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“I know your world has fallen apart, Julianna,” he whispers in my ear, “and I know you don’t believe me, but it’s going to be okay.” His words stop my heart, because for some reason, a part of me does believe him. I nuzzle into his neck, seeking the comfort he’s willing to give me. The gentle kisses on my temple and his soothing, soft voice begin to calm me. I take another shaky breath, trying to relax.
“Sweetheart, I have no words, and I’m not going to sugar-coat this either.” He pulls me in, embracing me tighter to his body. He lightly whispers in my ear so only I can hear him, “You have to believe me when I tell you I care. It’s not a lie; I care more than I should, and I’ve never felt this way before.”
“Oh, God,” I whisper back. I’m left speechless from his confession, but I’m not sure I can believe him. I pull back to peer up at him through my blurry eyes, and I’m greeted with a pained grimace and eyes that say he’s sincere.
“Shh, don’t say anything.” He scoots my head back into the crook of his arm and holds me tightly. He methodically and gently strokes my back up and down, creating a placid effect on my raw nerves. Closing my eyes, I meld further into him and take a deep, shaky breath. “I’ve got you, sweetheart...I’ve got you.” I listen to the thrumming beat of his heart, and it calms me down even more. I know it’s a bad idea, but I take refuge in his words. He makes me feel safe and protected, despite the fact he’s a party to this massive crime going on around me. I don’t ponder too much on the dilemma; I’m too emotionally-spent, and before I know it, I’ve drifted off into a warm and peaceful sleep.
*~*~*
I wake with my head resting against something firm, definitely not a pillow. I turn my head and come face-to-face with a green-eyed Travis. Has he been here the entire time, silently watching over me?
“How are you feeling?” he asks, whispering softly.
“What time is it?”
He turns his head to look at the bedside clock behind him, then turns back to me. “Twelve o’clock.”
“I’ve slept for over two hours?”
“They were well-spent hours, for both of us,” he adds sincerely. My heart swells at his sweet words, and I believe him. “Your body has been under a lot of stress during the past week; you needed the rest.” I look over his handsome face, stopping at his lips. I want to kiss him. This moment right here, between the two of us, just feels so right. He’s been nothing but comforting and tender, and I don’t want this to end. “So?”
“So, what?” I ask in confusion.
“How are you feeling?”
I think about it for a second before I answer, “A little groggy, but warm and cozy.” I grin and wiggle my body into the side of his warm chest, and he gives me a beautiful smile and wraps his other arm around me, pulling me in for a tight embrace. I feel his lips lightly kiss the top of my head, and I can’t help but think we belong together. I wonder if he will make love to me, be my first lover. Maybe I can ask him. No, you stupid girl. I shake my head. You need to quit entertaining those senseless thoughts.
“What’s the matter?”
“Nothing,” I whisper.
“What was that head shake for then? What are you thinking?”
“Nothing, really,” I say, and I’m thankful he can’t see the lie written all over my face. “I just miss my father and all the festivities I’ll be missing out on with family and friends. He had made special birthday plans for me today, since it’s my big two-one.”
He pulls back and gently tilts my chin up using his forefinger, and he looks into my eyes with what I think is empathy. “Happy birthday, sweetheart. You know what? I say you get dressed and get all dolled-up, and let’s get out of this room. What do you say?”
I perk up a little at the thought of going somewhere, but then my mood quickly deflates. “Go where? I ask speculatively.
“It’s your birthday, after all; maybe there’s a nice luncheon awaiting you down the hall.”
I shake my head. “I’m not in the most festive mood, and I don’t think I will be for some time.”
His eyes search mine. “Don’t you know by now? Living is the best game of revenge you can play against your enemies.”
I’m baffled at his remark. “I’ve never thought of it that way before.”
“C’mon, go get ready. I want to have a dance with the birthday girl.” He gives me the most gorgeous smile, and I melt.
“Will you stay with me?”
“The whole time, if you want.” He’s quickly becoming my security blanket all over again. I’ve always despised this back-and-forth thing of liking somebody then hating them again. I guess this is karma for judging those who had these on-again, off-again type relationships. I know this is far from a relationship, but he’s the only person providing me with any sort of companionship right now. My choices are somewhat limited, I would say.
