the news, but then she sets us all straight.“Good riddance.Asshole.”
Rebekah gives her a small smile.“Yeah.”
Hannah’s eyes suddenly go wide as she looks from her sister to Adam.“Wait.Did you say you two are married?”
Rebekah beams and sets a hand on her flat stomach.“Yes, and we’re also expecting, though I’m only about a month pregnant.”She’s glowing.I’ve never seen a woman so happy to find out she’s going to have a baby in my life.
Adam is also glowing, if that’s a thing.He’s pleased as punch and even more overprotective of his wife than he was before he knocked her up.When I look at the two of them, I feel a bit nauseous and perhaps even jealous.
After picking the can of soup up from the floor, I empty the contents into a pan.Keeping an eye on Hannah, I grab several things from the fridge and cut up apple wedges to arrange on a plate with cheese slices and crackers.It’s not exactly the best meal, but I suspect Hannah is so hungry I could serve her just about anything.I’ll get more food in the cabin ASAP.
I think this as if I’m certain she’s going to stay here.Not just here on the property, but here in my cabin.It’s where sheshouldstay.It’s the most logical option.Someone needs to keep an eye on her in the coming days, and I live closer to Adam and Rebekah than any of our other brothers.
The reality is, I feel drawn to this woman for reasons that make no sense, and I can’t explain.But here we are.I’ll insist she stay with me if anyone gives me grief.
“Do you want to come to the table, sunshine?”I ask as I approach.“I don’t mind if you eat here on the sofa, but it might be easier at the table.”
She tips her head back to look at me.Tears well up again.Her face is filthy.
I hold out a hand.“Come.”When she takes it, I help her stand, setting my palm on the small of her back to support her.Instead of guiding her to the table, I lead her to the hall bathroom that’s off the great room.
Without a word, I help her to the sink, stand behind her, and reach around with both hands to turn on the faucet.After squirting some liquid soap on my palm, I take both of her hands in mine and gently wash them.
Her hands are small.Her nails are very short.I suspect she’s been biting them.Her skin is rough from hard work.I don’t like it.She deserves lotion and hand massages.Whatever she’s been doing to work herself to the bone stops now.She needs to rest until her baby is born.
I reach for a washcloth on the shelf, wet it, wring it out, and bring it to her face.“Close your eyes, sunshine.”
She obeys me, sighing as I carefully wash the tears and dirt from her face.She needs a bath, but we’ll deal with that after she’s eaten.Then she needs sleep.
I’m sure it will be a while before Rebekah is done questioning her, and I won’t stop her because I want answers, too.Hopefully, Hannah can begin to relax.She’s obviously so tense and scared.I don’t blame her.
“There,” I say.“Feel better?”
“Yes.Thank you.”She turns and hugs me close.
I wrap my arms around her and hold her, rocking her a bit.
She doesn’t let go.I wonder when the last time someone held her was.
Finally, she pulls back.“I’m sorry.”
I tuck a finger under her chin and tip her face back.“Don’t be sorry.You’re safe here.Nothing is going to happen to you.Whatever you need, we’ll make sure you get it.”
She swipes at new tears.“Thank you.”
“Now, how about some food?”I gently angle her toward the door.
Hannah shuffles to the kitchen table, where her sister and Adam are already seated.
I pull out a chair and help push her up to the table.“Eat,” I demand.“You can talk as long as you keep eating.”I point toward the plate and bowl.“Do you still like apples?I remember you did as a kid.”
Her breath hitches, and she hesitates, glancing at me with wide eyes.I assume whatever she sees makes her feel less threatened because she nods and picks up an apple slice.
I probably shouldn’t have spoken so harshly, but someone needs to take care of her.She hasn’t been taking care of herself.And apparently, neither has anyone else.She looks like she’s been neglected.Did the man who bought her force himself on her and work her to the bone?
“I remember Presley Vanguard,” Rebekah says.“Isn’t he like fifty years old?”
Hannah shudders.“At least.And he acts like he’s ninety.”She picks up a piece of cheese, brings it to her lips, and takes a tentative nibble.Instantly, her eyes roll back, and she moans before shoving the square of cheddar into her mouth and practically swallowing it whole.