Chapter 38

Demetri’s POV

“Look.”

I whisper as I trace two of the lines across his back to where they fade into the blackness of the bruise. I can easily trace at least ten of these marks leading into the same long bruise.

“Angela, look at this stray one. The bruising looks like a belt buckle.”

I follow the lines across his back to his hip where it ends in a nasty bruise and scab. More cuts catch my eye and I can’t help but gently fold the waistband of his boxers down until I expose about half his rear revealing the same cuts and bruises. I’m so stunned by the discovery that I nearly miss Angela trying to touch his bruised ribs.

In a flash I grab her wrist, startling her enough that she takes a step back. My grip on her is firm but not painful as I slowly release her.

“Look at his numbers, listen to him breathe. I think he’s finally comfortable enough to relax and break the cycle.”

Angela smiles as she agrees with my observation.