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

CHAPTER 31

When Melanie opened the door to her apartment the emptiness hit her like a cold wave. She shivered and slammed the door behind her. She heard the latch click into place. Feeling uneasy she slid the chain lock into place and decided to use the bolt Dante had fitted for her. She knew her nightmare was over and he was still in jail. She checked the balcony door before going into the bathroom. Instead of her normal hot bubble bath after work she had a cool shower. Slipping on her dressing gown she toyed with the idea of phoning Sheena, but decided against it. She didn't feel like eating and after sipping her way through her hot herbal tea she climbed into bed. She tossed and turned for ages until her sheets were a tangled mess.

"Dammit Melanie, get a grip on reality. Dr Anderson is behind bars. You are safe and you only need to hit speed dial and Reece will be here." She scolded herself loudly, her voice echoing in the emptiness of her room.

Melanie couldn't remember when or how her phone ended up in her hand. Reece answered on the first ring. When he said hello she couldn't reply.

"Melanie?"

"Sorry, I shouldn't have ... I didn't mean to...call."

"I'm on my way now."

Within minutes Reece had run across the courtyard separating their two blocks of apartments and was knocking at her door.

Melanie sat staring at the door with the phone still in her hand.

"Mel, it's me. Open the door please." Reece knocked again.

"Coming." Her voice sounded shaky and raspy in her ears. Her hands were shaking as she opened the door.

Reece took one look at her and pulled her into his arms. She cried uncontrollably. He kicked the door closed with his foot and scooped her up, cradling her against his chest he carried her over to the bed and sat down with her on his lap. He could feel her body shaking as she sobbed against his chest. He could feel the wetness of her tears as they soaked into his T-shirt. Holding her close in silence, he let her cry herself out. When her sobs became little whimpers, he spoke softly.

"I'm here now. You're safe Hun. I promise I won't let anything happen to you ever again."

Unable to respond she buried her head deeper into his chest. His warmth and the strength of his arms made her feel safe and secure... and loved. Her body stopped trembling and her tears stopped falling. She loved the way he held her so close and rocked her gently. 'This must be how it feels to be loved in a normal way.' She lifted her head and looked up at him.

Reece felt her move and looked down to see her looking up at him. There was a moment that passed between them, a heart beating, heart stopping moment.

She wanted to say someting, but in that moment, she couldn't remember what. When his lips touched, hers she felt the walls around her crumbling. It was such a soft light kiss, like a promise of tomorrow. A promise she suddenly wanted.

When Reece kissed, her he wasn't sure if she was going to respond or slap him, but when she did neither he reluctantly let her lips go and looked at her. "I'll always be here for you. I hope you believe that."

"I do." The warmth of his breath against her skin made her feel giddy.

"Hun, you look really tired and its only 2am. You should try and get some sleep now."

"I will, if you stay with me."

"Of course, I will." He hugged her and kissed her forehead, lifted her up and put her into bed. "I'll sleep on the couch." He said as he tucked her under the covers.