Gavin Reed x OC | Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Chapter Fourteen: Aftermath

When Gavin woke up the next morning, he thought that he had dreamt Tasha lying beside him like he usually did most nights. But as he shifted slightly he felt her move with him, her hand resting against his chest. He slowly opened his eyes, glancing down at Tasha's sleeping form.

Gavin wanted nothing more than beat the life out of her ex, but the thought faded away as Tasha stirred beside him, slowly opening her eyes to look up at him. She smiled sleepily at him before resting her head against his chest again. Gavin slowly rubbed her side, smiling when she sighed contently.

They laid there for a while, enjoying the comfortable silence and the closeness of each other.

Tasha sighed as she tried to get up. "I should probably call into work."

Gavin held her to him, not letting her get up. "Relax, Tash, I already told Fowler what's up."

Tasha smiled slightly, "And you're staying with me?"

"Of course." Gavin replied, "I'd never leave you alone after last night."

Tasha sat up slightly, causing Gavin to do the same. She wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. Gavin held her close, relishing in the way her small body felt against his. How nice it was to feel her hands on his bare skin. He never wanted this moment to end. He could spend an eternity here just laying with her.

"Thank you for... for..." Tasha can't say the words she can think of, but Gavin shushes her gently, his thumb lightly rubbing circles on her back.

"Shh, it's okay." Gavin said softly as she nuzzled closer to him. He had been trying to focus on keeping his heart steady but at this point he didn't care if she heard how fast she made his heart beat, he just wanted to help her forget what happened. "I'm here, alright? I won't let anyone put their hands on you ever again. I promise, Tasha."

"Don't make promises you can't keep, Gavin." Tasha mumbled as she pulled out of his grasp, sitting next to him on the bed.

"I won't." Gavin replied as he sat up, looking at her sad face. "I promise you I will protect you. No matter what." He gently took her hand, holding it tight as he leaned his head against her shoulder. "I don't know what I would've done if I lost you."

"You would've been okay, Gav." Tasha said softly.

"Do you honestly believe that bullshit?"

Tasha smiled at him calling her out. "Fine, no, I think you'd be pretty upset if I died. But you'd survive."

"Would I?" Gavin asked, looking at her. "Because just the thought that he could've — " Gavin's jaw clenched. "Done much worse to you—"

Tasha sighed as she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into another hug. "Just don't think of it, alright? I'm here. I'm alive. It's gonna take a lot more than that to kill me."

Gavin smiled slightly, pressing his lips to her hair. "How are you feeling?"

"Sore. Disgusting."

Gavin pulled back, sliding off the bed and walking into the bathroom. Tasha yawned, walking out into his living room where she saw his three cats laying on the couch. She immediately went to the two she hadn't met, giving them gentle pets as they slept. She then moved over to Pounce, smiling as he rubbed against her hand.

Gavin couldn't help but smile as he saw her petting his cats. "I see I have been replaced."

Tasha giggled, "Yep! Sorry, Detective."

Seeing her happy made Gavin's heart soar. "Uh... You can have a shower, if you want."

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