Page 52 of Quinn

“Yes. He doesn’t want me moved but I told him, regardless of what he said, I would be going back to your place tonight.” Arabella gathered one of Tania and Natalie’s hands. “I appreciate all you have done, not just today but since I came into your lives, but I miss being at Quinn’s and having Lynetta around.”

I saw Tania squeeze my lady’s hand. “Of course. Lynetta has become a close friend in the past couple of days so it’s only natural you would want to be with her. We understand, don’t we, Nat?”

“Of course and we can visit there as easily as here.”

“Thank you.” Arabella gazed into my eyes. “Take me home please, Quinn.”

“Hang on, I’ll grab a robe. The nightdress is rather see through.” I could have kissed Natalie for looking out for Arabella’s modesty.

I waited until Natalie returned and while the girls sat Arabella on the side of the bed and dressed her in the pale pink robe.

My lady was dishevelled, her hair knotted and askew, her face blackened and bruised, but I had never felt such love for anyone, including my parents and brothers.

The girls each kissed a cheek and stood back. I was grateful at how they had taken Arabella into their lives and treated her with dignity and love.

Stepping close, I scooped Arabella into my arms, freezing when she let a small cry.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine…perfect…take me home.”

I didn’t need to be told again. The girls followed me to the door, promised to call on Arabella the following day, and I left to head the few metres to my home.

When I pushed open the door, Lynetta came running. “Bella, you’re home!” Her eyes were full of hurt. “Trisimo came up to the house a little while ago. He said you sent him to tell me what had happened and you’d be back here soon. I’ve been worried sick.”

“All is good but she is a bit battered and bruised so will need your loving attention for a few days.”

“Well, that’s no hardship.” Lynetta ran her hand over Arabella’s arm. “How about we get you in bed and I’ll get you a cup of tea?”

“I’d like that. I thought my days of being in bed were done, seems I was wrong. “I’m so sorry to be a burden. Once my ribs feel a little better in a day or two, I’ll be able to help you as we talked about.”

Lynetta waved a hand in the air. “You’re not doing a fucking thing until you are completely healed. I assure you; I really don’t mind taking care of you. Come on…bed.”

I followed Lynetta down the hall and waited while she folded back the bedding before lowering Arabella onto the bed, propping the pillows behind her back, and covering her with the sheet.”

“Comfortable?”

“Yes.” The strain on her face and pain behind her eyes said different.

“Did Barry leave you with pain killers?”

“No, I refused to have them. Panadol or Aspirin will be enough.”

“I’ll get the tea and a couple of Panadol for you now.” Lynetta asked me, “Do you want tea?”

“Nope, a beer sounds more my style right now.”

“I’ll bring it with the tea.”

I waited until Lynetta left the room, helped Arabella out of her robe and folded it over the chair. Sitting on the side of the bed, I leaned over and kissed her forehead before gathering her hand in mine.

“They’re really gone, Quinn?”

“Yes.”

“All of them?”

“All of them. We killed them all at the village, except for the three we brought back here.”