Page 38 of Retribution
Cobra’s deep voice cut through the mess of her past and she jerked her head up and darted her eyes around the room. The mattress moved, and then he was kneeling down in front of her.
“Sweetheart, are you okay?” Concern laced his voice. “What’s wrong?”
Dakota sniffled and wiped her nose with the corner of the towel. “I’m okay. Sorry, if I woke you up.”
“No problem.” He grasped her hands in his. “Tell me what’s going on.”
She shrugged, then stared down at the carpet. The sound of water filtered into the room from the bathroom.
“Did you leave the water on?” he asked gently.
“I must’ve. I was taking a shower and then …” Her voice trailed away.
Cobra stood up and stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. He took his cut away from her, placed it on the chair, and then walked away to turn off the shower. The sudden silence startled her, and Dakota lifted her head just as he came toward her with a towel in his hand.
“Come over here,” he said as he leaned back against the headboard.
Dakota let him tug her to him then settled between his legs. The numbness began to lift as Cobra carefully towel-dried her hair, gently untangling the knots with his hands before drawing her back against him. He brought the covers up over her, and then wrapped his arms around her.
“Please,” she whispered, “keep holding me.”
“Let’s lie down,” he said as he shifted.
Dakota moved over a bit and Cobra lay down on his side.
“Come here, darlin’.”
She grasped his hand and lay down beside him. Cobra curved the front of his body around her back and wrapped his arms around her waist. It was like he was shielding her with every part of himself. Dakota’s head lulled back against his chest, and she snuggled deeper into the covers.
“I’m here, sweetheart. I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.” His lips pressed against her right temple.
She held his hand and tucked it close against her neck, just under her chin. The heat from Cobra’s body warmed her, his scent comforted her, and the way he cradled her made Dakota feel safe.
Her eyelids grew heavy and drooped, and all at once, she dropped off to sleep.
