Ruby Red, The Sequel - The Romance Story Continues (Complete)

Chapter 43

Letting go of Sam's hand, Ali unlocked the door of their apartment and entered. It had only been a few days since she had been here, but the place seemed different. Maybe it was because she was not the same person. That girl had disappeared when Ali had taken a stand and walked away from Sam. Her absolute trust in Sam now had a crack in it.

The man in question shuffled sullenly across the threshold and tossed his jacket on the couch. "I need a shower," he mumbled as he made his way towards the bedroom. Their bedroom.

Sam was different as well. The revelations of what Victoria had done to him and the fall out echoed through Sam's life for almost a decade. It was beyond comprehension. Ali swung between wanting to set Victoria on fire and trying to comfort Sam. There was time for the former. She focused on the latter.

After gathering a few things, Ali followed Sam into the bathroom which was filling with steam from the running water. Ali quickly stripped, adding her clothes to the pile of Sam's on the floor and stepped into the shower. Sam jumped at her touch.

"It's just me."

Sam turned, water streaming over slumped shoulders creating tributaries around his muscles. He regarded her with red-rimmed eyes. A shampoo bottle was being crushed in his tight grip; the lid still closed.

"Here," she reached over and gently pried the container from Sam's hand. "Let me do it."

Sam relented, letting his hand fall limply to his side. Ali poured a small amount of the liquid into her hand and moved towards Sam. He closed his eyes and bent his head towards her.

Running her fingers through Sam's hair, Ali massaged his scalp. The scent of coconut mixed with the steam in the shower. Normally this relaxed Ali but even her favourite shampoo could not penetrate the tension in her body.

Lifting Sam's chin, Ali watched as the jetting water rinsed away the lather, revealing his golden hair. After applying some conditioner, Ali picked up a puff and soap and began scrubbing Sam's body.

Sam simply stood there, eyes screwed shut, as Ali massaged his straining muscles. She moved in slow gentle circles, attempting to work the knots out and wash away the horrors of the situation. It was going to take a lot more than soap, but it was a start.

As she ran the material across Sam's skin, she tried not to think about what Victoria may or may not have done to him while he was drugged. At the very least she had removed his shirt which was way too close for comfort for Ali. At worst...

There was some solace in the fact she had found Sam half-dressed. It was a good indication they didn't have sex. Or Victoria didn't try to. Unless Victoria was really good a re-dressing Sam. A feat Ali wasn't sure she could achieve on an unconscious Sam. Victoria, with her smaller and weaker frame, should have been unsuccessful. Still, Sam could have dressed himself. Ali tried to not let herself go there.

Nudging Sam back into the streaming water, Ali washed away the soap and conditioner. She pushed his hair away from his eyes. Eyes sealed from her and the world. Her hand traced the outline of his face and Sam leaned into it as it travelled down his cheek.

Ali could not take it any longer. She pulled Sam into a hug, pressing into him as she wrapped her arms around his neck, wishing her body could offer some kind of balm or protection. Sam inhaled deeply. As he exhaled, he called out Ali's name and curled himself around her. Leaning into Ali for support, Sam began to shake. She held Sam tightly until the tremors slowed.

Shifting away slightly, Ali kissed Sam's cheek. "Let's get you warm." She reached over and shut off the streaming water. Grabbing a towel, she pulled Sam out of the shower, covering him with the white cloth. Then she plucked his robe from its hook and swaddled Sam in the soft cotton. After donning her own robe, she gave Sam's hair a quick rub with a towel to dry it, followed by her own.