Page 43 of Bred

If he only knew….

“I’m going to reach out and see if anyone new has come into town recently. I’ll check back in if I find out anything.”

"Thanks Tom. See you soon." The door closes behind him and I lock it up tight. Just me and my girl. Alone in the cabin. Turning to face her on the couch, she watches me shyly.

"I'll just get some more wood going in the fireplace if that's okay?" I ask her gently.

"Sure, thanks." Her cheeks redden as she fiddles with her hands, dropping her stare.

Taking a seat beside her, I tuck the blanket around her tighter. “When I found you that day, I was afraid I was too late. Did that guy hurt you?”

“Huh? Oh, no. You saved me before he did anything.” Her voice cracks.

“Shh, he won’t ever touch you again.”

“There’s been so many things…first him, then I’m attacked behind my restaurant. Someone saved me, no idea who and no real memory of how I got home. Feeling like I’m being constantly watched…” She shakes her head as her body trembles trying to process everything she’s been through. “No this.” The tears flow down her cheeks and it takes everything in me to keep from licking those sweet and salty tears away.

Taking the cup from her hands, I set it on the table. “Come here sweetheart.” I pull her into my side, resisting the urge to put her in my lap.

Wrapping my arm around her, I offer her the only safe haven she’ll ever need. Her tears quickly soak my shirt as she sobs into my chest. Her tiny fist clenches my shirt.She needs me. Something inside of me snaps and I pull her into my lap.

“Shh, baby girl, I’m here now. Everything will be okay. I’ve got you.”

“I’m so sorry.” She pulls back, wiping my shirt.

Cradling her face in my large hands, I wipe the tears away from under her eyes. Our eyes meet and the energy in the room abruptly changes, the electricity I felt before surging once again between us.

“Don’t you dare apologize for needing me.” The words come out more husky than I intend.

“I looked for you. After I dealt with that piece of shit. But you ran.” My voice hardens thinking of her running from me.

Those beautiful green eyes widen in surprise. “I was scared, he touched me. He almost…” She trails off. “I just wanted to wash him off my skin.”

“You weren’t afraid of me?” Watching her closely, I see her breathing pick up.

Hesitating, she studies me closely. “No.” Biting her lip, she glances away as a cute as hell blush takes over her cheeks.

Bringing her face back to mine, I narrow my eyes at her. “Don’t do that. Don’t hide from me, beautiful. What is it?”

“You’re intense, intimidating.” She whispers. “But somehow, for some reason, I feel safe with you.”

"I'm glad I can make you feel that way. I'd never hurt something as precious as you." I stare into her eyes. A smile plays at my lips. “You are the most stunning creature I’ve ever laid eyes on.” I run my thumb across the lips I’ve thought about obsessively every day for what feels like forever.

Her body tenses at my words. Tilting her head, she debates something before finally asking. “What are the odds I’d end up in your cabin?” She laughs lightly, though it sounds somewhat forced.

My smart girl, she knows.

“Yeah. Those are some pretty crazy odds,” I reply, trying to mask the edge in my voice. The smell of her engulfs my senses as she rests her head against my shoulder. “It’s nothing but fate.”

“Thank you, Holden. For everything. For being here for now. I don’t have anyone…”

“You have me now.” I nearly growl at her, softening my tone before adding, “Have dinner with me tomorrow.” Shock registers on her face. “If you want to thank me.” I give her the best innocent smile that I can muster up.

“Okay.” She smiles up at me through her wet eyelashes.

She turns her gaze to her lap, fiddling with her hands. "Thank you for staying. I really do appreciate it." Her voice cracks and I can't help myself.

“Anything for you.” Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You must be exhausted, why don’t you go on to bed?"