Whatever response she tried to formulate came out as a low sob, and then suddenly Cade was right in front of her, pulling her into his arms.
At first, she stiffened, but his strength and warmth bled into her, giving her comfort she desperately needed and wanted. She melted into his chest, closing her eyes as he held her. He rubbed a hand up and down her back and murmured softly into her ear.
“Is it wrong of me not to be sorry I can’t remember?” she whispered.
Cade squeezed her and cupped the back of her head. “No. Your mind is protecting you. Right now, you’re too fragile to cope with everything at once. When you’re stronger, you’ll remember, and Merrick and I will be with you to help you through it.”
She carefully pulled away, staring back at him in complete befuddlement. How could he make a promise like that? How could he look so serious when making such a statement?
He looked as though he meant every word.
Before she could pursue it any further, he carefully took her arm and guided her toward the door. “Let’s go have that breakfast, okay? Let’s see if we can get some decent food into you, and then we’ll give you your medicine again.”
Numbly, she allowed him to lead her out of the bedroom and into the kitchen. As they reached the doorway, she self-consciously glanced down at her rumpled clothing. Cade’s clothing.
As soon as they walked into the kitchen, Merrick stood from the table, his gaze intent on her. He stalked forward, and she pulled up, unsure of what to do or what he was doing.
Then he simply reached out and touched her cheek. “How are you feeling this morning?” he asked gruffly.
For some reason, the tenderness against such a rough-cut exterior made her teary-eyed.
“Ah hell,” he said in a desperate sounding voice. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
Then she found herself enfolded in his beefy arms, surrounded by him. She soaked in the comfort just as she’d done when Cade had held her. It buoyed her flagging spirits and was a balm to her aching soul.
She rested her cheek against his chest and closed her eyes as he continued to hold her. She felt safe here, and that was saying a lot, because even her dreams were filled with fear and insecurity.
Somehow Cade’s promise didn’t seem so farfetched at this very moment. He and Merrick both had somehow managed to make her believe in the impossible.
Merrick’s lips pressed to the top of her head, and then he carefully pulled her away so he could guide her to a chair.
“Are you hungry? Cade makes a mean pancake.”
“Butter and lots of syrup,” she said. Then she brightened. “I remember how I like to eat pancakes!”
Cade smiled at her and then reached for the plate of pancakes in the middle of the table.
“Let me give these a quick warming, and I’ll bring back the butter. You want milk?”
She nodded and then settled more comfortably into her seat.
“You didn’t answer my question,” Merrick said as he sat back down. “How are you feeling? Still hurting?”
She touched her shoulder automatically and then glanced down at the bandages still covering her hands. “How am I supposed to eat?” she asked ruefully.
Merrick reached over and began to carefully unwind the gauze. “Dallas said we could remove some of the padding. He just wants to keep the cuts covered, and he gave us some ointment for when we change the bandaging. How about I take it off, let you eat, and then I’ll reapply everything afterward.”
Elle smiled up at him. “Thank you, and I am feeling a little better today. I feel…safer.”
His hands went still, and then his fingers curled around hers. “I’m glad you feel safe, Elle. Cade and I are going to make sure you are safe. We aren’t going anywhere. I need you to believe that.”
She sucked in her breath. It was the second time such a promise had been made, and this time it was coming from Merrick.
He continued unwinding the gauze and then carefully pried off the bandages that were stuck to her skin by dried blood. He patted the cuts before tossing away the remnants of the dressings.
Cade returned and put a plate of pancakes stacked high in front of her. She flexed her fingers, checking for signs of discomfort, and then picked up a knife to spread the melting butter evenly across the surface of the pancakes.
“I remembered something,” she said nervously. “I dreamed it, I mean. So I think I remember it. Or maybe it’s just part of a really bad dream.”
Cade sat down with his own plate on her other side, and he and Merrick looked intently at her.
“What was the dream about?” Merrick asked gently.
“Him,” she croaked. “The man who…raped…me and tried to kill me. In my dream, I’m running and I know I can’t escape. I saw a badge attached to his jeans, like at his pocket or belt loop or somehow at his side.”