Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 89259 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89259 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
“Shh baby. It’s just a dream. I’m here, Dallas, I’m here.” Luke was rocking me, holding my sweaty body close to his and whispering reassurances in my ear. I turned over and sob into his chest. “I got you baby. You are safe. No one is going to hurt you. I swear on my life. I love you Dallas.” That’s all I needed to hear.
Chapter 26
I open my eyes and I am in my bed. Luke’s arms are snaked around me. I’m not hanging from the rafters in the barn. I can’t see if it is daylight or not because my right eye is still swollen shut. I tried to swallow and my throat is on fire.
“Luke,” I whisper. His eyes immediately flashed open. They’re still ocean blue, but are outlined in red and blood shot.
“You ok?” he asked his voice full of sleep and concern. “Do you have something to drink?” I whisper to him hoarsely.
“I can get you something,” he said moving to get up.
“Don’t leave me,” I said louder this time.
“Regg!” Luke called. Within seconds Regg is at the door. He was freshly showered, dressed and looked like he has been up for hours.
“What ya need brother?”
“Will you bring Dallas some ice water and orange juice please?” Luke asked looking at me.
“Absolutely.” Regg left and I turned my attention back to Luke.
“How you feeling this morning?” he asked moving my hair from my face and tucking it behind my ear.
“I’m scared Luke,” I admit. I was scared of Frankie, Crazy and Dennis, but most of all I was scared of Luke leaving me. Our whole relationship had been a lie. What if he didn’t feel like he said he did?
“I know baby, but you are safe. We won’t let anything happen to you.” Regg came back carrying a tray with juice and water. I sat up in bed, then feeling suddenly exposed, I quickly covered myself. Regg was gracious enough not to comment, he just turned and left. Luke handed me the glass of water and I drained it without stopping.
“Juice?” he asked sitting up beside me. I nodded my head and he handed me the glass. I managed to get down about half of it before handing it back to Luke. I scrambled out of bed and walked to the bathroom. I was about to make my way inside when I realized there were cabinets in there people could hide under. The shower curtain was closed and I couldn’t see behind it. I started to breathe heavier. I placed my hands on the doorframe trying to steady myself, but before I could control it I was hyperventilating. Luke was with me in an instant.
“Just breathe baby,” he said from behind me. He placed his hands on each side of my waist and held me until I regained my composure. “Come on,” he said taking my hand and leading me into the bathroom. I never let go even as I sat on the toilet to pee. He held my hand the entire time I washed my face and brushed my teeth. I knew I was being a little over the top, but anytime he wasn’t touching me I panicked. I pulled him back to the bed and slid under the covers. He never hesitated as he laid down beside me and pulled me back to him, never letting go of my hand.
I wanted to talk. I wanted to get this out there and off of my chest, but I knew I wasn’t ready for it, but there was one thing I had to know.
“Will you leave me?” I asked him. I was facing the wall so I couldn’t see his face, but I knew he would tell me the truth.
“No baby. I’m here forever if you will have me. I love you. I have never lied about my feelings for you.” I nodded my head then closed my eyes letting sleep take me once again.
Chapter 27
When I woke it was storming. The lightning and thunder were loud along with the sound of the hard rain hitting the metal roof. I glanced at the clock and saw that it was six-thirty in the evening, and my hand was empty. I turned over in bed to see the spot where Luke laid was empty. I looked around the room and no one was there. They were under the bed.
I sat up and closed my eyes counting to ten and telling myself I was overreacting. I could hear voices from the living room. They were mumbled but audible. Who was it? Our guys or the other guys? I couldn’t breathe. It was happening again. My chest constricted and all I could see was Frankie the Cutter dancing around me and placing his hands on me. My heart beat so hard I was sure they could hear it in the other room. I decided the safest place at this point was under the covers. I dove back under the covers pulling the blankets up over my head and tried to control my breathing.