Hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving/Hanukkah! Here is the next chapter! I've pretty much written the next two chapters, just gotta type them out :)

Chapter Nine: Can I?

2:25-Thursday

When she turned the water off she returned to the room. She watched as Reid paced slowly back and forth as he chewed intently on his lower lip. His hands were shoved deep into his pockets and he was walking back and forth with such determination that she wasn't quite sure if she should interrupt. After waiting for a few more minutes she finally took in a deep breath and stepped forward.

"Spencer," she squeaked out, surprising herself at how small her voice sounded. Reid spun on his heels and stared, hopeful and yearning, at Sophia. She held her hand out and stared back at Reid, a small, quivering smile laced across her face. Reid raised his eyebrows in confusion before reaching forward and tentatively placing his hand in hers. She squeezed his hand and led him into the bathroom.

"Sophia…" He hesitated when Sophia turned around in the bathroom. She grabbed his hand and placed it on her hip. She took in a shaky breath and closed her eyes. Reid could feel her body trembling under his hand.

"Please." She whimpered softly. Reid moved his other hand to her hip and stood in front of her. He rubbed his thumb across the small patch of exposed skin and waited for her breathing to calm down before pulling her shirt over her head. He looked down at her exposed skin and was so thankful that her eyes were closed.

He clenched his jaw and his eyes flashed with anger when he took in the molted skin that dotted her stomach. There were fist-shaped bruises of different stages across her entire front, a few wrapping around to her back. They were a beautiful contrast to her paled and smooth porcelain colored skin; skin that he distinctly remembered practically worshipping, kissing and nipping it whenever he got the chance. He let his fingers ghost over one of the bruises and heard a soft whimper escape Sophia's open, pink lips. He watched as a tear slid her cheek. She wiped it away quickly with her hand before it could make its way past her chin. He bent down and placed his lips gently against the bruised skin. He softly kissed the bruise on her hip before trailing his lips higher, placing soothing kisses on each bruise.

Piece by piece Reid slowly worked her clothes off, pausing before and after each one to let Sophia's body relax. She lowered herself into the now lukewarm water. Reid opened the shampoo and smiled as the smell lofted through the bathroom.

"Do you want me to wash your hair?" Reid asked softly. Sophia nodded quickly and if this was any other situation he probably would have been grinning and reveling in the moans that always snuck from her parted lips when his hands moved through her hair. This time he just nodded back and poured shampoo into his hands. He gracefully worked his long fingers through her thick hair, letting his blunt nails scrape lightly against her scalp. He gently massaged down to the base of her hair, rubbing up and down her tensed neck.

She leaned into his touch and for the first time she let herself smile. Reid could feel her muscles relax. She sighed softly as she kept her eyes closed. Reid slowly lowered her head into the warm water. He ran his fingers through the loosened strands, making sure all the soap was washed out. Using his hands that were placed on the back of her head, he slowly helped her sit up. He watched as the water ran down her body. The water glistened against the light bruises that wrapped around her neck. Reid ran his fingers over the molted skin again, hesitating over the end where he could make out the four fingertips from Emmett's hand. An image of Emmett's hands wrapped tightly around Sophia's next began to sneak into his mind and he desperately brushed it away to deal with later; the only thing that should be on his mind

Reid leaned forward and brushed his lips over the purpled skin. Sophia let out a small gasp as Reid applied a gentle pressure on her neck when he finally felt her body lean into his lips. His lips slowly moved across to her chin, leaving little kisses along the way. He kissed the corner of her mouth and Sophia opened her eyes. Reid smiled down at her and placed a hand on her cheek.

"You want to try to sleep a little?" Reid stood up and grabbed the towel behind him. He held out his hand as Sophia stepped out of the tub. He wrapped the towel tightly around her body and pulled her close to his body. She rested her wet head on Reid's chest, her hands gripping the towel tightly. Reid smiled as he felt the weight of her body pressed up against him. It was a comforting pressure, a reminder that things would eventually get better.

He led her to the bedroom and sat her on the bed. He grabbed a large t-shirt and over-sized sweatpants. Sophia stood up and dropped the towel abruptly, squeezing her eyes closed for a few moments. When she opened her eyes, Reid was staring right at her eyes, avoiding everywhere else. She would have laughed at his modesty any other time but for now, she was thankful for it.

He handed her the pajamas with a smile and walked back into the bathroom. He came back into the room with Sophia's brush and walked over to sit next to her. She reached out for the brush and Reid pulled his hand back slightly.

"Can I?" He asked quietly. She nodded and let her mind relax as Reid pulled the brush through her smoothed hair. She felt her body and mind slowly shutting down, exhaustion washing over her. She let out a hum of satisfaction and slowly slipped into sleep.

Sorry for taking so long to post; things have been pretty damn hectic with my grandmother, finals and the holidays. Hope you guys are still sticking with me!