The dried blood melted away, swirling down the drain.
She scrubbed her arms hard.
Her chest.
Every place where they had touched her.
She rubbed so roughly her skin burned, turning raw and tender but she didn't care.
Hot tears mixed with the water, streaming endlessly down her face.
She hated herself.
Why was this happening to her again?
Hadn't she already suffered enough for one lifetime?
Why did the pain keep finding her?
But gratitude slowly crept in between her sobs.
Thank God.
Thank God he came when he did.
If Mr. Ruiz hadn't shown up…
She couldn't even bring herself to finish the thought.
He was a mystery to her.
One moment harsh and terrifying.
The next gentle and protective.
She didn't trust him.
Not truly.
But deep inside her heart, a fragile hope had taken root hope that he would keep his promise.
She had given him the smallest piece of trust she had left.
Now it was up to him.
Either he would protect her…
Or become another man who broke her.
