Karma

by Barbara Huffert

  “Milo.” Jesse steered him back to the door. “Thank you for everything. Really. But right now the thing Jessie needs most is peace and quiet. I’ll make sure she’s comfortable and hopefully, she’ll manage to get some sleep. I’ll call you guys later to let you know how she’s feeling.”

  “Well all right,” Milo mumbled as he realized he was being shown out. “I have your word that you’ll take care of her? You heard what Harry told me to do.”

  “Absolutely,” Jesse said sincerely. “Thanks again, Milo.”

  “Thank you,” Jessie muttered, trying to look at Jesse.

  “He’s a bit much but he means well. I’m sure he’ll worry over you nonstop once you start working with him.” Jesse hated the thought that she wasn’t likely to go home with him. “Now, let’s see if we can make you more comfortable.” He removed her shoes.

  “What are you doing?” She sounded panicked.

  “Taking off some of these clothes. The neck of that turtleneck is too tight and you’ve got to be warm with it on.” Jesse wondered if he would ever manage to get it off her since he sensed she wore it to hide something.

  “I’m fine.” She shrank away from him as much as she could in the chair.

  “No you’re not.” He kept his voice soft and soothing. “Your migraine is intense. You didn’t take your medicine when it started. You don’t have it with you. You’re in a city where you don’t live, applying for a job with people you never met. Someone named Edgar gave you an excellent recommendation and told his friend Harry that you sounded desperate and arranged for you to stay with him if he hired you. I saw you flinch when Henderson started toward you earlier. That reaction wasn’t just your migraine though. Someone hurt you. You have that turtleneck on to hide the bruises, don’t you?” He forced himself not to reach for her as the tears started again. “I’m not going to judge you, no matter what is under your shirt. You got on that plane this morning so you must want it to be over. Well, it is over. You’re with me now, Jessie. No one will ever hurt you again. I give you my word. Please let me help make you feel better. We can talk about the rest later if you decide to tell me about it. But you certainly don’t have to. It’s entirely up to you.”

  Jesse saw her swallowing again and helped her to the bathroom. He held her as he had before and waited patiently for her to indicate she ready to move.

  “I need my toothbrush,” she stated, clearly embarrassed again.

  “I’ll bring your suitcase.”

  “No. It’s in the pouch on the right. Just get it.”

  “Sure.” He returned instantly. “Want to take a shower while you’re in here? It might make you feel better but I should tell you that I won’t let you alone.”

  “But…”

  “But nothing. You’re having trouble standing. Holly passed out when her migraines were at their worst. I won’t let you to fall and hurt yourself.” Jesse tilted her face to his. “I need to tell you something. Can you listen for just a minute even though I know it hurts?” She nodded, seeming to understand how serious he was. “Thank you. I believe that honesty is one of the most important things between two people. With that comes trust.” She nodded again. “From the second I saw you in Henderson’s office, I felt something for you. Something that I don’t know how to explain. We barely met but, somehow, that doesn’t matter like it probably should. I already told you that I wanted to help make you feel better. I said I wanted to protect you. But, in all honesty, it’s much more than that. To put it bluntly, I just plain want you. In all ways. I had to get that out in the open because my body is reacting to yours and I doubt if I’ll be able to hide it. But I promise you, I will not take advantage of you. If you decide a shower will make you more comfortable I’ll get right in there with you. I’ll touch you in order to help. I’m sure I’ll be hard as soon as we start taking off your clothes but you have my word that absolutely nothing will happen.”

  She stared at him so long that Jesse decided he’d said too much. He was shocked when she finally spoke. “You think you’ll get hard?”

  “I know I will. I’m halfway there now.”

  She dipped her gaze. It seemed difficult to focus but his statement must have made it worth the struggle. He kept his hands on her arms and didn’t turn away so she took that as permission to look. It was true. There was a bulge in his pants, which seemed to add to her confusion.

  “Abigail.”

  “I’m sorry?” It was Jesse’s turn to be confused.

  “My name. Abigail Jessica James. No one ever called me Jessie. Only my fake ID.”

  “You used it today to make it harder for whoever hurt you to find you,” he stated. “Thanks for telling me. And in the same sense of honesty, my full name is Jesse James Monroe. I only use Jesse James when I’m working. When you feel better, I’ll tell you all about my job if you want me to.”

  Without hesitating, she reached out and ran her hand over his crotch. His reaction was evident. “Sorry.” She would have removed her hand if his hadn’t covered it.

  “I don’t mind.” Jesse contained a groan.

  She let him stroke himself with her hand, both watching the bulge grow. “Oh.” She gasped when he hardened under her touch. “I don’t understand. I can’t think right now.”

  Jesse silently cursed himself. This was not the way to gain her trust. “What about that shower, Abby?” He gently moved her hand away.

  “Abby.” She sighed. “No one calls me that either. My mother hated it but I like how you said it.” She shivered, a look of disgust crossing her features. “I don’t want you to see me.”

  “It’ll be okay,” Jesse soothed.

  “No, it won’t,” Abby insisted.

  “So you do have marks,” he concluded.

  Abby nodded, not looking at him. “And I’m ugly. Fat.”

  Jesse pulled her against his chest and rocked her gently. “Listen to me, Abby. You are not ugly. And whoever has you thinking you’re fat knows nothing about women.”

  “But I look awful.”

  “I don’t think so but you’ll have to let me take your clothes off if you want my complete opinion.” Jesse waited but she didn’t respond. When she lifted her hand to push on her neck, he felt even more helpless. Until they got past this hurdle, she wouldn’t let him do what he could to lessen the ache of her migraine. “Let’s put a hold on this conversation until we get you feeling better. You said no one’s ever helped you through a migraine before so I’m just going to do things I think might work. I know planes always make me feel gritty and I know showers always made Holly more comfortable after she vomited so I vote we give it a try.” Again, Jesse waited with no response. “Since you haven’t moved, I’ll take that as agreement.”

  Abby stood motionless as he opened her pants and slid them down her legs. She closed her eyes when her panties followed. When he put her hands on his shoulders she understood he wanted her to steady herself and step out of her clothes. When she had he stood and raised her turtleneck. As gently as he could, he pulled the tight collar over her head. Reaching behind her, he unhooked her bra and slid it from her body.

  Jesse couldn’t help it as his eyes devoured her breasts. Gods, how was he going to keep his hands off her? They were large and soft and exactly like the ones he fantasized about when he was a teenager. She had what wet dreams were made of and there was no way he could lavish her breasts with the attention they deserved at this moment.

  Jesse could feel the insecurity radiating from Abby and knew he had to say something. “Wow,” he whispered, surprising her enough so she forced herself to look at him again. He let her see his gaze take in every inch of her naked body. “Ready for my opinion?” It wasn’t really a question so he continued. “My first reaction is exactly what I thought it would be. I want you. So badly it hurts. But, as I promised earlier, I won’t do anything about it. Looking at you, I see a well-rounded, full-bodied woman with breasts that are so soft and lush it’s taking all my willpower not to bury my face against them. G
ods, Abby, if the circumstances were different I would spend hours devouring them. I haven’t had a wet dream since I was a kid but I’m in serious danger of that happening tonight.

  “My next reaction is to want to go after the guy who did this to you. Why anyone would want to mar that creamy skin of yours is something I will never understand. He deserves to be strung up by his nuts and left hanging. I’m absolutely furious but I’ll put that on hold for now too. Did you file a police report?” Abby shook her head no. “Did you at least document this abuse?”

  “No.”

  “Was this the first time?”

  “No.”

  “Did you ever take any pictures?”

  “No.”

  “We’ll talk about that part later but for now, we need to get these marks recorded. It’ll help protect you if he comes after you.”

  “No.” Abby tried to back away from him.

  “Wait. I have an idea.” Jesse could see the suggestion horrified her. “Even though it would be better to go to the police I know how we can avoid that for now and still get the evidence. Will you listen?” Abby nodded, her head lowered again. “Since you were on the same plane I was, I’m assuming we’re from the same city. I could use my cell but that won’t be at all professional and might not do you any good if you ever need evidence. I know a photographer. She’s done a bunch of books, including a controversial one on a gang. Lately she’s been doing some work with the police in the town she moved to. She knows what she’s doing and I’m sure she’d come here.”

  “Kids in Gangs? That was her book?”

  “Yeah, that’s her. Alyssa Campini then. McKade now. She and her husband are both friends of mine.”

  Abby blinked at him again. “McKade? As in the Golden Boy? That McKade?”

  “His brother Shane. Do you know Jordan?”

  “I know of him. He’s that investment guy who was so successful but walked away from it all to buy that radio station in the college town outside of the city.” Jesse nodded “I saw that gang book. Why would she come here?”

  “Because she’s my friend and she knows I wouldn’t ask unless it was important. You are important to me, Abby. Please, will you let me call her? I can guarantee Alyssa will give us the pictures and no one will ever see them unless it is absolutely necessary. I want them so you have insurance. I don’t expect we’ll ever really need them. I can keep you safe without them.” He paused. “There aren’t many people I trust, Abby. I’ve seen too many bad things over the years. Alyssa and Shane are in that small group. So are Jordan and his wife, Kiley. Their friend, Brett Hudson, and his lady, Andie Sloan. My brother, Frank, and his wife, Shelby. My cousins, Wyatt and Holly, and Holly’s husband, Dwayne. And now you. That’s the entire list of those I’d trust with my life.”

  “Why me?” She seemed to be trying to concentrate on what he was saying in spite of her pain.

  “Because I can feel that it’s right to trust you. I know I can tell you anything. I’ve never told anyone everything about some of the jobs I’ve done but I want to tell you. Not at this exact moment but someday, if you want me to, I’ll tell you everything about me.”

  “Okay, call her. But don’t insist if she says no.”

  “Deal.” He grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her. “Come sit down while I call and then we’ll take that shower.”

  Chapter Five

  “We still have a few hours before Alyssa gets here. Why don’t you stretch out and let me rub your neck? Maybe you can doze off for a little,” Jesse suggested as Abby stepped out of the shower, holding the hand he offered to steady herself.

  “Won’t sleep.” Abby let him towel dry her hair. No one had ever done that for her either.

  “Probably not but I’d still like to see if I can relax you. Sit down a sec and I’ll comb your hair. Want me to braid it?”

  “I can do it.” Her voice hitched at his offer.

  “I’m sure you can but so can I. When you’re with me, you never have to be tough. I don’t know what your life was like before we met but I have the impression you did everything yourself, even when you were sick. I’m not sure why I feel like this but I want to take care of you. I want to pamper you and cherish you the way you should be. Every time you’ve taken my hand for support today, your touch has sent a zing straight to my heart. There’s something about you that is getting to me in a big way. Can’t you indulge me just a little bit and let me do this for you? Please?” Jesse asked softly, holding her loosely.

  While he was speaking, they seemed to have forgotten they were both still naked. His body hadn’t though and was once again reacting to her nearness. He finally realized that he had unconsciously been caressing her sides. His thumbs were brushing against the curve of her breasts. He noticed her nipples were as hard as he was. It would be so easy to move his fingers a few inches and fondle her.

  “Okay,” Abby agreed breathlessly. “Let me get dressed.” She stuttered when the lack of movement of his hands made her notice where they were. She seemed torn between the desire to lean forward and the urge to step back from him.

  Jesse caught her turmoil and made the choice for her. He wouldn’t let anything happen to erase the fragile trust forming between them. “Sorry.” He wished she hadn’t looked away but knew she needed time. He moved his hands to her shoulders. “Damn, woman, you’re making me horny just by standing there.” He grinned shamelessly at her startled expression. He told her he valued honesty and he was going to give her exactly that. “In another few seconds I would have had my hands all over those gorgeous boobs of yours. But, my sexy outlaw, I gave you my word and I intend to keep it. Forgive me for almost forgetting and giving in to temptation.”

  “I don’t understand you,” Abby muttered.

  “Sit down and I’ll explain anything you want.”

  “I need clothes,” Abby repeated.

  “Just panties. I need to able to see your bruises so I don’t hurt you.”

  “But…” Abby gulped. “I…I…”

  “Abby.” Jesse hugged her gently before he knew what he was doing. He stifled a groan when his erection made contact with her skin. “I assure you I’m only suggesting that for your own good. I’ll say it again, since I’m in no position to try and deny it at the moment. Yes, I want you. Yes, I’m hard for you. Yes, I wish with all my heart that the situation we’re in were different. Gods, what I wouldn’t give for unlimited intimate access to your body. But right now all I want to do is make your migraine not hurt as much as it does at the moment. I need to touch you to do that and I don’t want to inadvertently push my thumb into one of your bruises. You can wrap up in one of these robes while I braid your hair and then slip it off your arms when I rub your neck and back.”

  Abby gave in. He guessed her head still ached too much for her to think clearly about the things he said to her. She seemed confused as if she thought he was saying those things just to give her a boost. She didn’t seem to believe he actually meant them no matter how sincere he sounded even though he was undeniable hard. She clung to him in a way that had him thinking he felt as good against her as she did him. He wondered how long it had been since she had her chest pressed against hot male flesh that belonged to someone who truly wanted her. It made him ache for her when he realized how much turmoil his showing his desire was causing her.

  “Please talk,” Abby requested as he massaged her scalp. He was being so gentle with her hair. In no time he had it secured in a high braid so it wouldn’t make a lump under her head when she lay down.

  “All right,” Jesse agreed, pleased. “Anything in particular you want me to talk about?” He folded back the bedspread and waited for her to get settled on her stomach. Before he joined her, he filled the ice bags Milo had dropped off earlier. The first, he wrapped in a towel and placed under her head. The second went under her wrist as he stretched her arms out from her sides. The third would go on the back of her neck when he moved his hands to the pressure points on the rest of her body.


  “Your friends.”

  “Want a sip of Coke?” he asked.

  “Yes, thanks.” Abby let him raise her head and position the straw for her to drink from.

  “Just let me grab my sweats and a T-shirt and I’ll get started.” He had worn only his boxer briefs while he combed her hair, hoping that his lack of covering would encourage her to be less inclined to hide from him. “I’m getting a little chilly.”

  “You can turn the heat on.” Abby spoke rapidly as she appeared to sink into herself. “I don’t mind.”

  Jesse shook his head behind her back, once again accepting how careful he had to be with her. “Whether you mind or not isn’t the point at the moment. This is all about your comfort. Tell me honestly if the cold is helping or if you want heat.” He waited without response. Kneeling on the floor next to the bed so he was in her line of sight, Jesse squeezed her hand. “That guy did quite a number on you. I’m not him, Abby. I don’t want you to ever do anything that you don’t want to do. Please don’t try to second-guess me and act in any way other than how you would if you were alone. I honestly want to do what I can to make you feel better. If you don’t tell me the truth when I ask you these questions, this isn’t going to work. I can add more clothes or take some off, so don’t worry about me.”

  Abby was struggling not to cry. He knew migraines heightened emotions and suspected his open caring was adding to it. When she sniffled and squeezed her eyes shut to hold in her tears, he leaned toward her and caressed her cheek. “Please don’t. Holly used to say she just wanted to cry and fighting it made her head worse. If you hold it in, I’d guess the tension will increase the pain.” He kissed her forehead. “I wish I had an instant cure for you. I’m the kind of guy who hates to sit by and do nothing. I gotta tell you, I’m feeling pretty damn helpless.”