chapter 15(2)

Abbie “Don’t hide from me. You never have to hide from me, Abbie,” Gannon whispers, his voice a soothing balm against the scars that mark my body. His grip tightens around my wrist, his thumb caressing the back of my hand in a comforting rhythm. With a sigh, I release my arm, allowing his hand holding the soap to glide over my torn-up flesh. The scent of Gannon envelops me, mingling with the steam that fills the small space, creating a bubble around us. As Gannon’s hands move across my body, washing away the physical remnants of my past, a sense of relaxation washes over me. My shoulders drop, and I lean back against him, surrendering to his care, unable to stay strong any longer. The sheer size of his presence could easily overwhelm me, his strength capable of breaking me in half. Yet, at this moment, he is gentle—a tender giant whose fingers massage my scalp, removing the congealed blood and gunk with a tenderness that belies his size. “I wish I could heal you,” he murmurs, turning m