Rhea stepped in front of Morgan, putting herself between her and the officer. “It’s okay, Morgan.” She turned to face Sims. “I’ll go.”
Sims grinned at Rhea as if he’d just won a game. Morgan knew if he got Rhea alone he’d be pursuing her as the perpetrator of a crime and not as a victim. Morgan pulled out her cell phone and hit play. Jeff’s voice blasted from the speaker.
Sit down.
No.
Sit down or I’ll shoot her.
No, you won’t. If you shoot her, it’s all over. You never did know what to do with strong women. Did you really think you could just come here and wave a gun around and I’d just do anything you want?
There was the sound of scuffling and a whimper.
Come on, Jeff, we both know she’s not what you want. She’s a good soldier. She shouldn’t have to pay for our sins. You were the one who destroyed the horse feed and the tack room and set the fire. You blew up my studio, didn’t you?
That was fun. I didn’t expect you to be there, though. That was a bonus.
Jeff laughed.
You flew through the air like a rag doll. Man, that was a rush.
Rhea stared at Morgan, her mouth slightly ajar.
Sims took a step toward Morgan so fast that she flinched and clenched her hand tight around the phone.
“What’s that?” Sims demanded.
Morgan shrugged. “This is Jeff’s confession. I taped the whole thing.”
“Well, I’ll be damned,” Jones said.
Sims glared at Morgan. “She’s not off the hook yet. She could have been in on the whole thing.”
Morgan shook her head. “I don’t think so. I have a video in my office that shows Jeff attacking and abducting Rhea from my barn.” Morgan pulled something from her jeans pocket and held out her hand, palm up. “I found this on the floor where he kicked her in the face.”
Rhea and the officers stared at the tooth in her hand.
Morgan glanced at Rhea. “I think that’s more than you’ll need to have a very clear understanding of what happened here, officers. Rhea and I will be more than happy to answer your questions, but Rhea isn’t going anywhere without me.”
Rhea reached for Morgan’s hand. She’d never been more grateful, more surprised, or more amazed with anyone in her life.
“Holy hell,” Jones said.
Sims glared at him.
“Oh, give it up, Dave.”
Sims cursed and stomped off.
“Sorry, ladies”—Jones nodded toward Sims—“we’ll have to get your statements separately, that’s protocol. But it can wait until a medic checks Ms. Daniels out.” He held up a hand and motioned the paramedic over.
“Thank you,” Morgan said. “We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions as soon as our attorney is present.”
“You aren’t being charged with anything at the moment, Ms. Scott.”
“Just the same, I want to make sure there aren’t any misunderstandings.”
A medic set a large bag down on the ground in front of them. “Mind if I take a look?” he said, pointing to Morgan’s bandages.
“In a minute. She needs you first.”
“I’m okay,” Rhea argued.
Morgan cupped Rhea’s cheek in her hand and kissed her lightly on the lips. “Humor me. I know how tough you are, but I’ll feel better, and it’s more evidence.”
Rhea nodded. “You’ll stay with me?”
Morgan smiled. “Every minute.”
Rhea slid her arms around Morgan. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Morgan circled her in her arms, and Rhea knew without a doubt that she was safe.
“I told you I wouldn’t let him hurt you, and I’ll keep that promise,” Morgan said firmly.
Rhea tightened her arms around Morgan. She had no doubt in her mind that what Morgan said was true.
*
Would this day ever end? Rhea rubbed her eyes with the heels of her hands and yawned. She and Morgan had answered every question the police had asked, explained every detail of what happened, and turned over the audio and video recordings. They had been to the hospital and been poked, prodded, and photographed. Rhea had given blood for a drug test because of the stuff Jeff had given her, but didn’t seem to be in any danger. Rhea wanted to go home and crawl into bed and sleep the memories away. But before anything else she needed to see Soldier. He’d been cooped up in the house for hours, and she needed to check his leg and feel his reassuring warmth.
Rhea shoved her hands deep into her pockets and watched Morgan say good-bye to Officer Jones. She shivered at the thought of how things could have gone if Morgan hadn’t set up the video surveillance. Without that evidence, it would have been easy for everyone to believe she had been behind everything. She closed her eyes and shook herself. Going back to prison was unthinkable. After having these months of freedom, she could never again survive being put in a cage.
“Hey, are you okay? You looked a million miles away.”
Rhea jumped at the sound of Morgan’s voice. “Yeah, just tired.”
“Well, I think they have everything they need for now. I think it’s time we take care of something you need.”
Rhea squinted at Morgan, confused by her meaning. “What I need?”
Morgan smiled and nodded. “Come in the house, someone’s waiting for you.”
Rhea’s heart swelled.
Morgan put her arm around Rhea’s shoulders. “You know, I’m not sure he’s a normal dog. He seemed to sense what was happening. I could have sworn he could read my mind. He’s very special.”
Rhea smiled. “I know.”
Morgan nodded and opened the door for Rhea. Soldier was lying on a giant pillow in front of the fireplace. His giant ears were up and he wagged his tail happily, but he didn’t get up.
“See what I mean, even now it’s like he’s waiting for us to tell him you’re okay before he’ll move.”
Rhea ran to him. She fell to her knees and hugged him. Soldier put his paw on her shoulder as if hugging her back. Rhea ran her hands all over his body, checking for injuries. She scrutinized the sutures on his shoulder and was happy to see the incision was closed and there was no new tearing. He licked her face as if trying to tell her he was okay. He yelped and whined and moaned and barked as if he was telling her his story. Rhea laughed and burrowed her face in his neck and hugged him.
Morgan smiled and sat down on the floor beside them. Rhea laid her head on Soldier and Morgan leaned down and wrapped her arms around them both. Tears filled Rhea’s eyes. Morgan and Soldier had become her family, more than the one she’d been born into. Morgan had risked everything for her. She’d risked her life for her. It was too much, and she couldn’t hold back her feelings anymore as everything came flooding in at once and she began to sob.
Morgan rubbed her back. “What is it?”
Rhea took a deep breath and tried to put words to her feelings. “Being here with you and Soldier has been the best time of my life and I almost lost you both.”
Morgan’s arms tightened around her. “We aren’t going anywhere. You’re safe here.”
Rhea raised her head and looked at Morgan. She focused on the feel of Morgan’s touch and the steady strength in Morgan’s eyes. Despite everything she’d been through, Morgan was able to soothe the fear and reach beyond her armor and truly touch her.
“How did you know to record everything?”
Morgan sighed. “After I saw you on that video, I knew what I had to do, and after the way the police treated you after the fire I wanted proof. I couldn’t let the system fail you again.”
Rhea lowered her gaze and took a deep breath. “And how are you with what happened?”
Morgan’s jaw tensed. “I don’t feel good about shooting a man, but I’m very happy you’re okay. I still don’t think violence is the answer, but I realize that sometimes there’s no other way.”
Rhea nodded, understanding that Morgan was talking about more than what happened that night.
“I thought I’d killed him, and I thought a part of me would die too. I’ll never understand why people hurt each other, but I couldn’t allow him to hurt you either. My choice was clear, and I don’t regret what I did.”
“All that stuff about Ashley must have been hard for you,” Rhea paused and sat up to face Morgan. “You aren’t the reason she’s dead, you know.”
“Maybe,” Morgan answered.
“You gave her choices. You loved her. But sometimes people can’t accept a different life.”
Morgan nodded. “I know. What about you? Can you accept a different life?”
Rhea smiled. “Does that life include you?”
Morgan grinned. “I hope so.”
“Then I’d like to try.”
Morgan reached out and cupped Rhea’s face in her hand. She meant everything she’d said to Rhea, and as long as Rhea would let her, she’d spend the rest of her days giving Rhea that new life. She brushed her thumb across Rhea’s swollen cheek. “Does it hurt much?”
“Honestly, yes, but it’ll be okay.”
“Hang on a minute.” Morgan got up and went to the kitchen and brought back an ice pack. She held out her hand to Rhea. “Here, this might help.”
“Thanks.”
Morgan sat down on the sofa and stretched her legs out in front of her. Rhea put the ice pack to her cheek and winced, and Morgan couldn’t get the image of Jeff kicking Rhea out of her head. She’d felt rage and desperation and helplessness, standing in front of Rhea as Jeff taunted her. The fear in Rhea’s eyes had burned through her, like hot steel piercing though her heart and scorching her soul.
“I think I understand you better now. Until all of this, I didn’t really understand what a sacrifice you made for your sister. I can’t imagine what that must have been like for you, but I know I would have done anything for him not to hurt you.”
Rhea froze. She peered off into space, and Morgan was afraid she’d said too much. Rhea had that faraway look in her eyes that she got when she relived that terrible part of her past.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up.”
Rhea lifted her eyes to Morgan’s and slowly the sadness faded and she smiled. “We finally understand each other. Maybe the only thing we need for redemption is to forgive ourselves.”
Morgan nodded. “Can you do that?”
“Yeah, I think I can now. Can you?”
Morgan reached out and brushed her fingers along Rhea’s hand. “I think I did the moment I stepped into that cellar and faced Jeff. Facing what happened to Ashley made me realize that although I couldn’t save her, it wasn’t my fault. My ego was telling me I should have been enough for her, but it never was about me.”
Rhea slid her fingers into Morgan’s hand, lacing their fingers together. Something inside her had changed. She had changed. She had spent her entire life pushing people away, hiding from intimacy, and blaming her fear on her father. She was done running, done hiding, and although her father was a sick bastard, she had the power to decide not to let him take love away from her.
“Most of my life I’ve had to fight to survive. I didn’t think there was any other way. For years I used my anger and hatred to build a wall around myself so that no one could ever hurt me again. But being here and knowing you, I see there’s so much I was missing.”
Rhea settled back on the couch and leaned against Morgan. She pulled Morgan’s arm around her and laced their fingers together. Morgan’s steady breathing and warm touch soothed her, and the exhaustion she’d been fighting slowly won out and she fell asleep.
Morgan felt the tension slip from Rhea’s body and heard the subtle change in her breathing. After everything Rhea had been through and the day they’d had, this was exactly what Morgan needed. She leaned down and placed a kiss on Rhea’s head. She wasn’t sure how long it would take to burn the images of what happened out of her mind, but this was a good place to start. Holding Rhea was exactly what she needed to quell the fear that was still wrapped around her heart like barbed wire. She closed her eyes and thought about what Rhea said. What was she telling her? Was Rhea admitting to feelings for her?
Morgan sighed. I am hopelessly in love with this woman and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it. Morgan brushed her fingers along Rhea’s arm and watched her sleep. She hoped Rhea would give her a chance, give them a chance, but she knew she would love Rhea no matter what she chose. Morgan offered up her thanks for the woman in her arms and the love in her heart and drifted off to sleep.
Chapter Eighteen
Rhea woke to find Morgan sitting across from her, reading. Her hair was damp from a shower, and she looked refreshed in a clean cotton T-shirt and a pair of running shorts. She looked younger without her usual jeans and boots. Rhea studied the firm muscles of Morgan’s legs and trailed her gaze up Morgan’s body to the soft curve of her lips and noticed a softening in the faint lines around her mouth and eyes. Warmth spread through her, and her stomach fluttered as she slowly took in the beauty of the woman before her. The stir of desire that she had once denied now sent a thrill of excitement rippling down her spine to the base of her belly, and her clitoris twitched.
Morgan glanced up and saw her staring. A quick smile transformed Morgan’s face, and she was suddenly radiant. “Hey,” Morgan said, leaning forward and putting her book down on the coffee table. “How was your nap?”
Rhea stretched and sat up. “Good. But I think I’ll feel much better after a shower.”
Morgan nodded. “I already put some clothes and a fresh towel in the bathroom for you. I can tell you from experience, the shower feels amazing.”
“Could you be any more perfect?”
Morgan felt her face go hot and dropped her gaze.
Rhea smiled. “I’ll only be a few minutes.”
Morgan watched as Rhea stood and made her way to the bathroom. She’d awoken with Rhea cradled in her arms, and she’d almost cried from relief and gratitude. She’d watched Rhea sleep, thinking of how much Rhea had changed her life, changed her, and how much she’d grown to need Rhea. She loved her.
Morgan was still lost in her thoughts when Rhea came back, looking fresh and revived from the shower. Her skin glowed from the heat of the water on her skin, and she looked nervous as she fingered her hair into place. Morgan’s heart ached as her gaze fell on the bruise along Rhea’s face and the swelling around her eye where she’d been kicked.
Rhea walked up to Morgan until she stood in front of her and held out her hand. She wasn’t sure what she was doing, but she couldn’t stop. She wanted to touch Morgan. She wanted to be touched. She was done hiding.
Morgan looked up at her and narrowed her eyes with a questioning look and took her hand. Rhea pulled Morgan to her feet and wrapped an arm around Morgan’s waist and slid the other around her neck wrapping her fingers in Morgan’s hair. Morgan’s gaze burned into her, but it wasn’t the soulless lust of her fears. Morgan looked at her like she was something to be cherished.
Rhea pulled Morgan closer until their lips met. Morgan’s mouth was sweet and warm. She could spend hours exploring and tasting Morgan’s lips, her mouth, her tongue.
Morgan slid her hands over Rhea’s hips and around her back. She spread her fingers over the small curve just above her waist and gently pulled her closer.
Rhea had never felt anything so tender in her life. Morgan didn’t just kiss her, she filled her, tasted her, and pulled her desire and need to the surface until she wanted Morgan’s mouth everywhere. Morgan promised her a new life, but she was the one who had to claim it. Somewhere along the way she had begun to need Morgan, and after what they’d been through together, she couldn’t hide from her feelings any longer.
Rhea pulled away and studied Morgan’s face, and this time she recognized her need reflected back through Morgan’s eyes. There was fire just beneath the surface, but her need wasn’t possession. Her need was about giving, not taking.
“Teach me how to touch you,” Rhea whispered.
“I want to know what it’s like to touch you.”
Morgan drew in a deep breath as if she had just surfaced after holding her breath underwater. She pulled Rhea closer and caressed her face. Morgan traced her fingers over the bruise on Rhea’s cheek and the swollen spot on her jaw. “Does it still hurt?”
“Not too much. Not you. You heal me.”
Morgan leaned down and kissed her.
The instant their lips met, Rhea melted into Morgan and let herself go. She needed to be closer. She wanted to feel Morgan in a way she had never wanted anyone before. Morgan’s mouth was hot, and she slipped her tongue inside to lick at the flames of Morgan’s desire.
Morgan moaned and trembled. Rhea was amazed how Morgan yielded to her without losing herself. Rhea grasped the edges of Morgan’s shirt and the tank she wore beneath and slowly worked it up Morgan’s body, taking in every inch of flesh revealed as she pulled the shirt over Morgan’s head and let it fall to the floor. She stared at Morgan’s bare breasts, and the nipples hardened under her gaze, sending a thrill through Rhea that made her skin burn hot. She had dreamed of this body for weeks. Morgan had perfectly sculpted curves of muscle shrouded in delicate soft skin. Rhea raised her hand and brushed her fingertips across Morgan’s breast. Morgan’s chest swelled as she drew in a deep breath of air. Rhea pressed her hand to Morgan’s chest and felt the strong rhythm of her heart beating against her palm. She had never seen anything more beautiful.
When Rhea raked her fingertip down Morgan’s side and across her stomach, Morgan trembled and dug her fingers into Rhea’s hips.
“Is this okay?” Rhea asked.
“Yes,” Morgan answered, her voice tight and strained. “I’m going to have to lie down soon. My legs won’t hold me much longer if you keep doing that.”
Love’s Redemption Page 21