Love and Loyalty

Chapter 3

"Rose, I can't tell you where we're going. Not yet. But I need you to trust me, okay? I've got you. You're safe with me." His hand finds hers beneath the table, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I trust you Riley, I do but I want to know where we are going" she looks up at him.

He looks at her for a long moment, the weight of her trust evident in her eyes. He wants to tell her everything, to ease her worries, but the secrets he keeps threaten to tear them apart once more. "Fine. We're going to a place I know, off the grid.

"ok" she says with no emotion.

His hand tightens around hers as he sees her emotional shutdown, a look of concern crossing his features. "Rose, please don't do this. I'm not trying to shut you out, I swear."

"I'm fine I don't think you're trying to do anything but keep me safe." she says understandably "can I get another vodka?" she asks the bartender.

He nods, the concerned look not leaving his face. As she orders another drink, he motions to the bartender for a shot of whiskey. He throws it back, letting the burn fill him with warmth. He looks back at Rose as she takes her drink, raising an eyebrow.

He leans in, his voice low and husky. "Are you trying to numb yourself, Rose? Because if you are, you should know that tequila won't be enough." His gaze is intense, searching hers for any sign of vulnerability. "I can help you with that, if you let me."

"hey don't do that we are in public!" she gazes up at him.

He chuckles darkly, his hand brushing against her thigh under the table in a possessive caress. "Relax, no one's listening. And even if they were, I don't give a fuck." His voice drops to a whisper.

"no not now. I'm still recovering." she presses her words.

He sighs, withdrawing his hand as if burned. The intensity in his eyes dims, replaced by a hint of frustration and regret. "Alright, fine. We'll wait." He downs another shot, the amber liquid momentarily hiding his disappointment.

"when are we leaving?" she asks.

He glances at his watch, a flicker of impatience crossing his face. "Now. We've lingered long enough." He tosses a few bills on the table, his movements abrupt as he stands, offering Rose his hand to help her up. "Come on."

she follows him to the place he said they were going.

Once inside the nondescript apartment, he locks the door behind them and leans against it, his breathing heavy from the exertion of the long walk. His eyes roam over Rose, taking in her every feature in the dim light. "Safe now," he murmurs, more to himself than her. 

"ok" she whispers.

He pushes away from the door, his movements slow and deliberate. His eyes never leave hers as he approaches her, stopping just a breath away. "Rose," he whispers, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

"yes?"

His eyes darken with an intensity that sends a shiver down her spine. He leans in closer, so close that she can feel his warm breath against her lips. "Are you afraid of me?" he asks, his voice husky.

"no. of course not." rose says obviously.

He searches her face, as if looking for any sign of deception. Satisfied, he cups her cheek, his thumb stroking over her soft skin. "Good. Because if you were, I'd have to punish you for lying."

she raises one eyebrow "and what would that be?" she says stepping closer to him.

His eyes flash with desire. He takes a step closer to her, closing the gap between them. He wraps an arm around her waist, pulling her against him. "Oh Rose, if you only knew what I wanted to do to you," he murmurs, his lips brushing against her ear.