Chapter 192

When Trish shuddered again, his hand slid from her hair and down to her chin, pulling her head back so he could plant a soft kiss on her forehead.

"She'll hurt, but she won't be harmed, baby-girl," he said gently.

Trish closed her eyes, trying to fight against the new emotions welling in her - relief that Jordan had chosen her instead of the Wolf, gratitude that he wasn't as terrible as some of the others, guilt and horror for poor Bella, and a sense of wonderment that - for once - Jordan had given her the answer to a question she hadn't actually asked out loud. Because he wanted to comfort her.

As he went back to brushing her hair, the gentle, repetitive motions soothing the turmoil inside of her, Trish found herself leaning her head against his inner thigh. But even when she noticed what she was doing, she didn't pull away.

***

Trish's body was throbbing. After being punished, Jordan hadn't applied any of the healing cream, although he had rubbed a di