Ever

Chapter 4

As my deep sleep turned into uneasy nightmares, I tossed in bed. Gently arms wrapped around my waist comforting my sore body.

The room was pitch black, the only light seeped in beneath the door. The curtain over the window allowed me to see the sun was just beginning to peek over the mountains. I tried to slide out of bed but the arms stopped me and pulled me back.

A deep soothing voice whispered, "It's just me. It's okay."

I turned my head to where I thought he was laying. “Wh... Why are you here?"

"You don't remember?"

I could remember our date and breakfast. I could remember Delana coming for a lease ride.

From outside I heard a whip cracking and metal gates banging. Like a tidal wave, the memory of the stallion flooded my head vividly. "Did you..."

"I found you laying in the round pen with the stallion still in it. Sandy refused to go in because of the horse. I was so worried that you were dead." he informed me and hugged me a little tighter.

Facing him completely, I allowed me hand to instinctively find the tender spot of skin tattooed with the horseshoe. His lips met my lips for a short time. “Thank you." I laid my head on his shoulder. His rough hand carefully rubbed my bare stomach.

"Blake?"

"Yeah?" he answered confused.

"Why am I only where a bra and underwear?"

He chuckled. You didn't need the lights on to know he was smirking. "I was checking for bruises." he said honestly.

"More like checkin' me out"

"Well maybe. But this way I had an excuse to keep you warm. Right?"

I laughed at him as he rubbed circles on my belly the same way Darrel had when I was pregnant. I closed my eyes, humming a comforting song.

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My eyes snapped open, and I felt the sheets around my shoulder. It was an odd dampness that irritated me. Blake still laid next to me snoring softly. I slide out of bed, my back stiff. Flipping on the lights I saw my shoulder was bleeding significantly and I was speckled with bruises.

I pulled on my robe, turned off the lights and crept out the door. I walked down the unfinished hall to the bathroom. I grabbed the white gauze out of the first aid kit in the cabinet and wrapped my right upper arm in it. After taping it I walked to the kitchen to find it empty which was typical. The coffee pot had a small amount of coffee left in the bottom. The sink had dishes piled in it.  I poured myself a bowl of Lucky Charms while starring out the window.

He was gorgeous, and stoic. He paced and reared in the pen trying to find a way out. I wanted to ride him so bad I fought to control my desire.

After finishing my cereal I loaded and ran the dishwasher. Just as I finished Blake snuck up behind me pulling my back to his chest. He kissed my neck and I smiled.

I pulled him back to my bedroom. "Yes?" he questioned when I closed and locked my door. He looked at me optimistically and sat on the bed. I shed my robe and listened as it fell to the ground with a soft thud. I brushed by him giving him a soft peck on the cheek while I walked to my dresser.  He grabbed me by the waist with one huge arm and pulled me on top of him.

"I love you" I whisper into his ear.

"oh yeah? I was starting to worry you weren't interested."

"Ha. Ok smart ass." I rolled my eyes and kissed him a little deeper.