She was a little deviant like I thought. She nuzzled her head into my chest. My fingers started to trace little circles along her back, trying to lull her to sleep.
She released a heavy sigh, giving in, “Just for an hour.” Her body started to relax, all tension escaping her. I meant it when I said to give her a moment to feel safe. Nothing was going to bring her pain, bring her a moment where she couldn’t breathe.
I wasn’t going to sleep, I would watch over her, just like I had been doing. Her warm little body tucked by my side. Her breathing became steady, easier. This was a foreign feeling for her, and yet she eased into it.
My fingers never stopped caressing; truth be told, I was just enjoying a moment when she wasn’t running from me, where she could trust her body with me. Once I knew she was in a deep sleep, I’d let her sleep however she needed. She could yell at me if she needed to. I bent down and kissed the top of her head.
She felt it, I knew she did. Even in sleep she couldn’t hide the content smile. The chaos that brewed in her mind was nothing but peace.
“Atta girl,” I soothed, as I leaned to the side to pull a blanket over us. “Dream sweet dreams, I’m not going anywhere.”
When she fell deeper into a sleep, I took the opportunity and used my free hand to move the blanket. I needed to check for more bruising. She didn’t budge as I slowly lifted her scrub top. As much as I would love to have stripped her down to just my shirt and nothing else, that would be another time.
Just do it, she won’t put up much of a fight, she craves it.
I shut that thought down. Thankfully nothing looked out of place, but the color ink that made her a masterpiece. My fingers trailed along her hips, her arms, even in sleep her skin responded to my touch. Goosebumps covered her skin.
So responsive.
I pulled her close, afraid that maybe she’d wake up and run again. And yet, when she melted further into me, those thoughts washed away. A soft snore filled my ears. And soon, my body and mind succumbed to having someone by my side. If I had it my way, she would be spending her days off with me.
I didn’t want her to return to that home, where the nightmares and demons could chase after her. I couldn’t protect her if she wasn’t near me. And that damn boot was even more of a hurdle.Melody warned me not to be “too intense” with her. But it was the only way I knew how to get what I wanted and what she needed.
The sunset quickly turned into darkened skies. I stirred awake, but only to find Amelia’s legs intertwined with mine. She was still asleep, her heart still at a steady pace. A tiny bit of drool dripped onto my chest. I reached for my phone that was on the windowsill next to the bed and sent B.B. and Hound a message.
Me:No one is to knock on my door until I emerge.
A moment later a response came.
B.B.:Do we want to know?
Hound Dog:Ok.
B.B.:By ok, he means, why.
Hound Dog:If his ass is recovering and I don’t need to get Otis to bail him out, I don’t care.
B.B.:So, tell me anyway.
I laughed softly, trying not to wake her up. Amelia unraveled her legs only to turn onto her other side. Her body contorted to the fetal position. Before I could wrap myself into her again, another message popped up.
Hound Dog:Just don’t hurt her, Shoot.
I would never. Hound Dog saw everything, the man had to control everything, to know everything. But he didn’t order me to stay away, I took that as a good sign.
I clicked the phone off and turned my body to the side. She had scooted away from me, but with one strong swoop, I cradled her body with mind, snaking my arms around her like she was my own personal teddy bear. Her warm soft body laid at ease for the rest of the night.
But it wasn’t until the next morning when a soft kiss was placed on my cheek that I saw with blurred morning vision Amelia leaving me. Little did she know she would never sneakout away from me. Time would only tell, and I would have her wrapped around my little finger, just like she had me.
Chapter 13
Amelia
Iwas in way over my head, I couldn’t think anymore. Every day after that day I laid in bed with him, it was torture. Replaying the warmth of his arms, the feeling of being safe, the gratefulness that I could close my eyes and just rest.
Shooter plagued my thoughts and when I got off work to head in his direction, it was another torture to see him, to want him, and know that I may not have had a place for him in my little messed up life.
I snuck out like a bad hookup leaving her one night stand. I felt ashamed that I allowed it to happen. In my mind I had to say no, but my body was a needy bitch that ached for that kind of kindness and devotion. And he was willing to give that to me. I wanted more, but how could I?
