"No, it shouldn't have. But because it did, I find myself analyzing every little thing that I said and did, asking myself if I'd sent the wrong message."
"No. That man's a—" Daniel lowered his voice before letting loose the swear word.
"That's exactly what I called him while he was attacking me."
He lifted his head. “Please tell me you went to the police.”
“I did, and I filed a restraining order. He was questioned but not arrested.”
“What?” Daniel’s brow lowered.
"He comes from a very influential family. Collin's last name is Ainsworth." Riley let Daniel put the pieces together.
His head jerked back. "As in Senator Ainsworth?"
"Yes, Collin is the senator's son." Riley nodded. "He managed to convince the police that we were just making out and that things got a little...steamy and rowdy."
Daniel swore under his breath again.
"He showed up at my work the following week and convinced my medical assistant to let him wait in an exam room so he could surprise me."
Daniel's brows dropped even lower, and a dangerous look filled his eyes. "Let me guess, you hadn't told anyone at work what he'd done to you?"
"No, I didn't think they'd believe me, because they all loved Collin." She shook her head. "As soon as I entered the exam room, he blocked the door, so I couldn't get out. I should have screamed, but I froze in fear again. And he assaulted me again, though not to the extent that hedid the first time. He also threatened me and told me he wasn't done with me."
"So, you decided to come home." It was more of a statement than a question. He shook his head again. "And it's only been a month? No wonder you're so easily jumpy and anxious."
"Emily told me it would take time to feel normal again, but a simple phone call or a letter from him sends me right back to my apartment where I'm pinned against the couch." Her hands and voice trembled again as she thought about how trapped and powerless she'd felt.
Daniel took her hands in both of his. "Tell me how I can help, Pockets."
She gave him a watery smile. "Believe it or not, when you call me Pockets, it takes me back to a happier time in my life when Collin didn't exist. It reminds me I don't need to fear you."
"You don't." He leaned toward her until they locked gazes. "I promise I will never hurt you, Princess Sparkle Pockets."
Riley laughed. "Just Pockets. Lose the princess and the sparkles, Tarzan." She leaned toward him until her forehead rested against his shoulder.
Daniel sucked in a sharp breath as though bracing himself for an attack, then gradually relaxed. When she didn't pull away, he released her hand and brought his up to caress the back of her head.
The hesitancy and gentleness of his touch brought fresh tears to her eyes, and she sniffled. She hated that what Collin did to her made her fear every man around, even the one whose touch she used to crave.
Daniel hopedRiley couldn't feel the tremble in his hand. He wanted to wrap her in his arms and promise to never let anyone hurt her again, but he didn't dare touch her any more than he already did. He also wanted to punch something, or rather, a certain someone. And boy, did he ache for a drink. Better yet, a whole bottle.
Riley had censored her story after his outburst, he was sure of it, but he was grateful. He didn't need to hear every sordid detail to know she endured something horrible. No wonder she had nightmares and was so easily triggered.
He felt ill thinking about how that man had hurt the woman he'd loved for so many years.
"You really are a strong woman, Ri. You're courageous and brave."
"I don't feel brave at all." She lifted her head and swiped the tears from one cheek with the back of her hand. "I mean, the thought of spending the night here with you had me cowering by the window this afternoon."
"It takes a lot of courage to tell people what you've been through." He reached up and gently wiped the tears from her other cheek. "What do I need to do to make this more bearable for you? It's been a while since I've slept under the stars, but I'll do it, if you want me to."
"No. It's way too wet and cold out there." She looked down to their clasped hands. "I should probably let you distract me with card games, but I'm exhausted." Right on cue, she covered her mouth as a yawn took over.
"You still aren't sleeping well, are you?"
"No. You?"
