SASHA
Sarah, Mandy, Cami, and I are strolling down the street, popping into quaint boutiques and splurging on adorable outfits. Mason and Christian generously handed over their credit cards, insisting we shouldnât worry about the cost. But old habits die hard.
We grew up in a household where every penny counted, where bargain hunting and coupon clipping were second nature. This shopping spree feels like stepping into a different universe.
We spot a shoe store and, with our bodyguards stationed outside, weâre free to browse without interruption. Weâre admiring a pair of cute heels when the sound of gunfire shatters the peaceful afternoon.
We rush to the window to see our guards sprawled on the pavement, and Donald standing there with his henchmen. Mandy and Cami whip out their guns, urging us to flee while they cover our escape.
We dash toward the back of the store with the terrified staff, the echo of more gunshots chasing us. Suddenly, I realize Sarah is missing. I scan the room, my heart pounding, when a hand yanks my hair, dragging me out of the room.
I kick and scream, clawing at the hand, but Iâm slammed face-first into the wall.
âDid you really think you could escape?â he sneers.
He spins me around, his hand tightening around my neck. Fear courses through me as I struggle to breathe.
He leans in, his hot breath brushing my cheek as he trails his tongue from my chin to my temple.
âIâm not done with you yet, bitch. At least Iâll get one last fuck before I strangle your fucking ass!â
I feel my clothes being torn away as I struggle against him. Heâs fumbling with his belt, and I claw at his arm, trying to kick myself free.
A hard slap across my face leaves me dazed. I squeeze my eyes shut as I hear the sound of his pants hitting the floor. I muster the last of my strength to fight him off, but he forces himself inside me, causing me to scream out in pain for Mason.
His laughter echoes in my ears as I hear my name being called from somewhere. Suddenly, a splash of cold water hits me, causing me to scream and clutch at my crotch.
I see Mason and my family, and I bolt from the bed, crashing into something solid that sends me sprawling on the floor. Nate and Mandy are standing there, their hands raised in a non-threatening gesture.
I scoot away, the pain hitting me in waves. Mason calls my name, and I turn toward him, collapsing on the floor in agony.
Mason orders Mandy to prepare a medicated bath. The pain intensifies. I look down to see blood on my hand, on my shorts, and I start to cry.
Panic sets in, and I begin to hyperventilate. Mason rushes over, scooping me up and carrying me to the bathroom.
Mandy is already there, getting the bath ready. Mason quickly undresses me and lowers me into the bath. The hot, medicated water soothes the stinging pain, and I let out a sigh of relief.
I curl up on my side, crying, as Mason tells me heâll get a towel and fresh clothes for me, along with some pads.
MASON
I wipe my hands and notice the blood on my clothes. I step out of the bathroom to see her mom sobbing into her dadâs shoulder. Her dad is visibly struggling to keep his anger in check.
I ask my dad to take her mom away, then turn to her dad, whoâs staring at me. I peel off my bloody shirt as I speak to him.
âI swear, once we find these bastards, you and the other fathers can be there when we put bullets through their fucking heads!â
âI want him for myself! What he did to my babyâ¦â
âI understand, Matt. Sasha might let you have that satisfaction. She might want to witness the end of her nightmare. But until then, sheâll have more nightmares. Nothing changes between me and her. I promise to do everything in my power to protect her. We have people scouring the city to find them. The moment we do, weâll deal with them. You have my word.â
âMason, please take care of her. Sheâs been through so much.â
âMatt, you have my word. Not just because sheâs my girl, but also as a Maxwell. Youâll never need anything. Weâll send escorts with you and moving crews to pack up your things and move here.â
He nods and leaves the room. I quickly gather fresh clothes and return to the bathroom. My mom is there, gently stroking Sashaâs hair and whispering comforting words.
Sasha smiles up at me, and I know my mom has been telling her stories about my childhood. My mom kisses Sashaâs forehead and leaves the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
I set Sashaâs clothes on the counter and move to sit on the floor next to the tub, but she stops me.
âCan you come in here with me?â
I nod, strip down to my boxers, and climb into the tub behind her. She snuggles into my chest, and we sit in silence until she turns to me, a serious look on her face.
âWhatâs wrong, Sasha? What are you thinking about?â
âWhy did I start bleeding again?â
âI think when you were fighting and kicking, it might have aggravated the tears. I donât know, baby. But if you want, we can see the doctor again tomorrow.â
âWhat if the healing time starts over? What if we canâtâ¦you knowâ¦â
âSasha, weâll deal with that when the time comes. It doesnât change anything. Weâll figure something out. But right now, we need to focus on your healing. Letâs see the doctor tomorrow to find out what happened. The most important thing is for you to heal.â
She gives a nod of approval. I quickly step out, peeling off my soaked boxers to wring them dry. A small gasp escapes her lips as she takes in my naked form, her eyes wide with surprise.
I glance down and realize that a certain part of me has decided to stand at attention. I cringe inwardly. This isnât how I wanted things to go.
I quickly grab some clothes. When I return, I find her stepping out of the shower, checking for any signs of blood. Thankfully, thereâs barely any.
She turns to me, her hand reaching out to wrap around my arousal. I suck in a sharp breath as she begins to stroke me slowly.
I quickly catch her hand, pulling it away from me. She looks at me, confusion etched on her face as she tries to reach for me again. I shake my head, holding her gaze as I see tears welling up in her eyes.
âSasha, trust me, I would love nothing more than to let you continue. But Iâve never been with anyone because Iâve been waiting for you, just you. The first time weâre together, I want to be so deep inside you that the feeling is etched into both our memories. Letâs talk to the doctor tomorrow, see how things are. I can wait as long as it takes.â
She covers her face with her hands, sobbing softly. I pull her close, lifting her onto the counter and holding her as she cries against my chest.
I wait until her sobs subside, then gently lift her chin so sheâs looking at me. I offer her a small smile, pressing my lips against hers in a kiss filled with all the love and passion I feel for her.
I want her to know, without a doubt, how much I love her.
âSasha, baby, I love you. Never question that.â
âI love you too, Mason.â
I help her down from the counter, setting her on her feet so she can finish getting dressed. We need to get some sleep before our doctorâs appointment in the morning.
***
The next day, we visit the doctor who assures us that the bleeding is just a minor tear reopening, but everything is healing well. She wants Sasha to come back in a few weeks to ensure everything has healed completely before giving us the all-clear.
She also prescribes some medication to help Sasha sleep and hopefully keep the nightmares at bay. As we leave the clinic and get into the car, Sasha breaks down.
I cup her face in my hands, forcing her to look at me. I can see the toll this is taking on her.
I canât even begin to imagine what itâs like to hear what sheâs been told, let alone knowing that her selfless decision to protect has led to such dire consequences.
I see the frustration and pain in her eyes, the uncertainty of not knowing when this ordeal will end.