by AliyahBurke
He helped her into a pair of sweatpants with only a minimal amount of drooling on his part. Her legs were as amazing as he had imagined, long, toned and the color of lightly creamed coffee. He breathed in heavily as he focused on his task. Too soon she was dressed and sitting on the edge of the bed, as he put on her shoes.
* * * *
She was sitting upright with her head hanging down as she looked at her shoes. It took so much effort since her bruised and battered body was totally sore—she had forgone the pain meds this morning and was beginning to regret the decision. Her body was positioned at the edge of her bed when they heard the dreaded sound down the hall, a tap tap tap. It was a cane, not an unusual sound for a hospital, but it filled her with dread. Before either of them knew what hit them, Gavin’s mother swept into the room.
“So this is where you have been keeping yourself. I called Clint and he said you were in the hospital. That it was an emergency.” Sanura knew the second those eagle eyes found her, for the old woman fell silent. A mere moment before she began again, “What is she doing here?”
Like I want to be here, woman, please. Sanura kept her expression clean. Damn woman couldn’t even address her, had to ask her son.
“Mother, this is neither the time nor the place.”
“This is who you are missing work for?” Her voice began to rise. This hurt Sanura’s head even more.
“Please,” she croaked, “can you two do this somewhere else?” Sanura picked her head up and looked directly at the old hag in the room, giving her an unobstructed view of her battered face.
Gavin’s mother stopped dead. “What the hell happened to you?”
“I lost a fight.” Without moving her head she spoke to Gavin, “I am ready to go now. Please.”
He rose and lifted her in his arms. With the utmost care he sat her in the wheelchair provided for her and put her bag in her lap.
“What happened to her, son?” There was a new sound in his mother’s voice, concern perhaps?
“She got this while protecting a friend and her unborn baby. I really have to go now, Mother, I’ll call you later.” He placed a quick kiss on his mother’s cheek and pushed the chair out the door.
Gavin signed her out at the desk, had the doctor give her some more pain meds and rolled her to a waiting car. The first thing she noticed was it was definitely not hers, nor was it Ali’s. It was that same black, sleek sedan she had seen him with before.
It screamed wealth. He opened the passenger door and lifted her into it with care. Once she was settled he leaned over her to buckle her lap belt and her nose was graced with the fresh scent of soap mixed with his familiar shaving cream he used. Gavin gave her a soft smile accompanied by a boyish wink as he shut the door, the shoulder part moved down automatically to safely contain her when he shut the door.
The interior was plain, no paneling to accent it. It didn’t need it. The interior was soft buttery leather and charcoal gray in color. It was top of the line—whatever it was, any idiot would be able to tell that. What type of car is this? She should know but her mind was too muddled.
Her world shrank when he lowered his large body into the driver’s seat and slipped on a pair of rectangular mirrored sunglasses. With a turn of the key the engine purred contentedly and Gavin smoothly maneuvered them away from the hospital curb.
“Your place or mine?” It was a pickup line that didn’t fit the situation.
The question broke through the shadows forming around her eyes. “What?” Her lip still hurt where it had been busted wide open. Even the air from her mouth seemed to aggravate it.
“Your place or mine? I am staying with you for a few days to make sure you get your rest and take your meds. Which is it?”
“Allison will be with me. I will be fine. I heal fast. I know how this works. Thanks for the offer, but I don’t need you to take care of me.” The sad part was she did know how this worked, it wasn’t new for her.
“That wasn’t an offer.” Steel edged his tone. “I was giving you a choice of the place. I’ve already discussed it with Ali and we both agree on this.”
“Do I get any say in the matter?” Ali? What are they now, great friends? I am not jealous, just curious. Her belly curdled. Okay, possibly a little jealous.
“No. So which is it?”
“Mine, I guess. I don’t suppose you would have much to eat at your house. Besides, I don’t want Allison to be alone.”
Gavin accepted that without further comment and turned his car towards her home. When and how he had come to find out where she lived was an issue Sanura would tackle later on. For now, she needed to close her eyes as the pills had miraculously begun to dull the pain away. She awoke a while later when he opened the passenger door. As she blinked to clear the sleep residue from her eyes she noticed Allison standing out on the porch wringing her hands.
Gavin held out his hand and she took it, both grateful it was there and pissed she needed it. Damn, she was sore. Still a little shaky on her legs, she accepted the strong body that anchored itself to her side as she took baby steps to her house.
“Hey, hon. Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” Sanura teased Allison in her hoarse voice as they walked up the three steps to the porch. Well, Gavin walked and lifted Sanura, it seemed.
A fresh batch of tears swelled and poured down Allison’s face. She stepped closer and slid thin arms around her friend, “Gavin called me and told me you two were on your way here, so I came home. I love you, Sanura. I am so sorry about this.”
“Hey. It has been so long since I had my ass kicked I was beginning to wonder what it felt like. Now that I remember, I am fine for at least another five years. How are things at work?” Sanura felt Gavin stiffen at her words.
Allison pulled back and leveled a stern glare at her friend. “I am handling work. We can manage without you. Your job, your only job is to rest and get better. Got it?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
They walked inside the house and she found there were flowers everywhere. Every surface had a plant or a vase sitting on it. The sight brought an involuntary wave of tears to Sanura. She sank gratefully into her favorite chair. Gavin held onto her hand longer than necessary as if he didn’t want to let it go, but when she pulled on it he let go.
“I made up the other room for you. The bed may be small for you, are you sure you don’t want the room I am in?” Allison said.
That statement from Allison made her eyes fly open again. “Why are you staying here?” Sanura demanded, looking at Gavin.
“I told you. I am staying with you for a few days.”
“What about your work? Or clothes? Something…don’t you have something important to do?”
“I’m doing it. And as for clothes, well, I will just have to. . .”
Her doorbell chimed. Allison went to open it, and when she returned to the living room Clint Hartford was behind her with a suitcase and a briefcase.
I’m doing it. Those words warmed her through and through. Sanura closed her eyes.
“Here you go, Gavin my man. Can she really be that . . .?” He broke off as Sanura turned her head towards him. “Holy shit! You look horrible. I’m sorry, I didn’t know it was this bad.” He sent an embarrassed shrug to Gavin. “Here are the clothes you wanted and the work for the Harris account. I will handle stuff at work with Dorgan, so don’t worry about it.” Clint set a small bouquet of flowers by Sanura; they were asters. “Sorry about this, honey. Feel better soon.” He bent over her hand and placed a kiss on it under the watchful eye of Gavin and then left. Allison walked him to the door since it was apparent Gavin had no intention of leaving Sanura.
Allison returned and announced, “I have to go back to work, but I will check in on you when I come home. Okay?”
“I am going, too.” Tired determination came from Sanura.
“Mac. I can handle work without you for a few days. It will be fine.” Allison shook her head and rolled her eyes.
“I can still work.
I can do paperwork and stuff.”
Gavin began to open his mouth and Allison stopped whatever was about to come out of it with an upturned palm. “No. You stay here and rest. I am part owner and I am capable of handling this.”
“I know you are. I want to work. I need to work.”
“What you need to do is rest.” Allison was showing off the rare bit of attitude she carried within her.
“I will come in later.”
“Fine. I will make a deal with you.” Sanura raised her eyebrow and waited for Allison to continue. “You are allowed to work half-days. Only. And you have to stop the moment you feel tired.”
Sanura had begun to nod her acceptance of this. She could hide her exhaustion and pain, no problem. Well, not today, but she wouldn’t take her meds tomorrow. But Allison wasn’t finished, not by a long shot.
“I’m not done. When you are at work Gavin is to be with you. If you want to go somewhere, take him with you. Everywhere you go, he goes. So if you want to spend the day at the restaurant, fine, do so, but he’ll be there as well.”
Sanura’s mouth dropped open. Allison had never sounded so fierce before. “That’s not fair. He has work to do and can’t be my babysitter. I don’t need a babysitter. I am fine, a little tired but I don’t need a keeper.” Sanura didn’t want Gavin around to see her in this condition, this weak.
“I can do my work anywhere. It’s no problem,” Gavin offered.
“Shut up. You’re not helping the situation any.”
“That’s the deal, Mac. Take it or leave it, but there is no middle ground here. You won’t be driving for a while if I have to park your vehicle somewhere and hide it from you,” Allison promised.
She had been beaten and she knew it. “Very well, Ali. You drive one hell of a hard bargain. If I go out of the house I will take him with.” Sanura stood and immediately found Gavin beside her, filling her personal space and using up her air. “I want a shower. Ali, before you go, can you help me?”
“Of course.”
* * * *
They left Gavin alone to put his suitcase and other bag in his new, temporary room. He entered the room and looked around. It was definitely her office. A large desk sat along the far wall. Two bookcases were on either side of the desk. A laptop computer was shut on the top.
The couch had been unfolded and made up for him. He set down his bags and looked around. There were statues of black panthers all over, on the desk and bookcases. Over the desk hung a large framed picture of a panther.
There were two frames on the desk, and he walked over to look at them. One was of Allison and Sanura. They were sitting on a rock in front of a waterfall with huge smiles on their faces. She was radiant. They both were.
But it was Sanura that kept his attention. She’s a fucking goddess. Somehow, somewhere along the way he had fallen in love with Sanura. When they were together, he felt complete; it had to be love because he hadn’t even slept with her yet. He wanted to, more than anything, but it was not only about getting in her pants. Gavin felt a deep connection to her and he couldn’t explain it all yet.
The other one was of a tall man. He wore jeans, tee-shirt and cowboy boots. There was a nice buckskin horse behind him and the man had his hand on the brim of his hat, like he was tipping it to her. A set of gleaming white teeth flashed from his sun-darkened skin. It was a cowboy.
In the lower corner of that picture was another one. This one was of the two of them, Sanura and the other man. They sat on the same rock and in front of a waterfall as well. Blinding smiles came from both and the man had his arms wound tightly around Sanura. They made a wonderful couple.
Anger shot through him at this discovery. Who was this man, and where was he that he let her get hurt? What was she doing flirting with him if there was someone in her life?
“Gavin. I’m heading back to work now. Make yourself at home. I’ll bring something back for dinner. Sanura is in the shower.” Allison stuck her head in the door.
“All right. I will get some work done. Can I use the desk here? Will that be alright?”
“Sure. Just check on her every now and then. The number for the restaurant is speed dial number two. My cell phone is number three. Call if you need anything.”
“Got it.” He turned his eyes to hers and spoke sincerely, “I will take care of her, Allison.”
She smiled as she nodded. “I know you will. Thank you.” With that she slipped out of the room and moments later he heard the door shut as she left the house.
* * * *
Sanura stood under the warm water as it cascaded down her sore body. Her bruises were already disappearing. Bonus of having darker skin. But damn, she hurt; Pete had one hell of a swing. She turned off the water and went to step out of the shower when a dizzy spell hit her. Hard. Sanura knew she had mere moments before she passed out.
“Ali!” she shouted. “Ali, I need help.”
“What’s wrong?” That was in no way Allison’s voice. Then she remembered who was there in the house with her. Gavin.
“I am about to pass out, but I don’t have clothes on.”
“I am coming in.” He didn’t leave any room for argument.
* * * *
When her body collapsed he swore. She had managed to tie the robe tight around her body. But that did nothing to stop his imagination. Against her neck was the silver shamrock pendant filled with emeralds and the Celtic cross. He picked her up and walked towards the end of the hall where there were two closed doors.
Picking one, he opened it and knew right away this was her room. It was warm and inviting. There was a large statue of a panther carved out of obsidian sitting on her dresser. Not girly or frilly, but not masculine either. Perfect. There was a king-sized bed in the room covered in a patchwork quilt. Pillows of every color covered the bed and the chair in the room.
Again, there was no complete set of bedroom furniture. It was a mix and match but everything fit together. Again on her dresser was a picture of her, Allison and that man again. Beside that was a picture of her with three other woman, with names under each one. Jace. Shanni. Mac. Chandi. All four women were very beautiful, but it was Sanura that strummed his heartstrings.
He laid her down on the bed. She didn’t move. Gavin left her and went to his cell phone to make some calls. He had some things he needed to take care of. There were some things he needed to make sure of to protect her. What he really wanted to do was tear that man apart with his own hands. But this would work for now.
Chapter Seven
Sanura woke later and found herself in her bed, dressed only in her bathrobe. What happened, she didn’t know. The last thing she remembered was taking a shower. It looked dark outside her curtained windows but she wasn’t sure. She dressed slowly in a pair of sweats and a cutoff sweatshirt. Then she walked down the hall. She did feel better and not as sore.
Gavin sat in the living room, working on something. She stayed in the hallway for a moment, watching him. Even concentrating so hard he was handsome to look at. Whatever he had been working on was put down when she walked into the room.
“How are you feeling?” He sounded really concerned for her well being.
“Tired, but better.” It was dark outside. She must have slept all day. “How you holding up?”
“I’m fine. Sit down.”
She sat on the couch he wasn’t on, needing to keep her distance from him to maintain her common sense. Being close to him made her longings take over normal behavior. “Are you hungry? I can get you something to eat.”
“No. I was waiting for you to wake up. Can I use your shower? I’m—how did you put it—funky.”
His words brought a small smile to her face. “There is a bathroom right beside your room. It’s all yours.”
“And you will be?”
I’d gladly be all yours. “Sitting right here, being good.” She crossed her heart and smiled at him, showing him her pearly whites.
His gaze turned possessive and it warmed her
. “Make sure of that. Take your meds first.”
“Very well.” Sanura took her pills and even opened her mouth to stick out her tongue at him. “See, all gone. Now, go get defunked.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Giving her a mock salute, Gavin headed down the hall, got some clean clothes and headed to the bathroom.
Sanura turned on her stereo to some smooth R&B, keeping the volume low, and rested on the couch. About fifteen minutes after Gavin left the doorbell chimed. Slowly, Sanura went to the door and opened it. On the other side stood . . . oh hell . . . it was Terrance. Terrance Allen. The ex that never got the hint.
He was a fine looking man. However, he also was a cheater. Which was why they were no longer a couple. That was the only reason, for they undeniably had passion in their relationship.
“Terrance,” she bit out. “What a surprise. What are you doing here?”
He grinned at her, a grin which in the past probably would have gotten him access to her bed. If they would have made it that far. “Hello, Sanura. I was traveling through and decided to stop in and see you. You aren’t still mad at me, are you?”
Terrance pushed his way into the entryway of her home. As his gaze fell to her face, she saw actual concern on his face for a moment. “Who got the best of you?”
“Allison’s ex. What do you want?”
“Another chance. Come on, baby, it was good between us. You can’t deny that can you? I made one little mistake.”
Not one freaking question about how she was doing. “You cheated on me. What we had may have been good but it is over. There is nothing between us now. I am not falling for it again. I’m fine, by the way, thanks for asking.”
“I didn’t mean to cheat on you. Come on, baby, don’t you believe me? I knew you were fine, you always are. I didn’t know there was any man who could get the best of you.”