For Love and Vengeance Read Free Page B

two alone,” Jake spoke softly, acutely aware
of the tension being emitted from Jason and Aviva. “Aviva, it’s good to have
you back.”
    “I'll second that. I missed you, and I'm glad you're back with
us…where you belong,” Josh said with a smile.
    Looking over at the men standing by the door, Aviva felt the need to
say something to them that would express how she felt about what they had done
for her. What they had done for Jason. Yet somehow the words wouldn't come.
They stayed locked inside her, emotion shining in her eyes. Soon, very soon, she
would find the words to let them know how much she appreciated them. Only she
couldn't do it now. There were still too many emotions coursing through her.
    A new thought ran through Aviva’s mind at how she had gotten so lucky
to have these strong men care so much about her. It was overwhelming and at the
same time humbling. That line of thought increased her level of emotional
turmoil. She wanted to at least smile to reassure them, to thank them without
words, but she was unable to carry out even so simple an act.
    Pulling away from the stripped back emotions in her eyes, Josh looked
at his older brother but Jason's attention was solely directed on Aviva.
Bidding them goodnight, Josh and Jake exited the room unnoticed by the other
two occupants.
    ~~~~~~~~~~
    Aviva had Jason's complete attention. It had been over a week since he
had last put her into the taxi to go shopping. He remembered the feeling of
disquiet lingering over him. His reluctance to say goodbye. Unaware that at the
end of the day he would be involved in a desperate race against time to trace her
location.
    Looking at the face he never doubted he would see again, he couldn't
help but register the changes. One of the things that had attracted him to her almost
from the moment of their meeting was her vitality for life. It had shone out of
her, capturing his attention. Now in the space of eight days that zest for life
appeared to have been extinguished.
    The missing spark broke Jason's heart and he felt tremendous guilt for
the part he had inadvertently played in her kidnapping. He knew they had hurt
her, and for that they would pay. But in that moment, all he wanted was a way
to get through to his woman…the same one he knew a little over a week ago. He
realized it would take time and he would gladly give it, whatever she needed to
heal, as long as it was within his power, it was hers. Jason acknowledged that probably
the greatest gift he could probably give her was rest in the assurance that she
was safe.
    “What do you need, Angel?”
    Aviva didn't look across at Jason as her barely audible response
gently brushed his hearing. “I need a shower, and then I just want to sleep.”
    Jason walked towards her, his steps unhurried, unwilling to spook her.
Coming to a stop at her side, he held out his hand and waited for her to take
it, but the contact never came. Her hands remained hanging at her sides, balled
into small fists, as her body swayed from side to side.
    Jason moved to take her in his arms, needing to offer what support he
could. But she moved away from his reach, avoiding contact.
    Extending his arm, he indicated the way to the bedroom he had been
using, his gaze sharp should she need his help. “The bedroom is this way.”
    Gradually her head rose, following the direction of his extended hand.
One dragging step at a time, Aviva made slow progress towards the bedroom,
followed closely by a watchful Jason. She needed to reach the confines of the
room quickly. She needed to get away from him before she fell apart.
    Aviva knew with a certainty that if she allowed Jason to coddle her,
she would lose the control she was only managing to hold on to by will alone.
All it would take was one touch for her to fall apart and begin bawling like a
baby. She needed to hold onto her dignity for as long as she could. She knew
that if she gave in to her emotions, her crying would turn into a