Ever growing 2

Chapter 62 Ryan's POV

We're in the tub holding onto each other in peaceful silence. Today has been draining, to say the least. From the information of the tape Jake made of his assault to her having a breakdown, it feels like the day has been so long even though it's only mid-afternoon. The water is getting cold now but I want to stay in her embrace longer. As if she read my mind, she moves to add more hot water to the tub and then leans back against me. I kiss her neck while my hands caress her arms. I want her to feel better.

Once the water went cold again we decided to get out of the tub. She put on her PJs to lay on the couch. I'm in joggers and a black t-shirt laying with her.

"Ryan? What do you think he planned on doing with the tape?" she surprises me by asking.

"I think he expected you to comply so he'd have something to show me to prove that you wanted to be with him," I gulp thinking about it. She rolls around to face me.

"I would never have done anything willingly! You know that right? I know you said I did nothing wrong and you've been so understanding but I can't help feeling bad about it. I'm sorry he said you're a monster. You're an amazing man. I love you so much." She rambles on.

"I love you, baby! Stop worrying, it doesn't change anything for us. I don't blame you. I feel like shit knowing what you went through but I know you're mine. Our souls are connected. Forever." I touch her necklace, the one I gave her that says I love you forever on it.

My words are appeasing her, she nuzzles into my chest and falls asleep. I turn on the tv not wanting to move her now that she looks peaceful. I'm not really paying attention to what's on, being distracted by my thoughts. Imagining what's on the tape, I shudder. Although it's their job I hate knowing the cops and my lawyer watched it. They got to see her in a vulnerable situation and it pains me. Hearing her list the details of what he put her through broke me. She was upset by my outburst but I know she understands it. What a sick bastard he is. The image of what her body looked like when I first undressed her after the attack is haunting me. Now that I know how she got all the bruises, I want to destroy him even more. I've never wanted to hurt someone as bad as I want to hurt him.

She woke up and we had dinner, room service. Then Laura called me to say I had an offer for a role but I needed to meet with them tomorrow and if we agreed, I would need to stay for a week. I had originally planned on leaving with Ella so she could finish her last project before quitting her job in Montreal. After a quick discussion, Ella tells me she'll be fine and I should stay. She always insists on making sure I succeed at my job.

The next day, I woke up before the alarm went off. Laying kisses on her neck I sneak my hand to her breasts. She slowly wakes up rolling around to lay on her back. My hand attempts to make its way down her stomach but she stops me. "What's wrong?" I get worried. "I got my period in the middle of the night. I can please you but..." she trails off. I'm hard but it wouldn't be fair to her especially if we won't see each other for a week. I kiss her softly, her lips mold themselves to mine moving in sync. "I'm going to miss you," she whines when we come up for air. "I'll make it up to you I promise," I kiss her before we head to the shower.

I then have to leave for the meeting and she has to head to the airport. Once we get to the underground garage, 2 SUVs are waiting, one for each of us. She jumps into my arms, her legs around my waist, kissing me passionately even letting out a small moan when our tongues meet. It's very unusual for her, she'll display affection but not full-on make out with me in front of the bodyguards. I open the door and place her on the seat kissing her again. "Be safe, I love you," I tell her. "I love you," a tear falls down her cheek. I know the meeting with the lawyer yesterday is still haunting her. Closing her door, I pull Max to the side. "Keep her safe, don't get too close though," I warn him, he looks confused. "I see the way you look at her. You've been professional so far, let's keep it that way, yeah?" I say. "Ryan, I wouldn't cross the line. I will keep her safe," he gulps. "Thank you," I walk to the other SUV with Cooper.

Ella would be annoyed if she knew what I just told Max but now more than ever I feel the need to protect what's mine. She's beautiful, funny, smart, sweet, generous. All qualities making her so easy to love.

I got the role and I'm staying for another week so we can do some training. Ironically I'll be a police officer and I need to learn how to handle fake guns. They had another lead who dropped out, the director said she wanted me since the beginning but the production company had insisted on the other actor. Unfortunately, he turned out to be a jerk who quit at the last minute. Even though she said she was happy for me, I could tell Ella was sad I couldn't be with her sooner.