Love Of Country (Country Love #3)

by Green, Vicki

  “Ugh!”

  “You can’t escape me, Caprice, my dear. I’m not sure why you even try. For that failed attempt, you will receive no food or water for another day. Be careful, girl, or you’ll die of starvation before I’m done having my pleasure from you.”

  “No!”

  Pressure on my arms. My head snaps to the left then the right as he hits me continuously.

  “Stop!”

  I can’t lift my arms, my legs flailing around. My left leg keeps kicking something so I move it harder.

  “Let me go!”

  “Prie, Darlin’! You’re having a nightmare.” Prie. Mikael never called me Prie. “I’m here, sweetheart. You’re okay. I’m here. I’ve got ya.” A deep low voice. Southern. It melts my heart and my soul. Trevor.

  My eyes snap open, looking into the worried eyes of Trevor. I feel like I can’t breathe, my chest rising and falling in panic. “Here. Let me help you sit up.” As injured as he is, he grasps my upper arms and lifts me until I’m sitting up. He winces in pain.

  “You….” I’m still having a hard time catching my breath. “You’re – hurting.”

  He places his hand against my face, his fingers moving away my damp matted hair as they slide into it. “Shhhh. Right now, it’s not about me, Darlin’.” He bends down, his blue eyes piercing into mine, full of concern. “Try to take a deep breath for me, sweetheart. Slowly.” I take a breath but it comes out fast, even trying to let it out slow. “That a girl. Again, but try letting it out slower.” I nod, shakily. Taking a deep breath, I release it as slow as I can, feeling my heart begin to slow down. “Good. Again.” I don’t know how many times I did this but the feel of his thumb rubbing over my skin feels so nice. Comforting. The corner of his mouth lifts, giving me that amazing grin. “Feeling better?” I nod, still taking another deep breath. “Wanna talk about it?” I shake my head quickly, fear rising up inside me. “Shhhh. You ain’t gotta talk about nothin’ unless you want to, Darlin’.” His thumb continues its soothing as I close my eyes. Visions of Mikael enter and I shake my head trying to rid him in my mind.

  “I used to try to escape,” I whisper. His thumb stops as I open my eyes.

  He nods and his thumb begins its soothing strokes again.

  “He caught me every time, each time his punishment would be worse.”

  The caring in his eyes and face makes my stomach flutter. No one has ever cared enough to want to talk to me, about anything, for so many years. I’d forgotten what it felt like. “Darlin, I’m so glad you’re tellin’ me about it and I want you to continue but I’m gonna have to get more comfortable.” My eyes widen. Selfish. I’m so selfish that I’m only thinking of myself. He’s sitting there hurting and his only concern is for me. “Now, don’t you fret. It’s not that bad. I’m just gonna move over to the other side of you and stretch out, if that’s okay with you.” Okay with me? He’s in pain and he’s worried about how I’d feel if he lays down by me. I nod, trying to give a little smile. I watch him wince as he stands, walking a bit humped over around the bed. He climbs in slowly, keeping a fair distance between us as he lays down on his side, his head resting on his hand. He gives me another smile. “It ain’t nothin’ you did, Darlin’, so don’t you get upset with yourself.” He’s already getting to know me, understand me, a little too well. “Now, go on. I’d really like to hear.”

  I turn onto my side, laying my casted arm down on the mattress to hold me up. “What helped you stay strong?” My question catches him off guard by the look on his face. “I mean. I know you’ve been through a lot, at least with Shiloh. After everything that’s happened, you’re still so strong.” I look down, wishing I could be that way.

  I look up when he places his hand under my chin, his brows lowered in concentration. “I dunno, Darlin’. Every one of us is different. Some cope with things a bit better than others, maybe. Don’t rightly know how I’m still strong after everythin’ that’s happened in my life. I guess for me….” He purses his lips as he thinks. “Sometimes you just gotta tell yourself that you’re the only one to get you through things. People can help in their own way, be there for ya, tryin’ what they can to help but in the long run, you’re the only one that can shake it off and hold your head up, push yourself to get there.” He lets out a small chuckle. “Not sure I’m even makin’ sense.

  “No!” The word blurts from my mouth a little louder than I intended. “You actually make a lot of sense.”

  The smile that makes my heart speed up appears.

  We just look at each other for a moment and then he starts asking me questions about my past, before the nightmare began – before Mikael.

  “We used to go out for drives on Sundays. The whole family. My sister and I sat in the back seat laughing at our silly jokes and just watching the scenery go by. It was the best time.”

  He laughs, looking at me with those eyes that make me slightly uncomfortable, peering into my soul. “Sounds like you all were really close. That’s great that you had that. Some aren’t as fortunate.” He looks solemn for a moment, looking down, then it’s like he shakes himself out of his thoughts and looks back at me, sadness filling his eyes.

  “What about you? Surely you had someone that was your family before you met people here and Shiloh. I know you all are close.” I try to lighten his mood, hoping I’m able to.

  His smile is back. “Yes. I lived with my Grammy most of my young life. She was….” He looks up at the ceiling, his face lighting up. “She was everything. Kind. Carin’. Lovin’. Didn’t have a mean bone in her body….” He looks down at me and chuckles. “’Cept when I got in trouble doin’ things young boys will do. She’d make me go out and get a branch off one of her Cypress trees, makin’ me bring it to her. I knew when she’d ask me to do that, I was in a heap of trouble.”

  I pat the mattress with my casted hand. “Oh, no!” I can’t help but giggle. “How often did that happen?”

  He starts laughing in earnest. “More than I’d like to admit.” I love the sound of his laugh. Makes me feel all warm inside. Like there could be happy times still left to be had. “Must have had a hard head. Never learned that if I’d just stay out of trouble, I’d avoid that.” He wipes a wayward tear from his eye. A happy tear filled with memories. “She’d wallop me good, tellin’ me that I need to pay attention to my decisions better.” He looks at me, his smile still wide on his handsome face. “Now, I don’t condone hittin’ in any way but a good wallopin’ is sometimes needed on some kids to help teach them the right way. ‘Course, it’d have to be somethin’ really bad in order to get one. Most times, a good talkin’ to does just fine.”

  I grow serious, missing my family. “Tell me where you learned farming and what you see in your new place.”

  His eyes widen, excitement pouring from them as he starts telling me about growing up on a farm. Then, he went into talking about what he wants from this place, what he envisions. My heart beats faster listening to his enthusiasm. I’m happy for him and want to do whatever I can to help. It’s the least I can do for all he’s done for me. It may have been Shiloh who destroyed the evilness of Mikael and I know Trevor tried to kill him, wanted to so badly. Not to mention he’s helped Shiloh so much over the years. I may be leery of everyone right now but I can tell he’s a good man, one I want to know better.

  Chapter Four

  Trevor

  After a few hours of talkin’ and laughin’, we went downstairs. I was amazed how clean the kitchen was and surprised she’d started the grocery list. I added several things to the list and notice how you can’t really read my writing but hers is perfect. It felt so good to drive my ole beat up truck, being careful when I got in and out of it. I didn’t want to take any meds before we left, afraid I’d fall asleep. I don’t even know if she can drive or has a license. So much I still need to know about her. Still can’t shake that naggin�
�� feelin’ that I know her somehow. Crazy meds are makin’ me imagine things. I know I want to know her.

  When I pull into a parkin’ space in front of Sadie’s coffee shop, Prie looks apprehensive. She places her hand on the left side of her face, coverin’ the faded bruise that stills shows a bit. I shift slightly in my seat, lookin’ at her in concern. But I put on a smile. For her. “It doesn’t look as bad as you think.” Her head snaps to me, those green eyes starin’ into my soul. My heart takes a little leap, caught up in my throat. Such a pretty young girl. Too young to have had all the bad that’s happened in her life. Pride swells inside me as I watch her remove her hand, layin’ it down on her lap. “That’s it, sweetheart. Don’t worry about anyone or anythin’. You’ve lived through more than most people. Come on. Let’s get somethin’ to drink and say hi to Sadie and Tina. You haven’t met her yet. She’s – uh. How can I put this? She gets a little excited.” That’s puttin’ it mildly. She gives me a simple nod and we get out.

  “Oh, my God! Trevor!”

  I’m suddenly enveloped in Tina’s arms as soon as we walk inside. I look over at Prie and watch her take a step back. Can’t say I blame her. A chuckle escapes me. “Tina. How are ya?” Her arms tighten for a minute and then she takes a step back, keepin’ her firm hold on my arms. I only brought one crutch with me and she’s got it pinned with my arm.

  “Me. You ask about me? Aren’t you just the sweetest?” Typical Tina. “You’re the one that almost died!” She releases one of my arms and puts her hand over her heart. “We were all so scared.”

  Laughter comes from the back room. Sadie walks out, her eyes lightin’ up. “Dang, girl. Give him a little room to breathe.” She shakes her head, still laughin’ as she walks over to me. Tina laughs and pats my arm then walks to go help a customer. “Oh, my! You look so tired,” she says as she wraps her arms around me for a hug, her laughter gone and concern replacin’ it. She moves back and looks at me with worry in her eyes.

  I give her a grin. “I’m okay, Darlin’. Nothin’ to fret.” She smiles and then looks at Prie, whose standin’ back by the front door. She looks likes she ready to run. I look around and only see a few other people in the place. I’m sure she’s a little nervous.

  “Prie.” Sadie walks over and gives her a hug. Prie’s eyes widen when she looks at me from over Sadie’s shoulder. I give her a nod and smile, remindin’ her that Sadie is good people and she shouldn’t be afraid. Sadie leans back and I can see her smile from here. She talks to Prie but I can’t hear what she’s sayin’. My leg begins to hurt so I walk over and sit down in the corner booth, givin’ them the time they need.

  They end their talkin’ and Prie walks over, quietly, and sits down across from me. I looked at her worriedly but she looks up and smiles. An actual smile. “What would you like? Do you drink coffee? Tea? How about a pastry or muffin?” It hurts my heart, remindin’ me just how alone she is, no one really knowin’ her. I want to change that, find out all I can about her.

  “A mocha coffee would be nice and a blueberry muffin? If that’s okay.” Her voice is quiet, shy.

  I smile. “Of course it’s okay. Whatever you’d like, sweetheart.” I get up and walk over to the counter, leavin’ my crutch against the booth. Tina is busy with another customer and Sadie is refillin’ a machine in front of me. She looks up and smiles.

  “What’ll you all have?”

  I tell her and she nods. As she begins our drinks, she keeps lookin’ up at me. “I told Prie about Kathy Stephenson here in town. She’s a psychiatrist, with a really friendly ear. Most people find hope in her, a new beginning and dealing with the past.” She lifts a brow at me, her smile growin’. “You might even like talking with her.” I shift my stance, feelin’ a bit uncomfortable but only about me.

  “I think it would be good for Prie. Me, I’ll deal with it on my own in workin’ my land. But thank ya kindly.”

  Her smile falters but then grows again. “Anything I can do to help. You know I will.” She sets down our coffees on the counter and begins to get our food. “I’ll bring this over to your table.”

  She tells me how much I owe and I leave money there for her and give her a wink as I take our drinks to our table. Prie’s lookin’ out the window when I reach the table. I set our drinks down and sit, takin’ a drink of mine quickly. Damn, that tastes good. “Haven’t had a good cup of coffee in a while. Tastes good.” I look up, my hands warmed by holdin’ the cup. She looks like she’s thinkin’ hard. Sadie brings our treats and sets them on the table. “Thank ya, Sadie,” I say lookin’ up at her. She smiles at me then at Prie and walks away. We eat and drink in silence, not uncomfortable, just her way. Guess I can understand her bein’ that way, a bit. Just not sure what it’s gonna take to get her outta that and back to life.

  Our food and drinks are almost gone when she speaks. “Sadie told me about this person in town, one that helps people deal with things,” she says quietly. I look up, interested in what she has to say. She’s lookin’ down at her plate, movin’ her fork through the few crumbs left of her muffin. Her eyes move up to mine. “I think I’d like to talk to her. Maybe she can help me?”

  I swallow hard. For the first time, I’m not sure what to say. How can I help someone who’s been hurt so deeply, lived through somethin’ so horrific? “Can you drive?” blurts from my mouth before I can stop it. Her eyes widen, and then blink a couple times. She must think I’m crazy. How insensitive. What the hell?

  “Actually, yes. I know how to drive. I don’t have a driver’s license anymore and I haven’t driven in….” Her eyes well up and I watch her swallow hard. I’m an insensitive fool.

  I try to convey how sorry I am. “Prie, I’m sor….”

  “No. I’m not. I need to be able to do things myself. You can’t babysit me.” Shit. Now I feel worse.

  I rub my chin, then tilt my head. “I think we should let you practice with my truck, at home. Then, I’ll help you get your license. You’ll be able to drive yourself to town to talk to this person whenever you need to. It’ll be good.” I pull into a smile, tryin’ to lighten our moods. It’s not doin’ much for mine but I hope it will help her see that I just want to help.

  Her features soften, her eyes light up. “I’d like that.”

  “Yeah?” I’m a bit surprised by her answer. Clearin’ my throat, I give her a grin, sittin’ back in the seat. “Well. Good. I’m glad.” She gives me a smile even though I can tell she’s nervous about it but I’m proud of her for tryin’ to be strong. “Let’s finish up. We have a hell of a grocery list.” She nods and starts to eat again. My brows lower as I think some more. “I think we should stop at the clothin’ store next door first.” Her eyes move back to mine. “Seems you need some clothes and – other things.” I grin. Sadness overtakes her lovely face, her eyes castin’ down. “Prie?” She looks up at me and frowns.

  “You do so much for me. Everyone does. I’m not sure when I can pay you all back,” she says quietly.

  I lean over, placin’ my hand on hers. Her beautiful eyes snap to mine and I smile. “We’re glad to do it, Darlin’. Good people here, they help each other.” I lean back in my seat again, watchin’ her fidget in hers. “Not sayin’ there aren’t other bad people out there but here, there’s ones I know would give anyone the shirt off their back. Look at what they’ve done for me. Helped me out when I was hurt, rebuildin’ my house when it burned down. Some people out there wouldn’t have done that. That’s why I like this town so much.” She nods again, this time a little more eagerly. “If you want, you can help me out at the farm. I’d appreciate that. Looks like with both of us healin’, we can help each other. Right?” My grin broadens and her eyes shine with a little more life.

  We leave, tellin’ Sadie and Tina goodbye and walk next door to the store. I’m kinda likin’ only havin’ one crutch so it’s not as hard to get around. I haven’t been in here bu
t Sadie told me this Tilly girl was really nice. I open the door for Prie, and she thanks me as she walks in. Nice shop with pretty much everythin’ in clothin’ you’d need. A young woman leans on the counter by the register and looks up as the bell sounds over the door. She smiles, stands, and walks around the counter then towards us.

  “Hey, ya’ll. Welcome. What can I help ya with?” Seems nice enough.

  I look at Prie and then back at her. “We’re kinda new in town. She needs some things but I’m sure she can look around, if ya don’t mind.”

  She stands before me, not even lookin’ at Prie. Her hand is clasping her other arm, her hip cocked. Now, I’ve seen all kinds of people travelin’, and she’s no different than some I’ve seen. Her hair is black, strands of purple and green comin’ down the front and over the side. Her nose is pierced and her belly piercin’ is shining freely with her half top on and low ridin’ jeans. Makes me cold just lookin’ at her bare skin on a cold day like today. Everyone’s different I ‘spect. “Sure she can.” Her eyes finally leave mine long enough to look at Prie but come straight back to mine. I see Prie from the corner of my eye walk off to look around. “Name’s Tilly,” the girl says as she saunters closer. I look down as her fingernail lands on my chest, movin’ its way up. “And just what is it I can do you for, cowboy?” When her finger gets to my chin, I grasp her wrist. Her eyes widen in surprise but then lower again, seductively. “Oh, I like my men feisty.” I have to hold my chuckle in as I lower her hand.