"Nick…" Georgia's voice cracked as she slowly sat up, trembling hands wiping away the tears streaking her face.
Nick stood in front of her, still dressed in the pristine naval uniform he wore earlier that day, the same one meant for their wedding. The stark white of it clashed painfully against the chaos and ruin now laid out before him.
And Georgia… Her gown was torn, both the skirt and the back of her tube top ripped open, exposing her like prey after a violent hunt.
Nick's breath hitched, his jaw ticking. He moved fast, unbuttoning his uniform, and in a heartbeat, he draped it around her bare shoulders, shielding her. Protecting her.
His hands were trembling. But his voice, when it came, was steady and soft. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"
"I'm fine," she whispered, shaking her head, even though her body said otherwise.
That's when Nick saw the vivid red mark blooming across her cheek.
