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“I said don’t argue with me, Sarah.” He opens his truck and lifts me into the seat buckling me in as well. “I need to make sure you’re safe,” Is all he says when I give him a quizzical look. The drive to his place is quiet but his hand squeezes mine with a reassuring pressure. As I look out the window, I see the snow storm finally showed up and I have a feeling I will be staying with Travis longer than I planned.
Chapter 12
Travis
I can’t get the image of a bloodied and frightened Sarah running to me from the darkened parking lot. I had just arrived and was about to step into the gallery when I heard sobs coming from behind me, I turned around just in time to catch her in my arms.
We arrive at my home just in time it seems. The snow fall has doubled since we left the gallery. Sarah has been quiet this whole trip but once we get inside I’m going to fix that. I need to clean her scrapes and get her bandaged up and into some warm clothing.
I pull into the garage and see Harley jumping at the door wagging her tail. Cutting the engine, I look to Sarah who looks like she is still in shock.I slip out of the door and head over to her side.
Opening her door, I break the silence. “You know I will protect you, right? You have nothing to worry about. I’m here.” She nods as her head falls into my chest, a soft sob escaping her lips. Pulling her from the truck, I wrap her in my arms and carry her to the door.
“Sit, Harley” I command as I place Sarah down. In the light of my kitchen I can see all the blood coating her delicate skin. Most of it seems to be from when she fell in the parking lot.
“She’s beautiful, Travis.” Sarah tentatively draws her hand out for Harley to sniff. She doesn’t usually warm up to people that often and I’m about to tell Sarah this, but Harley surprises me and goes over to her and stands guard next to her. I think she can sense Sarah’s distress.
“Thank you. She’s been with me since I retired from the military. She’s been a good pup.” I mention.
As Sarah enters the living room, she immediately removes her broken heels and sets them aside near the door. It's evident that the moment her feet are liberated from the constricting shoes, she experiences discomfort. With a noticeable limp, she approaches me, wincing in agony with each step. It's apparent that she's in considerable pain, I can't help but feel concerned for her well-being
As I let Harley out, I turn to Sarah with a smile. "Let's get you cleaned up," I say, "and then I'll show you around. Here let me carry you." Sarah nods, seeming grateful for the offer. As we make our way to the bathroom, I can’t help but notice how good she feels in my arms.
“You didn’t have to carry me but thank you. My feet are killing me.” It’s the most she’s said since she gave her statement to the police. I thought I would need to pull the words from her.
After setting her down on the counter, I ask, “Would you prefer a bath so you can sit and relax?”
“Yes. That would be amazing. Thank you.” I start the faucet, stopper the tub, and turn back to her. Her eyes haven’t left me since I stepped away. “Travis, thank you for everything. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t been there. I just keep thinking about what if thatman had done it?” She sobs into her hands. “What if he would have shot me or even killed me? Every time I close my eyes, I see him standing before me with that gun.” I walk over to her and pull her body flush against my chest. She needs to be grounded to this moment not thinking of what ifs.
“Listen to me, you got away from him. You did exactly what you needed to do to get to safety. No more what ifs. He didn’t and you are safe. We might as well be in Fort Knox with the amount of security that I have, alright? There is nothing to be scared of anymore. I’m right here.” I kiss the top of her head and see the goosebumps spread over her skin. I affect her just as must as she does me.
The tub is almost full, so I pull back from her. “Now, let’s get you in the tub so you can start feeling better and get warm.” I pull out a couple towels and set them beside the tub. “If you need any help, I will be right out here.” I motion to my bedroom beyond the bathroom. She nods as she slides off the counter and flinches when her feet land on the cool hard tile.
???
Sarah
The bath felt wonderful, and was exactly what I needed. Travis set out some of his clothes for me and I put them on, rolling the waist of the pants down several times so they wouldn’t be too long. I look at myself in the mirror and wince at the spot where the metal barrel cut my forehead. I finger comb my hair and throw the towels into the hamper beside the door. Walking out I find Travis lying on his bed with his phone in hand.
He shoots up as soon as he sees me emerge. “Hey, how are you feeling?”
“Better. Thank you for all this.” I gesture to the clothing.
“Stop thanking me for everything, Sarah. I wanted to help, and I wanted you safe. That’s why I brought you here. I wasn’t going to take no for an answer either.” Travis towers over me as he grazes his fingertip along my jawline and down the side of my neck. I close my eyes and whimper at the contact. I want both his hands on me. I want his body pressed against mine. I don’t want to think any more about tonight. I want to be right here in this moment with him.
“I need you, kitten. I need to be inside you. I know you want this too,” he whispers in the shell of my ear. Goosebumps erupt over my skin at the feel of his hot breath against my neck. He presses me against the wall and uses his feet to spread mine, opening my legs. I know he can feel how hot I am down there. I want this. Ineedthis. I want to let go of everything that happened today and let Travis have me. I am acutely aware of my heart beating out of my chest. It’s pounding louder than a sledgehammer.
“Yes. Please, Travis. Take me to bed.” His large hands grasp my waist pulling me up to his eye level as my legs wrap around him. His hands squeeze my ass as he crashes his lips down on mine. I instantly open up for him and his tongue tangles with mine. Being this close to him I can smell his cologne. It’s a mixture of something earthy and sandalwood. He turns us around and heads back toward his bed. He lays me down then slides his body on top of me as he kisses me with such intensity. It’s overwhelming.
Dominating.
Passionate.
Controlling.
That’s what Travis is.
His lips caress mine so perfectly that I can’t help but pull him closer to me. I need him pressed against me. I need to feel the weight of his body against my own. It’s a need I feel deep within my core. His hand slides into my hair pulling it tight, he bares my neck to him. Travis slides from my lips, down my neck paying extra attention to the spot behind my ear that makes me go wild. He pulls back for a moment as he takes me in.
