Page 77 of Midnight of Ashes
“What are you doing?” Knox asked.
“Keeping my promise.” Easton strode toward the massive tub and stepped into it with me in his arms. He somehow managed to lower us both into the water.
It was so hot it scalded my freezing skin. I let out a whimper.
He stilled. “Too hot?”
I shook my head violently. I needed that warmth.
“Okay. We’re getting in together.” Easton lowered us deeper into the water. His jeans were soaked now. Then half of his tee. But he didn’t seem to give a damn.
Finally, we were fully submerged. Easton cradled me against his chest as the warmth seeped into me, and the shaking eased a fraction. “That’s my girl. Nice and warm. I’ve got you. I’m not letting go.”
39
EASTON
Even though the worst of the shaking had eased, a slight tremble still radiated through Hayden’s body. A tremble that had me wanting to slice that piece of shit to ribbons.
I struggled to keep my breathing even, not to let my fury win. Cillian, Maddox, and Cáel would deal with Brent. Hayden needed me right now.
I stilled at that thought. She needed me.
A war of fear and hope raged in my chest. But it was a war I was losing. It was too hard to stay away from Hayden. Especially now.
Guilt hit fast and hard. If I’d been in class like I should’ve been, Brent wouldn’t have gotten her alone. None of this would’ve happened.
“East,” Knox said softly.
My twin read me clear as day.
“I should’ve been there,” I whispered hoarsely.
“We all should’ve been.”
My throat worked as I swallowed. I’d never forgive myself for this.
Hayden let out another whimper as her body relaxed more against mine.
“She’s asleep,” Knox said quietly.
“Good. It’s what she needs.”
Knox studied us for a moment. “Let’s keep her in there for a few more minutes. She needs to get fully warm.”
“The shaking’s better.”
He nodded. “The adrenaline’s leaving her system.”
Adrenaline because she was fighting for her life, fighting not to be violated in the worst possible way.
The fury was back, and scales rippled over my arms. “Have you heard from Cillian?”
Knox pulled his phone out of his back pocket, scanning the screen. “They’ve got him in the shed.”
“Good,” I clipped.
I knew what the shed meant. He wouldn’t come out of that place breathing. God, I hoped Cáel took his time with the sicko. I hoped he made his ending as painful as possible.
