Together Forever Page 6

  I remove my clothes, slide in behind her and wrap my arm around her. “It’s ok, love. I’m here. No one is ever going to hurt you again, over my dead body.” She cries harder. Ok, maybe I’m not the best at comforting. I haven’t had a lot of practice. I kiss her head and tighten my arm to hold her closer. She finally moves into me, like she can’t get close enough. We lay there for a long time, her crying turning into sniffles. She rolls her body around until she is facing me, her arm sliding under mine and holding my back. There is just enough moonlight coming in through the blinds to see her face. Her eyes red and puffy, she looks so scared.

  “I’m sorry, sweetie. But, you know, whenever you’re ready to talk to me you can. I hope you know that.” She gives me a little smile.

  “I know. I’m just—” She hesitates. She looks down at my chest. “I just can’t believe he found me,” she says softly.

  My hand automatically lifts her chin, and I look deeply in her eyes. “I won’t let anything happen to you, love. I’m just sorry I wasn’t there in time. It won’t happen again.” I kiss her forehead, smoothing back her hair. She nestles into me and sighs. My hand instinctively goes to her back, and I begin rubbing it trying to give her some comfort.

  She finally falls asleep, her head against my chest. I straighten us out a little, so she is more comfortable. I don’t think I can sleep though. Just the thought of what he did to her tonight, my head swimming with what he could have done to her in the past. My body too hyped up with adrenaline to sleep. I ended up laying there most of the night holding my girl close.

  I must have dozed off because early the next morning I wake up to my arm being lightly stroked. My hand, of course, is covering her breast. I can’t help it, my hand loves it there. I kiss her neck. “Morning, love. Did you sleep ok? Any pain? Need anything?” She shakes her head and moving my arm out of the way, she rolls over to face me.

  She smiles. “Actually, I feel much better,” her voice sounding much clearer. I look at her throat, still pretty red and a little light purple. Motherfucker!

  “I— I want to tell you. Everything. I really want to. I need to. I’m ready,” she says with her chin up, determined.

  “Ok, love. If you’re sure.” She nods. “I will be quiet but know that I will be burning inside. You have no idea what it does to me to know that someone hurt you, but I will do my best to stay calm. For you.” I kiss her nose.

  She takes a big gulp and begins. “He used to work for my dad. He was an orthopedic doctor, not a surgeon, though, like my dad. He helped out when dad needed it but he wanted in dad’s practice, a partner. Dad didn’t want a partner, he thought Paul was too young and over anxious.” She sighs again and looks up at me. “He asked me out and dad hated it. We went out for a couple of months. He started acting too aggressive towards me, too possessive. He started setting rules. I couldn’t go out with my girlfriends, and I had to make time for him when he wanted to be together, things like that. Paxton, my best friend growing up, got so pissed. She was ready to punch his face in.” She stops, closing her eyes.

  I bring her to my chest and lay my chin on her head. “Take your time, love. We have all the time in the world.” My hand rubs her back as we lay there in silence. She shakes her head and brings her hand up to wipe her eyes.

  She looks back up to me and blinks rapidly. “He threatened me, a few times at first, then more and more as I started to talk about us breaking up. It got to where every time I turned around, he was there. I’d see him when grocery shopping, when I was out with Paxton at the mall, no matter where I went, he was there. I finally broke down and told dad what was going on and of course, he kicked him out of the office, threatening he’d call the police if he ever came near me again.”

  She swallows, her little body shuddering. Shaking her head as if to clear her mind, she continues. “He stayed away for a few months, his calls stop and I never saw him again. Paxton and I were finally able to go out and not look over our shoulders and my life got back to normal, until—” She starts breathing heavy and my hand stills on her back.

  She swallows again and closes her eyes. “I was leaving work late one evening and when I got to my car in the parking garage he was leaning against it. I stopped dead in my tracks, looking around to see if anyone was near but the garage was empty. I turned and started to run back to the office but he caught up to me really fast and yanked my arm back and pulled my hair. He— he— he hit me in the face, making my nose bleed and yanked me to his car that was hidden behind a big pole.”

  My fists clenched. Fuck I want him! I want to fuck him up before I kill his ass. Damn, I need to stop this. I need to be here for my girl. She starts coughing some, so I get up quickly and run into the bathroom and get her a glass of water. She drinks it quickly and sets the half empty glass on her night stand. Sitting back against the headboard, she crosses her legs and pulls my arm around her. She leans into me, and I gear up for what’s about to come.

  “He throws me in the back seat and follows me, shutting us in. I heard the locks click and knew I was in trouble.” She looks at me, her body shaking now, tears streaming. “Shane, he beat me so bad.”

  As she cries, I grab her and hold her tight. Her crying became uncontrollable, so I reached over to get the pills the nurse gave me to help her sleep, thinking they will help calm her. It took a long time to get her to take one, but she finally managed to swallow it. I lay us down and pull the covers over her, tucking her in close to me. She cried for a long time until her breathing started to even out. Once I knew she was asleep, I crept out of the bed, grabbed my jeans and went into the bathroom. I didn’t want to go too far in case she awoke.

  I got my phone from the pocket of my jeans and sent a text.

  Any word from the police on that fucker?

  It didn’t take long for Jesse to reply with: Not yet. Sis ok?

  I took a deep breath. They better find him soon, before I do.

  She told me most of what happened b-4. She took a pill and is asleep. Keep me updated

  I put my phone down on the counter, my hands flat on either side of it. I look down and try to keep my head from conjuring up all the shit I want to do to that fucker. I need to hit something, badly.

  I pick up the phone and call Lana. “Shane, she ok? How are you holding up?” She asks. I tell her what happened at the hospital. I don’t know if she knows about Paul or Allie’s past, so I don’t say anything more. At the end of the call, I ask her to come over and stay with my girl, so I can go hit the gym for a little while. She didn’t hesitate and said she’d be over in 5.

  I go into the bedroom to put on some gym clothes and check on my girl. I find her sleeping soundly. Thank God.

  Chapter Five

  I am dreaming of a phone ringing. It won’t stop. Why isn’t Shane answering the phone? I slowly open my eyes, the light shining into the room tells me I’ve been sleeping for a long time. I look over at my phone on the night stand that has stopped ringing now. I stretch my arms up over my head and yawn. Looking at my phone again, I see it lighting up. Oh! I pick it up quickly, and looking at the number, I answer excitedly.

  “Paxton!!!! Oh, my God, Paxton! I’ve missed you!” I yell into the phone. Paxton is your typical rich bitch. To most people she is snooty and stuck up but to her friends, she is the sweetest person you will ever know. All the guys fall over themselves to get her attention. Yes, she is that much of a knockout. Long blonde hair, stunning blue eyes with long eyelashes women would kill to have, pouty lips and a body to die for. I’ve always been jealous of her.

  Lana slides into the room from running so fast. She mouth’s ‘Sorry’ to me. Giving her a confused look, I smile and mouth back, “It’s ok” and blow her an air kiss. What is she doing here? That’s weird.

  “Baby girl!” She squeals into my ear. “Your dad told my dad what happened. Are you ok? Where is that slime ball piece of shit?”

  Oh, my God! That brought me back to reality quickly! The night’s events start clouding my head
in a rush.

  I am holding the phone away from my ear, she is screaming so loudly. Finally, she takes a breath. “Pax, slow down. I’m fine, well, now. The police are out looking for him. Wait! How did dad know?” Shit! Dad knows? He’ll be on a plane and here before I know it.

  I hear her popping her gum in the phone. You’d think someone with perfect teeth would stay away from all that sugar. “Jesse called him last night. Don’t worry he’s not coming there. Jesse talked him into staying here, for now. But he is really worried, ya know?”

  I sigh. “I know. What about mother? Does she know?” I’m almost nervous for the answer. “Not like she’ll care or anything,” I whisper.

  All my life I wished for a mother who showed me love. I know Paxton knows how I feel. Neither of her parents act like they give a shit what she does, where she is. That’s why we have always been so close.

  I hear a gum bubble burst. “I dunno. Hey, I just finished a modeling gig and need some time away. How about I hop on a plane and come to see you? I need some time with my baby girl. I wanna meet Shane and Cassie anyway,” she says excitedly.

  “But, Pax, it’s Christmas Eve tomorrow. Don’t you need to be home? Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see you, but—” And as usual she butts right on in.

  “Ha! You think my parents give a shit if I’m here or not at Christmas, yeah right! You know better than that! Hell, they probably won’t even know I’m gone. Plus, I’m bored and need my girl time!” She laughs.

  As we talk I see a note on the night stand from Shane telling me he went to the gym. Ah! Now it makes sense why Lana is here. He’s so sweet not wanting me to be alone. Sigh. I love my sexy man so much! How did I get so lucky?

  Paxton and I talk for about an hour. I guess my bestie is coming to see me! I’m so excited! Good thing I didn’t get a chance to mail her Christmas present, now I can give it to her in person. She insisted that she get a rental car to get here from the airport. I couldn’t talk her out of it.

  Lana and I talk the morning away. Shane walks in as I am making lunch. He’s all sweaty and so HOT! I can’t believe he’s mine. After he takes a shower, he immediately he comes to me, putting his arms around me and kisses my throat gently.

  “That’s my cue to leave you lovebirds alone,” Lana says smiling. She gives me a kiss on the cheek and leaves.

  Shane smiles. “Hmmm. How you holding up, love? Your throat’s still a little red and purple, but not as bad.” He is rubbing his fingers lightly over my throat. He’s so sweet.

  I smile back and run my fingers through his hair. “I’m good. My best friend called me today. I haven’t seen her in so long. She, um. She wants to come here tomorrow and spend a few days with us. Is that ok? I mean. I know that it’s Christmas and we just moved in together—”

  He places a finger over my lips to hush me. Quickly, his finger is replaced by his lips. His warmth envelopes me, making me feel loved and cherished. He finally breaks our kiss but strokes my cheek with the back of his hand. “Love, you can invite whoever you wish. If she’s your friend, I’m sure I will love her.”

  I sure hope so. Maybe she’ll be on her best behavior? One can only hope.

  We spend the day together since Shane took off work due to what happened last night. We lounged around, made love a few times and got our things ready for Christmas Eve at Jesse’s tomorrow. Night comes soon and we are in our favorite position, in bed. It doesn’t take us long to fall asleep.

  BANG, BANG, BANG! DING DONG. DING DONG. “Ugh! What is that?” I say with a big yawn. Shane stirs behind me. He leans over me and looks at the clock.

  “5:00 in the fucking morning? What the fuck!” He kisses me on my head, starts getting out of bed and puts on his jeans. He turns and points a finger at me. “You! Stay put! Do not come out there until I see who the fuck it is.” I pull the covers up to my chin and nod.

  BANG, BANG, BANG! DING DONG. Holy shit I’m getting scared. Wait! No one would bang on the door and ring the doorbell if they were here to hurt us. I relax.

  “Get outta my fucking way!” Paxton? I quickly get up, throw on a robe, run out of the bedroom and down the stairs. “Shane is it? Get my bags, I’m dreadfully tired, where do I sleep?” Oh, lord! Well, I see she’s in a good mood. I run down the hall and crash right into her. “Oomph!” We both yell. We both rub our heads and break out laughing.

  “Baby girl!!!!” She screams and throws her arms around me, squeezing me to death. “Let me look at you,” she says, pushing me back to arm’s length. “Oh, look at your neck. My poor baby girl.” She grabs me again, throwing my chest into hers. Ouch! She turns her head and looks at Shane, who is just staring at her like she’s the she-devil herself. Hmmm. “Have they caught that mother fucker yet?” She asks Shane. He shakes his head no, still wide eyed.

  I remove myself from her and clasp her hand. “Paxton, this is Shane. Shane, Paxton,” I say smiling. He blinks, then holds out his hand to her.

  “Paxton, nice to meet—”

  She grabs his hand, shakes it once, then turns to me. “Baby girl, I am exhausted. Where can Shane put my bags so I can get some shut eye?” She asks smiling sweetly.

  I giggle and turn to Shane, who is not very happy so I stop, quickly. “Shane, darling. Can you put Paxton’s bags in the guest room, please?” I put my sweet smile on again.

  He simply nods curtly and goes out the front door to get her bags.

  She smiles and puts her arm through mine. “What a nice fellow. Now, show me my room so I can get my beauty rest on as soon as he brings my things.”

  And that is how Shane met Paxton. Lovely.

  ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

  Once I got that sweet bitch’s bags into her room, I headed for the kitchen. Fuck, after that I need more than just coffee but it’s too early in the morning. Don’t think I’m not tempted though. I’m setting up the coffee pot and feel arms around my waist, hands moving up to my chest.

  “I guess I should have told you a little more about Paxton.” She rubs my chest, up and down, while her body rubs against my backside. She lays her head on my back. “I should have warned you, darling. I’m so sorry.”

  I hit the ON switch to get the coffee going and turn quickly around, catching her off guard. I lift her up and place her on the counter and move in between her legs. My hands go into her hair, and I turn her head to the side then smash my lips against hers. “Mmmmm,” I mumbled into her mouth. “That’s ok, my love, I forgive you. I figure I’d better get some lip action in while our ‘guest’ is resting.” We continue to make out like long lost lovers until the coffee pot dings. I pull away, reluctantly, and wink at my love.

  As she makes her latte, I scramble us some eggs and pop a couple pieces of bread in the toaster. I am stirring the eggs and turn my head her direction. “So, yeah. She’s quite the piece of work, huh? How in the hell are you two best friends? You’re like night and day, she-devil and angel, fire and—” She cuts me off with a finger to my mouth.

  “I got it. I got it.” Her finger leaves my mouth, too soon if you ask me. I was about to bite it. “She has to get to know you, ya know? She’s like that to everyone, don’t take offense.”

  I laugh. I mean hysterical laughing. My eyes blur with tears from laughing so hard that I can hardly see what I am doing to the poor eggs. She smacks my arm.

  “Shane. She may be a little stuck up—”

  I turn to her, spatula in hand, flinging eggs across the kitchen. “A little? Seriously?” I say with a raised eyebrow.

  She takes the toast, butter and her latte over to the table and sits. Buttering the toast, she looks my way. “Ok. She’s a lot stuck up. But once she gets to know you, she will love you. Give her a little time, ok?”

  I dish up our eggs and take the plates over to the table. Sitting next to her, I take her hand and kiss it. “Ok, love. For you. Only for you would I do this.” I must be fucking crazy.

  After breakfast I go take my shower while Allie is wrapping the last of our presents. The guest roo
m is quiet, thank God! I think this will be a very long few days. I am looking forward to getting away to Jesse’s later. I need another man around and at least Jesse knows the she-devil. Maybe he will run interference, throw her a bone, throw something.

  Just to get the hell out of the house, I volunteered to run to the store to get some items Allie needed to make her casserole dish that she is taking tonight. Since Allie and Paxton are meeting me at Jesse’s in about an hour, I take the item’s home, and I go over to the tattoo shop to check on things. Buck’s only opened for a half day today, being Christmas Eve and all.

  I walk in to find Tuck ringing out a customer, he grins at me and finishes telling the customer goodbye. He follows them to the front door, locking it behind them. While I wait I text Allie quickly and am done by the time he approaches me.

  “Hey, mate. All finished with the day?” I ask him.

  He stretches his arms up over his head, sweeping his hair out of his face. “Yup, just finished. What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be with Allie,” he says, his eyebrows waggling.

  I laugh. “Well, ya see, her best friend showed up early this morning and is now crashing in the guest room. I got the hell outta dodge and got some groceries for Allie and took them home.”

  His hand smooth’s over his chin, thinking. “Best friend, huh? What’s she like?” Again with the eyebrows, sheesh. He has no idea.

  I pat him on the back and lean in, him following my lead. “Well, she’s fucking gorgeous, model quality, ya know? Nice sized boobs, ones you can use as a pillow. Long blonde hair, long legs, you know,” I whisper.

  “Fuck, yeah? Shit, wish I was going with you then,” he says rubbing his hands together. “I could go for some fresh meat. My cock’s already hard just picturing her.”

  What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him, right? “My man. This is your lucky day! You don’t have any plans for tonight and tomorrow, do you?” Inside I am dying. It’s so hard not to laugh my ass off right now.