“I escaped…through the window and fire escape before…before they could.” The thought that they would have raped her and forced her to prostitute had her sobbing again.
Dr. Jones consoled her, and before long, she was telling him what had happened. Including what her father said and did.
“The lousy bastard,” he whispered, and she chuckled between sobs.
“Thanks for that.”
He pulled her into his arms and hugged her. It was fatherly and comforting.
As he pulled away, he held her shoulders and locked gazes with her.
“You are a very strong and very brave young woman. You are sweet and kind, I can tell these things, I’ve been around forever. I didn’t get these gray hairs from doing nothing.” He winked.
“If you ever need to talk or need anything, you don’t hesitate to call me. In the meantime, know that the Cantrells will protect you and care for you.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“Now, about Sheriff Cantrell.”
Anna shook her head.
“Anna, these men were going to kill you and your father for money. They were going to take you and turn you into a prostitute to pay off the debt. They could come looking for you here.”
Anna felt the tears stream down her cheeks.
“Then I’ll leave here as soon as I can travel.”
He shook his head.
“That’s not an option, and you know it. You have Stacy and the Cantrells. You would be safest here. But with help from the sheriff, he can make some inquiries and ensure that these men don’t come to Pearl to get you.”
Anna thought about Stacy. She didn’t want to bring trouble to her doorstep. They all had been nothing but nice and caring.
Anna lifted her chin toward the doctor. “I’ll think about it.” He released a sigh, then smiled.
“Deal.” He smiled.
“Now, let’s get the X-rays done and see where we stand there.”
“Do you think they’re broken?”
“We’ll have to see. With the size of the men you described, plus your petite size, it’s very possible.”
“You ready?” he asked, holding out his hand.
She nodded, and he helped her down from the table.
* * * *
Stacy remained straight-faced during the ride back to the ranch. Anna wrung her hands together on her lap and stared out the window.
“Stacy?”
“Yeah?”
“I…I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I had no place to go, and when everything happened, I got on a plane and just headed here.”
Stacy reached over and patted Anna’s hands.
“I’m glad you did, honey. I’m so happy you’re here and that you’re safe.”
“Um…I know you’re worried, and I just want you to know that I’ll be okay. I survived, and I’ll get through this.”
Stacy was silent a moment and had been patient, not pushing questions on her, and she loved her for that.
“I know you want to know what happened and all, but I need time. Especially since I told Doc Jones everything, I feel kind of spent right now and really tired. I just think you need to know that…that they didn’t rape me,” Anna stated with her lips quivering, and Stacy caressed Anna’s hands as she kept her eyes on the road.
“They?” Stacy asked, sounding angry.
Anna nodded.
Stacy clenched the steering wheel.
“Give me some time, and I promise to explain.”
“You got it, honey. Let’s head home so you can rest. I can’t believe you have broken ribs.”
“Me, either.”
Anna smiled at the thought of having a home. But this wasn’t her home, it was Stacy’s and the handsome Cantrell men’s home. She never really had a home, and the thought of ever having one seemed impossible at the moment.
She wiped the tears with the back of her hand and stared out the window at the stunning countryside.
She would love to live here. The town was quaint and lovely. The people were friendly, and the land was open and clean. There weren’t horns honking, garbage on every corner. It was like something from a movie. Especially Dr. Jones, who was so kind and easy to talk to. People wished for doctors like him and towns like Pearl.
Granted, there were nice parts of New York City, but she lived in the shittiest. It was all she could afford. There was always trash by the entranceway, trash on every floor, and an elevator that never worked properly. She was shocked that the fire escape hadn’t broken on her way down it.
Anna felt nervous at the memory. It was the scariest thing she had ever been through. She figured after that she would be afraid of heights for the rest of her life.
The closer they got to the ranch, the calmer she seemed to get. Talking to Dr. Jones seemed to make her feel a bit better.
Chapter 6
Stacy let the men know that Anna was all right. She eased their minds when she informed them that Anna hadn’t been sexually assaulted. They had questions, especially Charlie, Ben, and Wyatt. Stacy couldn’t help but think that the three Cantrells were attracted to Anna. They expressed concern for her every day, and any time they had free, they came by to check on her.
Anna seemed surprised that she had two broken ribs and five badly bruised ones. No wonder she was sick with fever and in such bad pain. They were amazed at her strength for baring it so long and flying in a plane, traveling to get to Texas with such injuries.
As the weeks passed, the injuries on Anna’s face began to heal. With a little cover-up, they were barely noticeable anymore.
The sound of someone entering the kitchen pulled Stacy from her thoughts.
“Good morning,” Anna stated as she walked over to the coffee pot and poured herself a cup.
“Good morning. How do the ribs feel today?” Stacy asked with a smile as she took a sip of coffee from her mug.
“Sore, but I guess considering it’s not quite three weeks, it’s going to take a while.”
Stacy watched as Anna slowly sat down in a chair at the kitchen table.
Anna appeared deep in thought then spoke. “How about that walk today, so you can show me the river?” Anna asked.
Stacy swallowed hard. She had a feeling Anna was ready to tell her what happened back in New York. She had been very patient despite the men’s push for her to get more information. She wouldn’t do that to Anna. It was her story, her life, and she wanted Anna to always trust her.
“If you think you’re up to it, I can pack a lunch, and we can picnic there.”
“That sounds lovely, but I’m not sure if I can sit on a blanket and then get back up again. The thought of the pain makes me cringe.” Anna chuckled as she scrunched her upper lip and nose.
Stacy smiled. “No worries, we have a table set up down there. We often picnic down by the water during the summertime. You’ll see, in a few more weeks, the temperature will really change and be so hot. The spring is still a bit on the cool side.”
“It’s so nice and quiet here. You’re lucky to have this place as a home.”
Stacy joined Anna by the table, sat down, and took her hand into her own.
“This is your home, too, now.”
Anna dropped her gaze to the table.
“I don’t want to impose and outstay my visit. As soon as I’m healed, I think I’ll move on.”
Anna lifted her eyes, and Stacy was certain she could see the sadness in her eyes. Stacy quickly gained control of her emotions. Stacy patted her hand. “There’s plenty of time to discuss this, no need to make any rash decisions now.”
She rose from the chair and placed her coffee mug in the sink. She washed it and placed it on the drying rack.
* * * *
Anna felt sad. She didn’t want to insult Stacy or push her away, but that was exactly what she was doing.
“I’m sorry,” Anna whispered as Stacy remained facing away from her and toward the window.
“You don
’t have to apologize.”
“I do, Stacy.” Anna released a long sigh, and the tears filled her eyes.
“I feel so…numb,” Anna admitted.
Stacy immediately turned toward her.
“I hurt…so much inside.” Anna covered her face and began to cry. She hated every ounce of herself. She hated feeling defeated and worthless. Her own father didn’t even want her.
Stacy pulled Anna into her arms.
“It will get easier, Anna. I promise, the longer you stay here and begin your new life, the better things will get. I love you.”
Stacy and Anna looked up as she heard the floor creak. Charlie stood in the doorway, his eyes crinkled and a look of concern on his face.
“Is everything all right?” he asked, and immediately, Anna pulled away from Stacy as she wiped her eyes.
“Just some girl talk,” Stacy replied, rising from the seat and heading back to the sink.
“You need a drink, Charlie?”
“No, Stacy, that’s all right. I came by to check on my girl Anna.” He smiled wide, and Anna felt that funny feeling in her gut again. He was a good-looking man, a cowboy, and would have his share of women pining over him. The thought made her jealous. What a moron. She was clinging to an imaginary attraction because he had helped to bandage her up while she was wounded. She needed to put a stop to it now.
“I’m fine, Charlie, and I appreciate you helping me out with my injuries. But, I don’t…need looking after. You have important work to do on the ranch and…I’m not your girl. I’m not a girl…I’m…”
She paused, her words and what she wanted to say was all twisted inside.
The phone rang, and Stacy answered it, then left the room talking.
Immediately, Charlie took the seat next to her and scooted closer.
He placed the Stetson he held in his hand down on the table then looked her in the eye.
Slowly, he reached toward her face, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her eye.
His thumb caressed her lower lip as he smiled at her.
“I like calling you my girl.”
She turned away and lowered her face, looking down into her lap.
“Look at me, Anna,” he whispered, helping her by cupping her chin and tilting it up toward his face.
Charlie had long, hard fingertips but a gentle touch. She looked into his eyes, and her heart pounded in her chest from being so close to him.
“I like looking after you, and yes, I have responsibilities, but I can also check in on you whenever I want. I know that Wyatt and Ben will as well. We’re gonna take care of you, so you best get used to it quick.”
She shook her head. “I’m not staying here. As soon as I’m able to travel, I’m going to leave.”
“No, you’re not. You’re staying right here on this ranch in Pearl.”
“You don’t understand. I don’t want to intrude, and I don’t belong here. I don’t know if they’ll come…” She quickly closed her mouth and tried to pull away. Charlie wouldn’t let her.
“You don’t know if who will come?” The sound of Wyatt’s deep voice filled the room.
Anna immediately saw the uniform, and the tears filled her eyes. She pulled away from Charlie and stood up. Charlie stood up as well and immediately pulled her into his arms.
Anna swallowed hard.
The last thing she needed to do was inform a sheriff about the men from New York. That would be like attaching a homing device to her forehead along with a bull’s-eye. No. She had to keep their identities a secret.
“Well?” Wyatt asked again as he eyed her from head to toe.
He wasn’t as handsome as Charlie and Ben. He had a meaner looking expression. His facial structure was strong and defined. He had character but looked untamed. Even his nose wasn’t perfect and showed it had been broken at least once. Yet, she was attracted to him as well. Any woman would look at him with the desire to tame him if she could. She wasn’t that kind of woman. She had always been weak and powerless when it came to men just like these cowboys. It was how her father defeated her, broke her down with his name-calling and physical abuse. Wyatt was firm and persistent, and it intimidated Anna big time.
“I asked you a question, Anna.”
She jumped at his tone, which didn’t go unnoticed.
“Wyatt, you’re scaring her.” Charlie tried to intervene as he held her closer against his chest.
Wyatt moved closer to them. She swallowed hard at the sight of his massive chest beneath the fancy sheriff’s uniform. His gun and holster sat on his hip just daring someone to make him draw. She had a feeling he was quick and good with a gun. The thought made her belly warm. His badge, his whole alpha male demeanor was filled with testosterone. He was a badass, and he knew it.
She was forced to look straight up at his six foot four body until she reached his eyes.
God, he was handsome in his own unique way.
He reached out to her, and she flinched before hiding her face against Charlie’s chest.
She heard him swear under his breath, then place a gentle hand on her shoulder.
“I would never strike a woman, and I sure as hell would never strike you.” His voice was firm and deep. He was so close to her she felt the warmth against her hair.
As Anna peeked up at him, turning her head across her shoulder, her lips hit his hand, and her insides quivered. It was like an electric shock against her skin.
He brushed a thumb across her cheek and stepped closer to her.
Holding her gaze, he asked her again.
“You’re afraid who is going to come here looking for you?”
She found herself answering his question.
“The men…the men who hurt me.”
His thumb paused a moment at her lips, and she wished they hadn’t. It felt so good to feel his touch. She noticed his jaw tighten, and nervously, she licked her lips. Both men seemed to shift.
“Why would they come here? What more do they want?” he asked as he held her chin in place.
She hesitated a moment and took an uneasy breath. The dark look in his eyes told her he always got the bad guy to confess. She was no match for his interrogation.
“Me,” she whispered, and her voice cracked.
A tear rolled down her cheek.
“Aww, honey,” Wyatt whispered. He brushed the tear away with his thumb then held her cheek in his hand. She leaned toward his warm touch, closing her eyes, letting the tears flow.
“We won’t let them hurt you, Anna. I swear, my brothers, cousins, and I won’t ever let them near you again.”
Charlie pulled Anna into an embrace, and Wyatt placed a kiss on the top of her head.
She felt safe in their arms, and she felt an attraction to both of them. She was definitely one screwed up individual.
* * * *
Anna looked out across the small river to the fields of wildflowers in full bloom. It was peaceful there and private. Anna and Stacy sat side by side in chairs along the river’s edge, neither of them speaking a word. They just enjoyed one another’s company and nature.
Time seemed to slow down, and Anna felt at peace for the time being. It gave her strength and a bit of hope. She watched the birds land, find some worms, then take off again. She tried to see exactly where their nests were, and she wondered if there were babies there.
Taking a deep breath of fresh air, she allowed herself to feel safe and free.
“It’s so quiet, Stacy. I never thought it would be possible to hear grass grow.”
Stacy chuckled.
“You get used to it, Anna. Life here is so different from the hustle and bustle of the city. There’s no need to rush, no need to ignore the simple things in life. I love it here. It calms me and makes me feel like I have my own piece of heaven.”
Anna smiled. “A piece of heaven… I like the sound of that.”
“Well, take your pick, honey. There are acres and acres of Cantrell land around these parts.”
Anna smiled, thinking if it could only be that easy.
As she looked around her, absorbing the scenery, she thought about her life, the pain and the time she wasted. All she knew was that, at this moment, she could breathe without feeling pain or anxiety in her chest.
Then she thought about the ranch and all the men who worked there. Instantly, she thought about Charlie, Ben, and Wyatt. How could she be attracted to each of them? While Charlie held her in the kitchen, she sought out Wyatt’s touch. All the while, she thought about Ben and wondered where he was. It was strange and yet natural.
She was desperate for attention. Still, after everything that happened to her and after the most important man in her life deserted her and pushed her away, she still sought love and affection. What the hell is wrong with me? Didn’t getting beaten and nearly forced into prostitution shove reality in my face? The hope of finding happiness and belonging to a family was a childhood dream. The dream is dead.
No…there was no way she could open herself up for disappointment and betrayal. Never again.
She glanced toward Stacy, feeling envious and rather jealous. Stacy not only had a home and a family but two men who adored her and loved her. The way Eric and Max looked at Stacy brought tears of joy to Anna’s eyes. She wished for nothing but happiness for her best friend. She just wished she could be on the receiving end for once in her own life.
Stacy was beautiful both outside and inside. With her short raven red hair and big green eyes, she was stunning. She had always been there for Anna as early as elementary school.
They never lost touch, no matter how many miles stood between them. Texas was a long way from New York, but they still spoke on the phone once a week, or at least no longer than two weeks apart. Her calls perked Anna up and made life bearable.
Max and Eric were lucky.
“Whatcha thinking about over there?” Stacy inquired, drawing Anna’s attention toward her.
“How lucky I am to have a best friend like you and how lucky Eric and Max are.”
Stacy smiled.
“I’m lucky to have you, and I’m blessed to have found true love, double style,” Stacy stated with a bit of a Texas drawl.
Dwyer, Dixie Lynn - For the Love of Anna (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 5