The Ink Romance Series

by Bridget Taylor

  “Come on. Let’s get you home,” Kane says like he has been rejected. What does he know about rejection?

  He picks me up and sets me in the wheelchair and I grip the arms of it tightly. I drop my feet on the floor and stand up before we leave the room. I point at him with my finger. “You don’t get to do that!”

  “Do what?” His brows raise.

  “The thing you do. That pouty lip, silence bullshit when you don’t get your way. You feel rejected, and I don’t even understand why. You left me, what? Two or three times with your cum still inside me, dripping out of me. Hell, I’m pretty sure it was still warm, and you left like the devil was on your heels. I fell into you, and fell into you, and fell into you, until I lost myself in you. It got to the point that you leaving wasn’t even a surprise, I just needed to be with you. You have left me feeling humiliated, degraded, and disrespected. You might have done it in a different way, but Chase did the same thing to me two nights ago. While you have never made me feel fear, you made me feel used just like Chase did. You wanted to get your rocks off, and since I was such an easy lay, apparently, you always came for me when you needed release. So, yeah, Kane. It’s hard to believe anything that comes out of your mouth because you never usually mean what you say. You don’t have the right to feel rejected,” I huff sitting back down in the wheelchair. My breaths are heavy and damn it, my throat hurts.

  “Here,” he whispers as he gives me a cup of water.

  I snatch it out of his hand. “Thank you!” I snip at him. But that damn crooked smile flashes on his face, and my walls start getting defenseless. No, no, no! I need my little heart army back! They can’t leave a man behind!

  “I miss your sassy mouth.” He rubs his thumb over my mouth, catching my bottom lip. He sighs. “You aren’t wrong. Everything you said was spot on. I was a jerk for doing that to you, and I understand your hesitation with me. Let me prove it to you.”

  “I don’t know, Kane.” I bite my lip.

  He starts to wheel me through the hospital, the nurses looking at him like they want to eat him up. I must have had a look on my face that said back off because they look away. Kane laughs as it echoes down the hall gaining even more attention. They are probably wondering what he is doing with me. He is all big and sexy, and here I am with bruises around my throat, tangled hair, and no makeup on. I huff in annoyance.

  “What’s wrong, Crazy?”

  I can hear the smile in his voice and it does nothing but irk me. I cross my arms. “Nothing, keep pushing me, slave.” My voice is flat and annoyed.

  “Yes, my queen,” he jokes back. I can’t help the smile that graces my face. I try to hide it because I don’t want him to affect me anymore. I don’t want him to make me smile. I need to be mad at him for wanting to come back into my life, again!

  His cherry red Chevy is already parked out front and the beast towers over me. I crank my neck to look up at the passenger side door. Is it me or has this truck gotten taller?

  Kane picks me up wedding style and safely buckles me into the passenger seat. The leather feels good on my muscles since the sun was warming the material. My head leans back as I soak up the heat. My muscles relax and for the first time in a few days, I’m at ease.

  The truck rumbles, startling me with its loud rumble. The vibrations course through my body, tickling my senses to the point that I sneeze. My hand goes to my throat after a painful sting lingers a bit too long.

  “Damn it, I’m sorry, Leslie. I didn’t know it would do that.” He puts the truck in drive, pulling the heavy beast forward. The ride is smooth and the pain eases. The drive to my place is only ten minutes, but for a moment, I don’t want to go back. I don’t want to go into my room where I was taken advantage of.

  “What’s wrong, Crazy?” Kane takes my hand.

  I didn’t even notice I was crying. “I don’t want to go home. I don’t want to go to my room. Don’t make go,” I sob. I grab the grey plastic handle on the side of the door for dear life as my body trembles with fear.

  “Of course, you don’t. I’ll have to fix that for you, though. Want to go to David’s or Molli’s?”

  I shake my head. “Can’t I go with you?” Where I’m safe.

  “You can go anywhere with me, Crazy.”

  Chapter 10

  “No!” I scream into the room. I look around with desperation to make sure I really am I alone. My throat doesn’t hurt as bad since it’s been a week, but I’m sure it would have a better chance to heal if I wouldn’t wake up screaming in the middle of the night.

  It’s the same dream over and over. I relive what happened with Chase every single night. Except, in my dreams he gets what he wants.

  I pat my body all over, sighing at the relief when I find all my clothes are intact. The door bursts open and it makes me jump when it hits against the wall.

  “Leslie! Are you okay? What’s wrong?” Kane runs to the side of the bed, sliding on his knees as he looks at me with concern.

  The room is dark, but his eyes almost glow with how bright they are, “Just a bad dream. I’m fine.” I pat his hand. Kane has been wonderful. He really has tried to prove himself to me by being a great friend. He sleeps on the couch as I take his king size bed. There is enough room for the two of us, but he said until I was comfortable, he would be in the living room. He also has helped at the shelter. It doesn’t need much guidance since the employees are amazing. Max has been working overnights for a week. Rorie has been pulling longer hours, and Kane sits at the desk. He said he put a sign on the tattoo shop door saying, ‘Any tattoo inquiries with Kane, please go next door.’ He has taken care of me. He has held me when I cry at night, watches my chick flicks with me, and sometimes feeds me my mashed potatoes with steak sauce. He thinks I’m a weirdo for liking the combo, but when I made him try it, his eyes bugged out and he said, “Why haven’t I ever had this before!”

  “Same one?” he asks.

  I push one of my curls behind my ear. “Yeah.” I whisper.

  “I’m sorry, Crazy. I wish I could fix it for you, but I can’t. I’m here though. You have the support of your family and friends and don’t forget Flamingo.” He lifts my chin with his hand.

  I look at Flamingo who is on his back, legs spread, and cheeks sagging as he snores the night away. A chuckle escapes me. “Yeah, I guess there is always that.”

  “You okay?” Kane stands and for a moment he lets his fingers linger too long on my cheek making his adoration known again.

  “I’m okay.” I can’t tear my gaze away from him. My heart thumps loudly and if Kane tried, I know he could hear it.

  He clears his throat. “All right, if you need me I’ll be on the couch.” He leans down and presses a kiss to my forehead, making me yearn for more. I don’t want sex. I just want more of him. I miss him, and his touch. I miss touching his long hair and touching his soft skin. I miss the crevices that his muscles form when he flexes. I miss everything.

  He turns to walk away and his gym shorts hang on his carved hips, hugging the thickness of his butt. Those globes scream at me to grab and touch.

  “Kane,” I rush out.

  Quickly, he is at my side before I can even blink. “Yeah, Crazy?”

  “Will you stay? I don’t want to be alone.” I look at him with conviction and maybe a little promise. A promise that this is me trying to heal and at the same time, trust him.

  “You sure?” he says breathlessly.

  “Yes.” I nod my head too eagerly.

  He closes his eyes. “You’ll never be alone again.”

  I scoot over, making Flamingo move and grunt in annoyance as he flips over on his side. This dog is so human, it’s concerning.

  Kane’s massive legs crawl under the covers as he pulls the comforter to his chest. I lay wondering what to do next. His eyes are closed and his hands are behind his head, and even though he is here, he stills seems so far away.

  Taking a chance, I scoot closer. The room is dark and slightly cool and the only light
that filters through the room is the moonlight through the bedroom window. His apartment is high-end, and it shouts money. Kane might not flash it like other people, but he likes the nicer things in life. The apartment is bigger than it looks from the outside. The kitchen has the best appliances, an industrial size oven, huge stainless-steel fridge, with a marble countertop. To the left of the kitchen is the dining room, which has a long modern glass table that can sit six people. The kitchen is open to the living room that has a bright red sectional couch that feels like clouds. The TV is one of the new 4k flat screens. It’s the biggest, brightest, clearest picture I have ever seen. He has a patio on the back that is screened in, but with a touch of a button, the screens and roof go away bathing you in sunlight.

  It has two bedrooms, both with their own bathroom, and another bathroom off the living room. The bedroom we are in has another smaller TV that hangs on the wall like a picture. The walls are painted a light grey color with bright white trim. The bed is low to the ground and the mattress is so soft I can roll in any direction without shaking it. The bathroom is my favorite though. It has copper floors, the vanity has two sinks, but it’s framed in a gold Victorian trim and the mirror that hangs above it, is also framed with gold. The tub is huge with jets and it is encased in marble. The shower has black shiny cement looking finish inside the stall with three rainforest shower heads. Four people could fit in there comfortably.

  But right now, my favorite spot is the one right next to Kane. I know he isn’t asleep yet, and I bet he is waiting on what I will do. Or maybe he isn’t. Maybe he just expects to lay there and fall asleep, not wanting to push me or feel like he’s pressuring me. I hate that he’s walking around eggshells with me, which is my fault since I told him I wouldn’t give him another chance. I’m sure he didn’t believe that, no matter how much it hurt.

  I scoot a little closer until I’m almost touching his side. His breathing hitches when he feels my warmth from being close to him. I’ve never been so nervous, but I want my head on his chest. I want to hear his heartbeat sing me to sleep. Tentatively, I lay my head on his warm skin and muscled chest. My arm naturally wraps around his torso as I sink into him. A sigh escapes me when all the stress I’m feeling leaves. His arm stretches from behind his head and he places his hand on my hip with care. His heart pounds quickly for a few seconds before slowing and it makes me smile. I can hear the proof of what I do to him.

  “I love you, Leslie.”

  I don’t say anything back because I’m afraid of telling him I love him again if he leaves. I’d rather have it locked away and safe, because once I say the words, once I get them off my chest, I’ll be left in the dust that was Kane Bridgeshaw.

  ***

  A week later, I finally go back to work. I still haven’t gone back home and hate the fear I feel every time I think about it. Kane goes there everyday to take care of the dogs, and Flamingo and now Lily stay with me at Kane’s. Flamingo was pouty and sad, and I realized he was missing his woman. So of course, Kane brings her to the apartment and Flamingo is a happy and horny, but both are fixed so I know no babies will be possible. I can not handle that right now.

  Rorie is hovering over me, making me really annoyed with how much she cares. It’s touching, but damn I need space. I’m not getting attacked right now.

  “Rorie. I love you. Please back off. I’m fine. I’m not going to die, or pass out, and no one is attacking me. I don’t understand why everyone is hovering over me like I can’t take care of myself,” I huff. Not only am I annoyed, but it has been a slow day like somehow someone told everyone in town that I’m back at work and that I’m barely standing or something. It’s maddening.

  “Sorry, Leslie. We’re all just worried about you.” She sighs and walks away with defeated shoulders.

  Damn it.

  “Rorie, I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m so on edge. I appreciate your concern.” I smile at her, hoping it eases some of the tension.

  Before Rorie can reply, the doorbell dings, revealing the same delivery man that gave me those black flowers. His khaki outfit looks blended into his skin with how tan he is, and I’m not sure how I feel about it.

  “Another set of black roses, Tom?” I tease as I lean against the desk on my forearms.

  He smiles brightly. “No, not today.” He unwraps the vase, showing beautiful red and yellow roses. They are full of petals, giving them a plump look, and fresh. They are the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen.

  I reach to touch them, but decide not to because I don’t want them to fall apart.

  “Wow, you did good this time, Tom,” I joke.

  “Here’s the card. Have a good one Leslie.” His eyes glance at my neck before giving me a sad smile. The bruises aren’t as bad anymore. They are yellow, and a few spots here and there are still purple, but I didn’t think they were that noticeable. I zip up my hoodie until my neck is covered and hopefully people can look at me without pity.

  I open the card with deliberate angry rips, but the anger flees when I see that the card is from Kane.

  Crazy,

  I know they aren’t black, which are your favorite, I know, but red means love, and the yellow signifies how bright you are. The sun shines from you, and I swear I can feel it on my skin whenever I am around you. I’ll see you in a few minutes.

  Yours forever,

  Kane.

  I look around with a shy smile on my face. A few minutes? What does that mean?

  “Oh, look at that. Kane is swooping in again, huh?” Rorie winks at me, making me blush. I hide my smile with my sleeve and realize I might see Kane soon. I jump out of my seat, the force slamming it on the floor, and I run to the bathroom, but before I make it there, I turn around and grab my purse and run to the bathroom again.

  “I’ll cover the front!” Rorie shouts.

  When I get to the bathroom, I cringe. The bruises are still bad, my lip is almost healed, and it looks like I haven’t slept in weeks.

  “All right, time to look alive, Leslie.” I dig through my purse and grab my concealer. I dab it on quickly hiding my dark circles and for moment I have a debate with myself if I should cover my bruises. Maybe that’s why Kane hasn’t tried touching me? I mean, maybe I am just great company? That makes sense. Maybe he thinks I’m broken or damaged. My lungs stop working for a moment as I think about that. Am I? Am I broken or damage? Am I tainted and dirty? Is that why Kane hasn’t touched me? I thought we were growing well, a part of me was starting to trust him. I was falling harder than ever for him. His patience has been remarkable, and his gentleness has been addicting. He always feels like the softest blanket keeping me warm when he touches me.

  Deciding that I need to try like he is, I slather the make up on my neck. I blend it and do it again until the bruises are covered. I take out my compact and pat my face and neck with a little powder. I put on a little mascara, and a light pink lipstick.

  “Not bad,” I mutter to my reflection has I check myself out.

  When I walk out of the bathroom, Rorie’s smile fades when she sees me walking back to the desk with a happy bounce to my steps.

  “What’s wrong, Rorie?” I ask as I look behind the desk.

  “You covered your bruises.” She points. I’ve never seen her look so confused.

  “Yeah, Kane is coming by, and I wanted to spruce myself up a bite. I’ve been looking a bit dreary lately.” I shrug my shoulders.

  “Well, whatever makes you happy.” She turns around in her seat before getting up and stomping out of the lobby.

  The door dings, telling me I have a visitor, and my eyes meet a very attractive Kane.

  “Hey, Crazy.” He stalks towards me until he is in front of the desk. “I see you got my flowers.” He eyes them with pride.

  “They are perfect. You didn’t have to do that.”

  “I wanted to. I want to do something for you.”

  “You do everything for me, Kane.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them. “I’m really
appreciative, is all.” I cough.

  “So appreciative, that you would go on a date with me?” He leans against the wood, making it groan with his weight.

  “I don’t know…what’s in it for me?” I lean towards him and the wood does not groan because I am not pure muscle.

  “Well, you get to go on a date with a very wealthy and attractive man. The best wine the world has to offer, and did I say wealthy and attractive?” He flashes that million-dollar white smile at me.

  “Hmm, I can’t be bought with money, but how attractive are we talking?” I bite my lip looking at him up and down. Heat pools between my legs and my nipples bead from checking out his thick form.

  “Oh, I don’t know.” He flexes his arms, pointing them in different directions. He lifts his shirt showing his abs and that delicious ‘V’ I love to trace with my tongue.

  “Yeah, that looks really good,” I say breathlessly. I start panting and lick my dry lips as I imagine laying him down and making him my dinner.

  His eyes find my neck and the flirtatiousness is gone. “Come here.” He walks around the desk, taking my hand, and leading me towards the bathroom. When we get there, he turns me around until I am facing the mirror. He brushes his thumb against my neck. “What’s this?”

  “What?” I ask, dubious.

  “Why did you cover your bruises?” He wets a paper towel and puts some soap on my neck swirling it around until the makeup lifts off my neck. Kane is gentle with his washing until every trace is gone, and the bruises stare back at me. For a moment, they were gone. For a moment, it was like I didn’t have a reminder that Chase happened.

  “I don’t want you to cover up. You should be proud that you survived. I love you, bruises, nightmares, tears, all of it. All of you, Leslie. These are just temporary, but I’m not. You don’t have to pretend with me.” Kane wraps his arms around my waist, placing his chin on my shoulder, making him hunch a little to reach me.

  “We look good together.” My voice echoes off the walls in the bathroom. His blue eyes against my green make a beautiful photo.