How do I explain to him that I've seen too much violence against women in my life? That I may trust him above everyone else, but that my body still trembles with fear in his presence for the mere fact that he's a man? I've been leered at and groped since I was only a child. Because of that, I've never felt truly comfortable in another person's proximity. The only one who's managed to break those barriers has been Noelle, but she's different. She's a woman, and she's my best friend.

But this... I'm not sure how to react to this since I've never been touched with such gentleness, such kindness by a man. Yet at the same time, I can also sense the desire beneath his civil mask, a type of lust that both scares and intrigues me.

"Did anyone hurt you?" His gaze darkens.

"Not like that. I was one of the lucky ones." I force a smile. "But it's never been for the lack of trying."

A million emotions cross his face, from disbelief to sadness to pure anger.

"Who?" he demands in a harsh voice. He takes a step closer. "Who touched you, Luce?"

"They're all dead," I say. "Noelle made sure they're all dead."

"I am in your friend's debt then," he murmurs, bringing my hand to his lips, skimming them over my knuckles.

"Debt?" I frown.

"She saved you when I could not. For that she has my gratitude."

"It's fine, Nikki. Nothing happened. They just copped a feel here and there," I try to explain, but my words seem to make him madder.

His nostrils flare, his eyes narrowing at me.

"Where?"

"What?"

"Where did they touch you?"

"Nikki..."

"Show me, Luce. Show me and let me erase the bad memories," he says huskily.

I lick my lips, a shiver going down my back at the intensity I see in his gaze.

Do I dare to do this? Can I do it?

Taking his hand, I bring it to my breasts, then I press it to my back, right above the swell of my ass before lowering it slowly.

"They touched you here?" His voice vibrates, an unnatural growl coming from him.

I nod.

"Fuck! Fuck, Luce. And I wasn't here for you," he rasps, his features anguished.

"You're here now. That's all that matters."

"I'm sorry." He bends his head down. "I'm so fucking sorry it took me so long to come."

"How can you say that?" My eyes widen. "You were in a coma, Nikki."

"I should have been more careful. If only I hadn't gotten in that accident. If only I hadn't left my house that day..." he trails off, and I notice the regret mirrored in his eyes.

"Don't," I whisper. "You're alive. To me, that's all that matters."