Beautifully Destroyed (Beautifully Broken)

“How’s she doing?”

“Good. I took her mind off everything.”

David let’s out a relieved breath. “Thanks, son. I owe you.”

“No, you don’t. We’re in this together,” I say. “Did you get her new number? I sent it to you earlier.”

“I did. I sent a message, but she hasn’t read it.”

“Yeah, she’s been asleep for a good five to six hours.”

“No nightmares?”

“No.” I smile, thinking how she relaxed when she heard my voice.

“That’s great news. You’re a godsend.”

My smile curves higher. “Any news on the helicopter?”

“They said they’ll send one this afternoon. Saudi time. I’ll probably catch a flight at eleven pm. That should place me stateside six am, Friday morning.”

“You landing in Wilmington?”

“Yeah, I’ll be home for lunch.”

“I’ll make something.”

“Thanks, son.” David pauses, then adds, “I appreciate everything you’re doing for Fin.”

“You’re welcome.”

Ending the call, I turn my phone to silent then set it down next to me. Relaxing my head against the couch, I softly pull my fingers through Finlay’s hair, enjoying the feel of the soft strands gliding against my skin.

This morning might’ve started off on a fucked-up note, but the rest of the day was amazing. Finlay sang, and laughed, and ate a big plate of food. We made out, and she even took some of her power back by sitting on my lap.

God, that was hot. Seeing the desire, and then the relief when she realized she’s not scarred for life.

There’s hope that she can heal from the rape. With time, patience, and taking it one step at a time, there’s a chance she’ll be able to enjoy sex one day. Enjoy her own body.

I keep pulling my fingers through her hair, thinking it’s what I need to focus on first. Getting Finlay to be comfortable in her own skin and realizing her body can bring her pleasure.

That not one single fucking inch of her belongs to that depraved bastard. And her body’s not a weapon people can use to hurt her.

It’s hers and hers alone.

Chapter 26

FINLAY

Taking hold of Ethan’s hand, I climb onto the Jackson’s boat. It’s weather-worn, and glancing into the cabin, I see a small kitchen with the absolute basics and a bed.

Seeing the fishing gear, I ask, “You fish?”

“Nah, my dad likes fishing.” Ethan lets out a chuckle as he unties the ropes from the dock. “Since I threw the fish back into the water, he doesn’t bring me out with him anymore.”

“Ahh… you saved Nemo?” I tease him.

Ethan jumps effortlessly onto the boat, then walks toward me, his body all firm and muscled… and seriously attractive.

Since yesterday’s make-out session, the attraction I feel toward Ethan has grown. A lot.

“And Dory,” he says, a dead serious expression on his face.

I let out a burst of laughter, my heart warming because this man can’t even hurt a fish. He’s perfect.

After waking, plastered against Ethan and feeling rested, he said we were going on a date, and I needed to dress warmly. We rushed through our morning routines, and I put on a pair of comfortable jeans, a tank top, and a sweater.

Then Ethan wrapped me up in one of his jackets, wanting to make sure I didn’t get cold.

As the boat’s engine rumbles to life and Ethan steers us deeper into the ocean, an icy breeze has me snuggling into his jacket, thankful for the warmth.

I watch the seagulls fly overhead, the swells of the ocean rocking the boat.

“Come stand by me, baby. I don’t want you falling overboard,” Ethan calls out over the rumbling of the engine.

On unsteady legs, I make my way to his side. He pulls me in front of him and places my hands on the boat’s wheel. His hands cover mine, and his chest presses against my back. I grin as we head into the vast blue waters.

With my eyes on the horizon, I wish we could keep going. Just the two of us living off the sea. Our own little safe haven where no one can get to me.

And Dad. Dad should be here too.

We’ll need a bigger boat.

“What are you thinking?” Ethan asks, drawing me out of my daydream.

“Us living on a boat.”

“Yeah? Should we just keep going?”

I let out a chuckle, nodding. Pulling my hand from beneath his, I point at an island. “What’s that?”

“Bald Head Island.”

We sail around the side of the island. “People live here?”

“It’s a small town.” Ethan points at the lighthouse. “Old Baldy.”

I chuckle at the name. “Are we docking here?”

“No.” He steers the boat deeper into the ocean, the swells growing bigger. “I figured we deserve a day without any other people. You can fish, and I’ll throw them back into the water.”

Chuckling, I shake my head. “I can’t fish.”

“I guess we’ll just have to make out then.” He presses a kiss to my cheek.

“I like the sound of that,” I admit, turning around, so my back is to the wheel.