Page 14 of Daddy's Trust
“Whoa, okay, you need to breathe, Stowaway,” Cash told her. “Come on, breathe with me. We’re going to take a deep breath in. One two. Hold, one two. Out, one two.”
His words started growing more distant as though they were coming to her through a tunnel.
“Shit, Ralen, she’s still panicking,” Cash said worriedly, turning to his friend.
“All right, let me have a go,” Ralen replied. “Bat girly, I need you to hold up one finger of your right hand and draw a circle for me.”
No, she couldn’t do that. She couldn’t move. She was too panicked to do anything.
“Do what you’re told,” Cash said in a firm voice that had her instantly paying attention. “Finger in the air and draw a circle.”
Before she was even able to think it through, she had her finger up in the air and was drawing a circle.
“Good girl,” Cash told her.
Oh, she liked that. Being praised by him. A wave of warmth ran through her, which managed to push away most of the panic.
“Now, draw a triangle,” Cash told her firmly.
Concentrating on the commands made the rest of her anxiety fade. Air filled her lungs and the ringing in her ears died down.
“Now, draw a square,” Ralen said.
Cash watched her intently as she drew a square.
“Good job,” he said. “You’re doing so well.”
Did he know that she was starved for praise? It wasn’t something that she had heard much growing up.
“Now, draw a hexagon,” Ralen said.
Addie gave him a look. Did he seriously expect her to draw a hexagon? She guessed she’d attempt it.
The concentration took away the last bits of panic.
“I think she’s good now,” Cash said as he settled back into the sofa. “Do you still want your drink?” He held out the cup and she reached out with one tentative hand to take it.
Her fingers brushed against his and she jolted, spilling hot chocolate on her hand.
Shoot. That stung. But she didn’t react.
She’d had far worse.
“Oh shit,” Cash said as he took the cup and set it down on the coffee table. What was he doing? She wanted to drink that. He quickly turned back and grabbed hold of her hand gently.
“Did that burn you? Shit. There’s a red mark. Ralen!”
“On it. Take her to the sink and run her hand under the water. I’ll get the first aid kit.”
Why were they acting so nuts? It was just a small burn. It barely even stung.
But Cash scooped her up, blanket and all, and raced with her into the kitchen where Ralen joined them with a huge first aid kit.
What did they need with a first aid kit this big? Did they get hurt a lot?
Hmm. Maybe they did.
Cash turned on the water and held her hand under it. She let out a small noise of protest. That was so cold! She attempted to move her hand away, but Cash wouldn’t let her.
