Forbidden - Page 159

Still, he held on, triggering that pain and panic and revulsion inside me. I bucked, fighting against his hold, and swung my hand, hitting his cheek with acrack! “WHERE WERE YOU!”

His head snapped to the side before he slowly turned back. It was those dark eyes I hated. Those dark eyes filled with so much pain. I hit him again and pummeled my fists against his chest until I had nothing left.

“Hate me.” He whispered. “But know this, it’s nothing compared to how much I hate myself.”

I drew in heavy breaths and stared at him.

The truth raged in his stare.

I knew he meant it.

“Walker is going to take you out of here, whatever it takes. I’ll have him take you back to…London…or the Banks, whatever you need.”

London.

The Banks.

My sisters.

I closed my eyes as reality slammed into me. For a while, I’d forgotten who I was here. I’d forgotten everything. My family, plan…my purpose.

Riven brushed the hair from my face. “No one will touch you, Helene. Not anymore.”

But if we did that, then it would all be over, all my sisters had been through…and now, all I’d endured, would mean nothing. They’d win—Coulter’s dark eyes and cruel smirk rose in my head—just like they always won.

“No.” The word tore free before I realized it. “No.”

He scowled. “What?”

I met that stare. “I said, no. I’m not leaving.”

Rage ripped across his face. This time, he was the one who pushed away from me. Kane stood at the foot of the bed, staring at me. Still, he offered his brother no support as Riven jerked a glare his way.

“Nofucking way!”He shoved up from the bed and turned to pace the room. “I’mnot having it. I’m not allowing you to be here with THEM for another second.”

I waited while he raged, throwing his hands in the air as he stalked the room, shooting savage glares at his silent brother. Then when he stopped and stood there.

“I’m not leaving.” I repeated and the more I said the words, the stronger I became. “I’m not letting this all be for nothing. We’re finishing this, once and for all.”

There was confusion in his stare, anger and desperation as he searched my eyes. Then, slowly, there was a flicker of pride. “Think about this,” He pleaded. “You’re going to walk back in there and pretend this never happened?”

“No.” I whispered, my thoughts far away. “I’m going to make him see exactly what he’s done…and what he didn’t do.”

I came back to my senses and reached down, yanking back the sheets on the bed before I froze.

My body was a mess of betadine smears, tiny band-aid strips, and, under all that, bruising and bite marks.

“I need a shower.” I whispered. “Please help me.”

Riven turned to Kane.

“There’s one in the back of the infirmary.” Kane stepped closer, snatching the sheet from the bed.

“Can you get her something to wear?” Riven added. “And not that fucking bodysuit.”

Kane gave a careful nod. His blue eyes connected with mine. After all I’d been through last night, I still remembered how gentle he had been.

She can hear you, you know. Talk to her.