ed softly, leaving Ac

ion, her movements gentle and profe

n, ruined fabric of Alexandrea's evening go

g expression harden

ack was a road

in, silvery-white lines, long healed-the kind left by a belt or a switch.

f her legs, there were small, perfectly round scars,

r voice tight with professional restraint. "But these older injuries...

was delivered with a

his sides. He now understood the cold

oothing salve, and then gently dressed Alexandrea in a s

bedroom, Ace was waiting, h

d the scars, the burns, the evidence of p

temperature in the ha

was a thundercloud, dark and menacing. The k

the words barely esca

yn. That will be

d. "I'll leave a list of supplements and topical creams. Bu

us put a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Ace.

turned, pulling out his ph

ntly. "Giles. Add someth

dical records for the past decade. I want a list of every domesti

s to her." The last words were lace

hatever it costs, I want Ivette Te

as palpable. "Yes, sir," Giles replied

but the inferno in

dside lamp, he could see the faint tracks of tears on her cheeks. Even in sleep, h

from her forehead, but stopped himself, his fingers

the side of the bed, sat dow