Secret Desire
Page 16
“Yes. On go.”
“One. Two. Three.” He pried the jaws open and placed his fingers between the tines. If he lost his grip his hands would take the bite. “Claire, lift your leg. Now, baby, go.”
She gasped. Claire moved her ankle beyond the trap. Dustin eased his fingers from between the razor-sharp tines. When he was sure Claire was far enough away from the trap, he let go. It snapped shut with a whooshing resound. He wiped the sweat off his forehead.
Dustin moved next to Claire and put his arm around her. “I’m so sorry you’re hurt. We need to get you to a hospital. I’m going to carry you to the car.”
She sobbed into his chest. “You found me.”
He wrapped his arms around her. He closed his eyes. His chest expanded and contracted. “Let me get you to the car.” His voice came out a thick rumble.
He picked her up, cradling her body.
She was shivering, and he pressed her against his chest, trying to impart some warmth from him into her body. She folded her arms over her chest and buried her faced against him. He wanted to talk to her, to convince her he hadn’t done anything to violate her trust. But it wasn’t the time—she was in pain. He’d wait until she was well instead of burdening her by seeking forgiveness when she was injured.
* * *
Inside the emergency room, Claire was given several shots of antibiotics and tetanus before starting on an IV. The nurses washed her wounds, and the physician stitched three deep gashes. Her ankle was X-rayed and bandaged.
The doctor said she’d have no permanent damage but would not be walking for several days. He said to expect to be in discomfort for at least two weeks.
She lay against the pillows while Dustin wiped her face with a warm washcloth. She reached up and touched his face. “Thank you for rescuing me.”
He held her hand, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. He raised her hand to his lips. She smiled at him.
“I’ll never let you out of my sight again. If you let me.”
She gazed at him, her heart nearly breaking. Of course it would be him who came and saved her. Isn’t that how this story was supposed to end? Her chest heaved. Even exhausted and in pain, she could see this wasn’t his fault. She’d been jealous of Fran. And more than that, she was hurt that her own sister continued to do things that were downright mean. She was ready to let go of this sibling struggle. If Fran couldn’t be the type of sister she deserved, then she’d learn to accept Fran’s decision. She wasn’t about to give Fran the power to ruin her second chance with Dustin.
“Here, drink this.” He hadn’t moved from her side since they’d arrived at the hospital. He held out a cup, waiting for her to sip.
“Dustin, I was wrong. I don’t want this to end.” She gazed up at him, strong, powerful. The man she loved.
“Then it won’t.” He bent to kiss her. For a moment she forgot the pain in her leg and the one in her heart.
Long hours later, under a pastel-painted morning sky, Dustin brought Claire back to his house. She called Fran and told her she’d been injured and was staying at Dustin’s to recuperate. Fran asked if she needed anything and Claire declined for now. At least they were trying for civility.
“What can I get you?” Dustin came into the bedroom carrying a large glass of O.J. “You’ll turn bright orange if you keep drinking this stuff.”
He kissed the top of her head and then bent and softly kissed her lips. Her heart filled, and she reached out for his hand. He sat down on the bed, moving up against her, their bodies touching. Her leg was elevated on several fluffy pillows. Before leaving the hospital, Dustin had snuck down to the gift shop. Vases of flowers were spread about the room. A large teddy bear joined by ribbons to half a dozen helium balloons sat on the chair in the corner. She laced her fingers with his and squeezed.
“Claire, I’d never ever do anything to lose you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, baby.”
“I love you Dustin,” she whispered. “I’ve always loved you.”
He ran his thumb along her lips. “You can’t imagine how long I’ve wanted to hear you say that. I love you so much. I never gave up. I always believed that one day we’d be together.”
He kissed her lips, dispelling all her doubts and replacing them with the key to his heart. He took possession of her body and a love that she freely offered, wiping away her fears. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders. No longer was she afraid of finding a forbidden love. He was hers. She’d hold on tight this time, trusting with all her heart that she’d rediscovered her soul mate.
“This is just the beginning of the best love story I could have written.” She pressed her mouth to his, already seeing the story unfold for days and months and years to come.
~ About the Author ~
Susan previously was a special education teacher then a mishap with neurosurgery and who knew life could be so bizarre. Currently RYT 200, living in Franklin, TN with husband/hero, two Australian cattle dogs, two cats, a gecko and a snake. Seriously, looking forward to the invention of sarcasm font and a coffee pot that magically disposes of grounds. Lover of purses and shoes, especially wine-colored patent leather.
Find out more about Susan D. Taylor here
http://taylormadefiction.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @taylormadetales
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Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
About the Author
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