Chapter 79

• “Lisa, please I know you are angry at me now but you need it so it won’t swell.” She moved a foot apart from him after reaching up and grabbing the towel from him. He didn’t blame her, and he did not challenge her. It was considerably less than he deserved. He got out of bed and paced a little way away before turning to face her once more.
• Mason stepped back, concerned and uneasy. Insecure. He wasn't insecure in general, but with Lisa, he was filled with doubt. The magnitude of his error gripped him. This was not a case of "oops, sorry, forgive and forget." He had put her in danger. When she was under his care, he had let another guy assault her. How could he ask her to forgive him when he didn't know if he could or would ever be able to? She let go of the towel and allowed it to slide down her neck while he continued to hover nearby. She looked tired and devastated. He shivered when he noticed her lovely glance had lost its brightness.
• “I’m tired,” she said softly. She did appear completely exhausted. Her eyes were dulled and fatigue covered her face. He had wished to speak with her. To beg her forgiveness. To tell her it wouldn't happen again. He wouldn't, however, press her. Not before she was ready. And it was clear that she didn't want to discuss the subject tonight. Perhaps she was still processing things on her own. Or perhaps she was simply gathering the courage to tell him to fuck off. A knot was clearly present in his throat as he swallowed.