Wings of the Walker - CoraLee June Page 0,325

And when this is done? I want to talk about everything you learned in the deadlands,” he said with warm pride. I glanced at him and noticed how his chest puffed out as he watched me. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that it made me feel good. He disappeared for a moment, and I made quick work of tying a piece of rope to the wall and putting a small blanket over it to give us a semblance of privacy. It had holes in the fabric and was so threadbare that it was practically see-through, but it seemed the most clean out everything available.

Then I took a rusted pair of scissors and quickly cut her dress, knowing that the stained and tattered fabric wasn’t salvageable and it would hurt her too much to try and ease it over her shoulders. I was careful not to poke her with the dull blade as I struggled to slice through the ruffled shirt, but eventually, I got it off. I took a moment to look at more of her injuries and lightly pressed on her ribs. She’d need it wrapped, but I wasn’t sure if we had fabric available to bind her.

Maverick returned with water and a bar of soap. He ripped the edge of his shirt as a rag. Then, I made quick work of cutting her pants off and taking note of the bruises on her thighs, like someone had…

Oh my God. There were marks that looked like fingers digging into her thighs. Like someone had tried to pry them...apart. I choked on a sob, thankful for this selfless woman and her determination to help connect us with Payne. Maverick heard my cries and directed his eyes to what I was staring at. He didn’t say a word, but once I glanced back at him, I knew that we had come to the same conclusion.

“I need to tell Cyler. Lenny has to die,” Maverick said in a cold voice. There was a time that he refused to end a life. He was once against Heat and sinking to the level of those that had wronged the empire, but not anymore.

“Go. I’ll wash her,” I whispered before gently dipping the makeshift rag in soapy water and running it over her body. I moved slowly, careful not to press on her injuries. I also worked efficiently, not sure if she would wake up and be triggered by my touch. Once she was mostly clean, I watched her move, a slight moan escaping her lips. Maverick was still talking with Cyler, so the moment her brown eyes fluttered open I reached for the juice and held it to her lips.

“Here, drink,” I offered while holding the cup to her lips. She noticed that she was naked and immediately moved to cover herself. “Shh,” I soothed, trying to ease the panic in her eyes. “It’s me, Agrio.”

I watched her trembling fingers try and cover her body and quickly removed my own shirt to slip over her. I sat in nothing but a bra while easing the fabric over her narrow shoulders. The moment my shirt covered her body she sighed in relief. “Thanks,” she mumbled in that clipped accent I loved. She then tried to sit up, but I pressed on her shoulder lightly, keeping her in place.

“You’re really bruised, nearly starved to death, and weak. Lie down. I’ll protect you.” Mia cracked a smile and grabbed my hand, lightly squeezing it before replying in a hoarse voice.

“You’ve gotten strong, Agrio,” she said. While she held onto me, I wanted to ask her about the trauma, the pain. But all I could do was stare at her and feel guilty for wanting to leave her behind and find Payne. That was a version of myself that terrified me. Where had my empathy gone?

“You’re stronger,” I whispered.

“Not in the ways that count.” She closed her eyes for a moment before opening them again. “Please tell me you know what those numbers mean,” she pleaded with cold eyes and a frown.

“Yes. I do. Once we get you back on your feet, we’re going,” I assured her with a smile. She clung to life for that message. I understood her need to make sure it meant something.

“What the fuck are you waiting for?” Mia asked before clutching her side. I quickly took the blanket hanging in the room and cut strips of fabric.

“We are going to spend the day regrouping then leave tomorrow,” I said with