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“If you need anything, we’re here for you, man.We all support each other here,” Steele added.
Doc knew that already, but it was nice to hear.Being part of the MC brotherhood was one of the best things that had ever happened to him.
“Thanks, guys.I’m going to go throw her stuffie in the wash.If you guys are up for a while, will you put it in the dryer on low heat when it’s done?”
“You got it,” Gabriel said.
By the time Doc dropped down onto his couch, he was beat.He was also thanking himself for recently spending the extra money on a new couch.It was much more comfortable than his last one.Especially since it seemed he’d be spending nights on it for the foreseeable future.
He could use one of the empty apartments to sleep in.Some of them were already furnished, but he didn’t want to be that far away from Harper.What if she had a bad dream?Or needed a drink in the middle of the night?He wanted to be there for anything she might need.
So the couch it was.
He jolted to sit up, sweat coating his skin as the nightmare faded.
Fuck.Another one.It took him several minutes before his breathing was under control, but he couldn’t go back to sleep.It was pointless.
He swung his legs off the edge of the couch, the cold, hardwood floor grounding him.The weight of his nightmare clung to his thoughts, refusing to dissipate.Rubbing his temples, he let out a frustrated sigh.Why did they always haunt him?
His heart pounded when he heard small feet padding closer.His girl was awake and coming to him.Had he woken her up?He didn’t think he made noise during his nightmares, but he was never sure.Her presence alone brought him a sense of calm amid the chaos.
“Are you okay, baby girl?”he asked roughly.
She approached with hesitation, and he couldn’t stop himself from letting his eyes roam over her bare legs.His cock twitched at the sight of her in his shirt.
He caught himself staring, heat spreading through his body.His girl had a way of making him feel like he was losing control, even in the most vulnerable moments.But now was not the time for desire.She was here because her home had nearly burned down, and it was his duty to be there for her.
She stopped a few steps away from him, her eyes searching his face for reassurance.Her hair cascaded around her shoulders, framing her delicate features.He longed to reach out and tuck a loose strand behind her ear, but he resisted the urge.
“I’m...I’m having a hard time sleeping,” she finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
He nodded and patted the cushion next to him.“Come sit, kitten.”
“What are you doing awake?”she asked quietly.
Her voice held a hint of concern he could hear through the darkness.He hesitated for a moment, debating whether to share the truth or to brush it off.But his girl deserved honesty, even if it meant exposing his vulnerabilities.
“I had a nightmare,” he confessed, his voice laced with emotion.“The demons from my past decided to pay me an unwelcome visit tonight.”
Her eyes widened, filled with empathy and understanding.She took a step closer, her presence radiating comfort.She settled down beside him on the couch, close enough for their shoulders to brush against each other.
“Tell me about it?”she asked.
He took a deep breath.“I was in Iraq for eight years while I served in the army.I saw so many bad things, and even after all this time, I still have nightmares about it.”
The weight of his memories pressed against his chest, threatening to suffocate him.But he pushed through, determined to share his truth with her.Even if it scared her away.
“In this nightmare,” he began, “I was back in the desert.The sand was scorching hot, and the air was thick with tension.I could hear the distant sounds of gunfire and explosions echoing all around me.”
As he spoke, she leaned closer, her warmth feeling like a lifeline in the darkness.He continued, letting the words flow out.
“I was surrounded by chaos and death, and I tried to save as many as I could, but I couldn’t save them all.I watched my brothers die all around me, and I couldn’t do anything to stop it.”
When he looked down at her, her eyes were filled with tears shining in the dim light.It mirrored the pain he felt inside.She reached out and took his hand, intertwining their fingers.The bold move on her part surprised and pleased him.The touch of her skin against his sent a surge of comfort through him, grounding him in the present moment.
“But you did save so many lives,” she whispered, her voice filled with conviction.“You’re a hero.Don’t forget that.”
He sighed, his grip tightening on her hand.“I wouldn’t define myself as a hero.I did everything I could, though, but it doesn’t make the nightmares go away.It’s like they’re stuck inside me, haunting me.”
