Blood Stained Collar BOOK 2 of The Collar Series #Wattys2017 ( BDSM )

CHAPTER 23

Melanie's nerves were frayed to breaking point and even Sheena and Dante's presence in the court room the next morning did nothing to ease her trembling hands. She scanned the faces of the jury as they walked in one by one and took their seats. But none of their expressions gave anything away.

Sheena was seated behind her, between Reece and Dante. She leant forward and placed her hand on Melanie's shoulder and whispered. "Whatever happens we are here for you."

Without turning round Melanie touched her hand, acknowledging her support. She could not take her eyes off the jury. Her eyes searched each face for a hint of reassurance, but their faces were blank empty canvases.

When the judge entered everyone stood up and the sound of shuffling feet and grating chairs screamed inside her head. All this time she had avoided looking over at Dr Anderson. She didn't have to look , she knew he was watching her. What would she do if she heard 'not guilty'? How could she possibly go back to work at the hospital? She would have to go back to England. She would never feel safe as long as he was free.

Melanie was so lost in thought she did not hear the verdict until her lawyer turned to face her. "It's all over Melanie. He will never hurt you again."

"What?" Melanie watched her mouth moving but was unable to understand what she was saying. Her head was spinning.

"Melanie you won, it's all over. He is going to jail for a very long time." Alison took her by the shoulders and gave her a gentle shake. "Are you okay? Did you hear what I said?"

Sheena came up behind Melanie and gave her a hug. "Mel, I'm so glad it is all over. You are safe now."

Dante's heavy hand rested on her shoulder. "I could not be happier for you. Sheena and I will stay on for a while to make sure you are alright before we go home. Unless of course you decide you wish to come back with us."

It was then Reece stepped forward. "But Mel, aren't you going to finish your training before you think about going home, aren't you?" When he thought she might leave before he had a chance to prove he was the right man for her, would destroy him.

Melanie was overwhelmed by it all. She needed to be alone, needed time to think. "Reece, please I just need some space. Please just let me get my thoughts in order. I owe you my life and I can never thank you enough. But right now, I just need to be alone." She pleaded.

Dante put a protective arm around her shoulders. "Sheena and I will take you home."

Sheena linked arms with her and smiled. "You'll be okay. You're stronger than you realise and you can always depend on us." She smiled at Dante.

"Well it seems like your friends have everything under control, so I'll just back off and give you the space you asked for, from me." Reece turned and walked away.

"Reece ..." Melanie called after him.

"Let him go." Dante said as he steered her towards his car.

"Dante is right Mel. What you need now is time to think what you want to do, what is best for you." Sheena squeezed her hand. "If you need to talk things through, call me, any time day or night."

Melanie climbed into the back seat with Sheena and Dante in the front. She put her head back and shut her eyes.

Just minutes before they arrived at her flat she called out, "Dante stop, please stop. I don't want to go home. Please take me to a hotel for the night."

He pulled the car over to a safe parking. "I'm sure there is room at the hotel where we are staying, I will take you there if you wish."

Sheena turned around and said, "That's a great idea, then if you need to talk I am right there near you."

When they arrived at the hotel Dante went straight to reception and came back holding Melanie's key card to her room. "Your room is across the hall from ours."

"Now you just have to shout and I'll be right over." Sheena winked at Melanie.

The took the lift to the top floor and none of them spoke. When Dante unlocked her door, Melanie sucked in air and exclaimed. "Wow, what a beautiful room."

"You deserve a little luxury after all you have been through." Dante gave her a little push into the room. "Go on, look around and let me know if you are happy or you want to change rooms."

"Thank you so much but I could never afford this."

"You don't have to afford it. All paid for in full already."

Melanie was overwhelmed by his generosity. They were never that close and now he was going out of his way to help her and make sure she was happy and comfortable.

When Melanie saw her bed, she couldn't help remembering moments spent with Cirrus on a similar bed during their time together. After a long soak in her jacuzzi bath she snuggled under the covers and fell into a deep sleep.

'I love you, always have and always will. I need you. I want you back in my life Mel.'

Melanie opened her eyes and sat up. His voice sounded right next to her ear. She had even felt his breath against her skin as he spoke. She climbed out of bed and looked around the room.

"I'm being ridiculous. Cirrus can't be here. He is thousands of miles away and doesn't even know where I am. I must've been dreaming."

Feeling disturbed by her dream, she called Sheena on her mobile.

Sheena answered on the second ring. "Mel... are you okay?"

"Cirrus doesn't know I am here, does he?"

"No, definitely not. Why?"

"I thought I heard his voice."

"Well I doubt he would be able to get into your room, even if he knew where you were, and we would never give your whereabouts away. It's 3am, you really need to try relax and sleep. You've been through an awful ordeal but it's over now."

Melanie glanced at her wristwatch. "Damn, I'm so sorry Sheena. I didn't notice the time."

"It's no problem. I did say call if you needed me. Do you want me to come across and stay with you?"

"I doubt I'll be able to go back to sleep. Would you mind?"

"Coming now."

Melanie opened the door the second Sheena knocked and when she walked in Melanie hugged her and held onto her for a long time.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

The words spilled out before Melanie realised what she was saying. "I love him."

"Mel?" Sheena pushed her away and looked into her eyes.

"What am I going to do?" Her eyes shone with tears.