King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

389

Sephte

When he pulled me to him, he turned me to face him. His hands continued to roam slowly over my body, but now I could do the same to his. I could feel his hardness pressed against my stomach. My hands roamed over his chest, his shoulders, down his arms. He grabbed my hands in his, moving my arms behind my back. He held both my arms in one of his hands while the other hand moved to my neck, once again tilting my head to give him full

access.

His grip on my arms was soft, but I didn’t like having my arms restricted. I pulled them out of his grip, but he caught them and put them back, holding me a little tighter. His lips went back to my neck. I tried to concentrate on his lips, but all I could think about was having my hands tied behind my back while Armando beat me. I tried to pull my arms free once more, but his grip tightened. I whimpered, my panic fully setting in.

He felt it immediately. “Sephie, what’s wrong? Why are you panicking?” he asked. He loosened his grip and I ripped my arms free, hugging my chest. His arms were around me instantly, his voice soft in my ear, telling me that I was safe. I was with him. No one was going to hurt me.

“My arms. I don’t like having them behind me. I don’t like having them restricted since…” I didn’t need to finish. He knew.

“Sephie. Sephie, I’m so sorry. I didn’t think…” he said, holding me tightly.

“It’s okay. I’m okay. Just not behind me like that.”

He put his hand on the back of my neck, pulling me far enough away from him that he could look me in the eyes. The look in his eyes told me my eyes were likely still wh ite. He searched my eyes for a moment, then I saw the look of confusion on his face. “Why are you sad?” he asked as I closed my eyes, trying to get a handle on my emotions.

I stayed quiet for a moment, not sure how to answer his question. I felt so out of control lately. I couldn’t get a handle on my fear. Little things would make me panic that never bothered me before. My eyes were doing their own thing. I still worried that the guys were all scared of me because of them. Now I completely ki lled the mood because of something si lly. I knew he wasn’t going to hurt me when he was holding my arms. But I couldn’t fight off the fear of feeling that vulnerable again.

I felt his fingers under my chin, gently lifting my face. “Sephie, look at me. Please,” he said. His voice was soft, but urgent.

1 opened my eyes, letting him search. It only took him a moment. He pulled me close again, hugging me tightly. “You’ve been through so much. I can’t believe you’re beating yourself up for struggling with processing everything. This was my fault, Sephie. I didn’t think about you not wanting to have your arms behind you. You have a very good reason for not wanting that, I should’ve known.”

quietly, my face

and you’re not, love. Not all the way. You’re dealing with so much just on your own. Not even considering how you’re helping everyone around you all

I don’t want them

I wanted to

out for me, holding it out for me. He quietly buttoned it up after I slid my arms through the sleeves. Then he rolled up the too-long sleeves. He reached down, taking my hand and pulled me toward the bedroom with him. He climbed into bed first, then pulled me into his lap so I was straddling him.

we all have you to help us through it. If this were happening without you, we would all be admitted to the psych ward. You’re what’s kept us sane through all of this.” He pulled me down,

You’re all becoming experts at feeling my shifts in mood. Even Stephen, who can’t feel what I feel can read toe now, apparently. I think you’re putting too much pressure on yourself and the guys,” I said. He raised an eyebrow at me. “I’ve been through some

going to be times when something triggers bad memories and feelings. That’s unavoidable. Only this time I have you and I have the guys to help me through it when

looked at me. “You

“Do what?”

me feel better when I’m trying to make

“You do an excellent job of taking care of me. It’s

ever met in my entire life. But it makes me love you even more

over my back. I sighed, loving

and forever.”

and grabbed a pair of leggings before walking out of the bedroom. Vitaliy was in the kitchen rummaging through the cabinets, clearly looking

looking for something to help you with that?” I asked. I didn’t mean

what are you doing up? You should be in bed,” he said, almost

I asked innocently. He squinted his eyes at me as I walked to the cabinet where we kept the tea. I pulled out my favorite tea that helped me sleep. “Don’t

laughed, shaking his head. “I didn’t know how much I

excellent job of showing your warm and fuzzy side just since I’ve known you. You’ll have even more friends soon,” I said, filling the electric kettle and turning it on.