Innocent Hearts by Radclyffe

Author:Radclyffe [Radclyffe]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Tags: ! Yes
ISBN: 9781933110219
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2005-10-15T05:00:00+00:00

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An oil lamp in one corner, turned down low, cast flickering shadows throughout the small windowless room. A single iron bed stood in the center of the narrow space, a straight-backed wooden chair nearby. The sound of low, raspy breathing broke the deep silence. As her eyes adjusted, Kate made out the still shape of Jessie’s body beneath the covers. She pulled her lower lip hard between her teeth to stop its trembling, and quietly stepped to the side of the bed.

Jessie’s eyes were closed, her face pale and impossibly defenseless. A bandage covered the right side of her head, and the sight of a bright spot of blood in its center tore at Kate’s heart. She was reminded that Jessie, for all her strength, was vulnerable, too. Kate watched the slow rise of Jessie’s chest beneath the thin blanket and realized how quickly life could change, forever.

She reached out and softly stroked Jessie’s cheek.

“It’s Kate, Jessie,” she whispered softly. “You’re going to be all right.” She lifted Jessie’s cool fingers and cradled them in her hand, stroking the work-roughened palm gently. “You must sleep, and get well.”

She wanted to make Jessie well; she wanted to give Jessie her strength and shield her while she healed. Kate felt so helpless that her chest ached. Her throat tightened with a longing so intense she had to close her eyes against the pain, drawing comfort from the steady sound of Jessie breathing.

Finally, she leaned forward and brushed her lips gently over Jessie’s cheek. “Rest now,” she whispered.

When she returned to the room where Mae waited with the doctor, Kate said, “I’d like to help you look after her, Mae. You can’t possibly do it all yourself.”

Mae looked at her steadily for a moment, wanting to refuse, not entirely certain why. “I don’t think I could keep you away, could I?” she asked quietly.

“No, Mae. You couldn’t.”

Mae nodded silently. Some things would have to be settled later.

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