The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 2009

The sudden warmth against his hand made Roger freeze. He slowly turned his head, his gaze dropping to the delicate fingers wrapped securely around his own.

She grabbed him. She actually reached out for him.

Roger swallowed hard. The agonizing tension he had been carrying for days nearly snapped at the simple touch. He looked at her, his dark eyes swirling with absolute disbelief.

For a long moment, their eyes locked.

Then, as if she had just touched a hot stove, Stella flinched violently. She yanked her hand back, terrified of her own boldness.

Roger's expression shifted. He reacted instinctively, catching her wrist before she could pull away. She struggled, but there was no way he was letting her retreat. He had finally breached the walls she put up; he wasn't going to let her hide again.

He sat back down, gently pulling her trembling body into his chest. "You missed me, didn't you?" he asked, his voice rough with emotion.

The struggling stopped. Stella rested her chin heavily on his shoulder, her dark, wide eyes staring helplessly out the window. The morning sun was spilling over the horizon, washing the room in a warm, golden glow. The light stung her eyes, and tears began to well up.

"I know you did," Roger murmured, stroking her hair. He kept his voice incredibly soft, terrified of spooking her. "I missed you too. God, I missed you so much."

His words crashed over her like a tidal wave, completely destroying whatever fragile composure she had left.

"I told you I'd never leave you, no matter what," Roger whispered, holding her securely. "I kept my promise, didn't I?"

"It's a little cold," Roger said smoothly. He wrapped the oversized cardigan around her, gently pulling her arms through the sleeves. The fabric swallowed her tiny frame, completely concealing the scars on her arms.

"Let's get some socks on you. The floor's freezing," he added, kneeling beside the bed. He knew exactly why she was hiding, but he didn't say a word. "Don't panic. I won't touch you."

Keeping the blanket between his hands and her skin, he carefully slipped the soft socks onto her feet. From head to toe, she was entirely covered. Not a single scar was visible.

Stella looked down at herself, the suffocating panic slowly receding from her face. By the time she processed what was happening, Roger had gently guided her into the bathroom.

"I'll wait outside," he said softly. He desperately wanted to help her, but she had just taken a massive step. Pushing his luck would ruin everything. He squeezed toothpaste onto her brush, turned on the warm water, and stepped out into the hallway.