Chapter 53

• After Ash’s nightmare last night my arm, ribs, and belly were sore. He had clamped his hand on my arm, squeezing it tighter as his nightmare got worse. His other arm crushed my ribs as he held me tight against him. The twins kicked wildly and painfully causing more pain inside me. This was one time I wished I hadn’t fallen asleep in his arms.
• I didn’t dare move or make a sound. I knew I was in his nightmare and if I moved it would only make things worse. He might have either attacked me or tightened his grip. He finally woke up after what felt like a decade. I pretended to be asleep but I was most grateful when his grips loosened and the twins settled down. I slept while he watched me, his arms securely around me. My close encounter with Baku had scared him more than it did me.
• I walked down the stairs feeling sore all over. There was a large bruise on my arm, a long purple strip across my chest and small purple spots on my belly. The twins’ kicks had left track marks on me. Ann, Maria and Joe were seated in the living room. Their discussion died when I got closer to them.