Unshaken: An RDR2 Story

Chapter 9

I smiled, moving backwards slightly as he moved in again. My cheeks were still flushed and I felt on cloud nine, but I couldn't quite face being too intimate. Not so soon after what had happened.

"I'm sorry," his face fell slightly, "I got ahead of myself."

"No," I sighed, "It's not you. I just... I can't do this yet. That kiss, it was... something else. But I can't push it too far yet, I'm still... recovering."

"I understand," he grabbed my hand, "And I won't do anything you're not ready for. You can take the lead in this relationship. I will wait for you, no matter how long it takes. And I will be by your side, helping you win this battle within yourself. I promise, I'll always be there."

"Thank you," I whispered as he kissed my hand.

"I was so worried," he said, "I really thought..."

"So did I," I gave a small laugh, "I think your words saved my life."

"No," he laughed.

"I'm not joking," I smiled, "I've never had a man tell me that before, and I guess I decided I couldn't die without seeing if you meant it."

"Well, have I proven myself?" he asked, his eyebrows raised.

"More than," I grinned, interlocking our fingers and heading back for camp.

"You're happy for the others to know?" he asked, surprise on his face.

"You obviously aren't aware, but we did have a number of spectators when we kissed," I informed him, "The men in this gang are perverts."

"Oh, I know, and I will protect you from them," Javier said in a mockingly 'hero' voice.

"Oh, hush," I laughed, allowing him to support me slightly as I started limping again.

"Javier, take her to sit down then come see me," Dutch's deep voice cut across camp, his face slightly dark.

"Well, I think I know what that's about," he grimaced, leading me to Arthur.

"Good luck, lover boy," Arthur teased as Javier stalked over to Dutch's tent.

"What's going on?" I asked, concern evident on my face.

"Dutch just wants to chat, make sure Javier ain't taken advantage of you," Arthur grabbed my hand, "You went through a lot with the O'Driscolls, you're still in a delicate place, we don't want you hurt."

"I appreciate it, but I think I'll be fine with him," my smile fell a bit, "I was almost able to forget what happened when they forced themselves on me... just for a moment."

"Oh, Evie," Arthur sighed, wrapping his arms around my shoulders gently, "I'm sorry that you got dragged into all this. It ain't fair, you never asked for it."

"I guess I kinda did though, I followed after you despite the dangers," I gave a small laugh, "It was foolish, that much is obvious but... well, I have all of you. I'll be fine."

"Arthur, can you come here a moment," Dutch called and he left, leaving me alone at the campfire, thinking deeply.

"So, you're Javier's new toy," a sneer came from behind me, "He always goes for the easy ones, the used goods. I bet you're nice and used to pleasing a man now."

My face burned. I recognised the voice, Micah. I had been avoiding him for the most part since I arrived, for good reason. I didn't know when he would become a rat, officially it was after Guarma but I had reason to believe it might have been prior to that.

"So, you gonna move around all the boys?" he asked, his hand landing on my shoulder, "Show all of us your new expertise?"

"Micah, leave me alone," I said quietly, fear coursing through me.