Chapter 8: Chapter Eight

"Elaine, have no fear of me. I would never hurt you, darling girl.” Kneeling by her side, Gavin settled a possessive hand upon her abdomen. “Shh, I will have you free in a moment.”

The gentle, caring man had returned as he untied her ankles then wrists from the rough ropes. Beaten and numb, she was gathered into his arms. Trembling, she cowered against his chest, unwilling to open her eyes again. His lips caressed her forehead and cheeks, soothing her fear.

Whispering comfort, he rocked her until she had quieted somewhat. He carried her into his old room. Once laid down upon the cot, she couldn't move or react. He leaned over her, gently cleaning the bleeding rope burns and cuts inflicted upon her limbs. She flinched though his touch was gentle.

Traumatized, she had been laid raw upon man's altar. Gavin had saved her from being sacrificed and instead bathed the scene with her attackers' blood. Their corpses lay beyond the closed door, silenced forever.

Tremors racked her body; she couldn't quit shivering.

Images of the attack and following carnage made her sick. Her stomach heaved, releasing the evening's dinner. Murmuring encouragement, Gavin covered her with a blanket and let her rest. He was gone for a long time while Cricket cuddled with her, offering his doggy love and sympathy.

She stared at the wall, trying to come to terms with what had happened. Eventually, Gavin came back, slipping into the room. He had cleaned up and looked fresh again. Sitting in the armchair, he enveloped one of her hands within his warm grasp.

“Quelle bestie sono state sconfitte.—Those beasts have been vanquished. They will never hurt you again.”

Words formed in her throat, struggling to come out. “What d...did you do with them?”

“I carried the bodies into the trees and threw them to the wolves. Such has justice been done.”

Tears slipped from under her eyelids. “I would be dead if not for you.”

“If you had been killed then those evil men would have known days of an excruciating death before I finished them off.”

“You are talking now...how does your throat feel?”

“Well enough. I'm not sure what force loosed my tongue. When I saw you being attacked, I could no longer be kept silent.”

“How could I repay you for saving me?” she whispered.

He smiled, tucking a curl behind her ear. “If you desire me, I will protect you always. Do you wish this?”

“What if you disappear? I couldn't handle that.”

“I can't take such fear away. Only time will prove my devotion and ease your anxiety.”

Fresh tears formed, trickling into her mouth. “I'm not an idiot. I don't expect love from anyone.”

Sadness tilted his head aside. “Has a man never made true love to you? Spoken endearments into your ears during the night?”

“My job was to lay still while men grunted over me. They soiled me, Gavin. You deserve so much more...”

“Shh, do not say such things.” He whispered, stroking her hair. “You are still a virgin to me. I won't have you speaking falsehoods about yourself.”

She mustered a smile for him. “I can't help my issues and...I don't know what I'm supposed to be feeling right now.”

“Couldn't we learn more about one another and leave thinking for tomorrow? It's been a long day.”

Feeling stronger under his benevolent gaze, Elaine struggled into a sitting position. “I want to go back to the cabin. Could you help me?”

“Of course but don't move too fast.”

Slipping an arm around her shoulders, he assisted her to stand. The bloody straw and corpses had been removed, not a trace left behind. A chill rippled across her skin, raising goosebumps. He tightened his grip, leading her from the haunted barn.

Cricket followed, panting happily while leading the way.

Once inside the cabin, she was settled on a bench before the cold fireplace. He went about making a fire and soon there was a blaze warming the large room. Light flickered against his face as she observed him.

Instead of answering questions, his sudden ability to speak only confounded her more. He had murdered four men without a second thought. She was grateful for his rescue but alarmed as well. What kind of a man could be so gentle and caring towards her then rip those men apart with such merciless ferocity?

Far from an innocent like her simpleminded brother, he was a powerful, dangerous individual. Awash in contradiction, he held her gratitude and fond affection. Perhaps she was a lovesick fool. Her heart was being stolen and she wasn't putting up even a mild fight.

He took a seat next to her on the bench. An awkward silence fell between them. His hands fidgeted, communicating nervous energy. She pulled the blanket tighter around herself. Holding back doubts and fears, she bit her lip. Finally, the pressure became too much.

“Perché hai ucciso quegli uomini?—Why did you kill those men? Couldn't you have simply injured them and not killed?”

Confusion crossed his face. “I was honorbound to destroy your attackers. They were caught in the act of raping. If I had only caused injury, they would have returned in greater force.”

Stunned by these extreme views, she wasn't quite sure how to respond so changed the subject. “I...I haven't properly thanked you for saving my life. I do so now.”

“I was carrying out justice. To be clear, I don't enjoy shedding blood. But the law of humanity is my guide. If pushed beyond lawful bounds, I won't hesitate.”

“Would you shed my blood...if pushed?”

He looked away, hurt pulling his mouth down. “That's not fair, Elaine.”

“I'm sorry. I am just having trouble coming to terms with what happened out there. I thought you were one person and now find out that I couldn't have been more wrong.”

“What are you saying? You're afraid of me? Disgusted?”

“Not disgusted. Afraid maybe...a little. Your reasons make sense but mercy should be a factor too.”

“Not when the perpetrators are caught in the act. I've lived my entire life as a soldier, trained to cut down enemies. Don't ask me to change now when the woman I love was being hurt.”

The awkward silence fell between them again. Intentionally offending him, she had seen the danger and hurt glinting in his eyes. Uncertainty flitted through her stomach. So much had gone unsaid these past weeks and now the words wouldn't budge.

“You are afraid of me, aren't you?”

She decided to be truthful. “Yes, you do scare me, Gavin. During these weeks and months, I thought you were a quiet soul in need of my help. Now, I don't know what or who you are. I grew up being beaten by a violent man. I don't intend upon being in love with one.”

“I would never hurt you!” he gasped. “You have to trust me. I'm telling the truth.”

She searched his eyes and found honesty. “I believe you. Are you ready to talk about the cave and your injuries?”

Quiet for an eternity, he seemed at war with his memories.

Smiling at last, he pivoted towards her. “Shouldn't you change into different, warmer clothes?”

She looked down at her torn, white chemise which still bore dirty fingerprints and bloodstains. “Yes, I guess I should get out of these rags. I'll...I'll be right back.”

“Do you need help, Elaine?”

Upon hearing her name spoken with such care, she couldn't help smiling at him. “No, I can manage. Give me a few minutes, okay?”

Knowing his eyes were upon her, she rose from her seat. Pain rippled up her back. A moan snuck through clenched teeth. He jumped up as she leaned against a wall. Her hand upon his chest stopped further assistance.

“I'm alright, just sore,” she said with a weak smile. “Let me do this by myself. I need to wash those men off me.”

He stepped aside and she hobbled past him into the bedroom. Closing the door, she exhaled. So far, he respected her decisions even if he didn't agree. For now, she was special to one particular person.

There was no way that she was going to mess this up.

Her heart raced faster as she considered his next test. He needed to encounter the one thing denied to him. Her body, given freely. Then she would know what resided in his soul.

Slipping the thin chemise over her head, she winced at the injuries upon her belly, arms and legs. Bruises were already forming around her throat and where those men had struck her face. Disgusted, she cleaned the dirt and blood away with a wet rag.

Joints aching and sore, she pulled on a silky, blue nightgown.

Breasts framed by a low neckline, the sleeveless gown cascaded down to the floor. Layers of sheer, blue fabric caught the faint candlelight. This one had always been her favorite, a gift from Dolly. A man had never been worthy of this beautiful garment...until now.

Vulnerable, she opened the door and stepped into the main room. Leaning upon the fireplace mantle, Gavin looked up...and froze. Slim, voluptuous and available, she was on full display, offering herself as a gift. Green eyes cascaded down her figure. Surprise, pleasure and then lust transformed his handsome features.

He walked towards her but stopped a couple feet away. A war was obviously raging inside him. Between being a gentleman and his alpha male need. Uncertainty flitted across his face.

Closing the distance, she kissed him softly. “Tonight, I want to share more than my bed with you.”

“Elaine, you are so beautiful. Are you sure?”

“Let's talk.” She smiled, limping toward the kitchen nook. “I was going to make coffee. Would you like a cup?”

“I would, thank you.”

“Take a seat. I won't be long.”

Setting the coffee pot in the fireplace, she fetched a few sugar cookies. She arranged the treats on a plate and gathered two tin cups. These items were ready as the coffee began to boil. The kettle was retrieved and set upon the table. Black grounds and eggshells were added to steep for a few moments.

Gavin took three cookies and chewed, staring at her intently.

“Is there a pimple on my nose?” she asked, pouring out the coffee.

He chuckled, taking a tentative sip of the spicy liquid. “On the contrary. You are as intelligent as you are beautiful.”

“I'm only attractive to you because I am a woman. My skin is freckled, nose too big and wrinkles have popped up here and there. At best, I might be pretty.”

“Don't discredit yourself. I see you. Your face bears hardship from deeds done against you. You are proud of who you are even still.”

She stared into her cup, a blush warming her cheeks. “You flatter this soiled dove. You're right that I'm unashamed by my whore's past because I did what was necessary for survival.”
“Only when a woman willingly gives herself to every man without regard does she become a wanton slut.” He smiled when her eyes snapped up to meet his gaze. “Never allow anyone to belittle your pride in yourself. Such a spirit is a warrior's greatest weapon.”

Speechless, she looked into those endless green eyes and found such gentle earnestness.

“Would you consider being my woman?” he reached across the table and took her hand. “For the foreseeable future?”

“I might consider such a sweet request but there are things I must know first. Where did you come from?”

Mildly annoyed, he released her hand and sat back. “Why does it matter so much? Isn't my presence here now enough for you? Why dredge up the past?”

“You needn't be cross. Fair is fair. You know about my past but I know nothing about yours.”

He crossed his arms with a defeated sigh. “Fine. What do you need to know?”

“May I ask how you came to be beaten in that cave? Why were you so brutally treated?”

“I am...was a soldier, sworn to uphold and protect my government. There was an attempted assassination upon my emperor. I am innocent but was convicted by false evidence. As punishment, I was expelled from my homeland. I was meant to die in this primitive wasteland but you found me instead.”

Carefully, she formulated her next question. “And your grave injuries?”

“In my world, when a person is convicted of high treason, there is a ceremony...” Pain wrinkled his brow and he bowed his head. “This, ah, public event is meant to humiliate and weaken the accused before final judgment is carried out.”

“Could I ask you one other thing?”

“Just one.”

“Which country do you serve?”

“Not country. I am from the planet, Novus. It is not of this universe but perched between creation and reality.”

“I don't understand...”

“Let's drop this subject, please. It is of no consequence since I will never be allowed to return.”

She stood and came around the table. “Gavin, I'm sorry for prying. You're right. The past doesn't matter and should be laid to rest. After all, you didn't pry into mine.”

With a renewed smile, he caught her hand once more. “Though I may choose not to answer, you always have the right to ask the question.”

“Fair enough. I wouldn't want to make you angry.”

He chuckled and guided her down onto his lap. “You couldn't make me angry, darling girl. May I kiss you now?”

“From this moment onward, you don't have to ask.”

His arms drew her close, soft lips finding her neck. Her head fell back. Hot breath brushed against her skin as his kisses traveled upward. Their mouths clashed in a hungry burst of fire. A desperate need was struck ablaze inside her. He broke the kiss, sucking in air.

Lust and love pulsated in his green eyes, warming her heart.

“My love, I want you to have me. Now.”

He caressed her cheek, hesitating. “Gods, I want you. But you've only just been injured. Wouldn't I hurt you further in our passion?”

“I know my own mind.” She leveled her gaze. “In the morning, do you want me to wake up as a victim or as your woman?”

A smile twinkled within his green eyes. “You are one in a billion women, Elaine Bower.”

“Only one billion?” she teased, slipping off his lap. “Come, let's get more comfortable.”

Standing slowly, he towered over her. His strong arms slipped around her, forbidding escape. Desperate kisses and staggering steps led them into the bedroom.

Whining and protesting, Cricket was kept outside the locked door.

Elaine didn't waste time undressing her newest lover. His pleasure was the only concern upon her mind and she planned to worship his body. Old trade habits died hard. Paying johns expected immediate relief and never had cared about her personal comfort.

Chuckling, he fended off the insistent unbuttoning. “What are you doing, Elaine?”

Beyond confused, she froze in her task. “What do you mean what am I doing? Do you want me or not? And how dare you laugh!”

“Darling girl, I'm not laughing at you. But you need to relax and let me lead the way. I'm not a customer.”

Warm embarrassment stung her face. “Oh, I'm such a silly fool. I was treating you like a john, wasn't I?”

“No, no, don't berate yourself any longer. Obviously, you've never been loved or treated like a precious treasure.” He tipped her chin up to meet his gaze. “Tonight, we will indulge in pleasure together. Yours is my first priority. Watching your experience will be my joy.”

Uncomfortable as a virgin, she didn't know how to start. “Have you ever done this before?”

“Sex? Never with a person whom I especially loved either.”

“How do we start?”

“Well, first turn around and lean back against me. That's right, my love. Now, close your eyes and don't open them until I give permission.”

“Are you sure about this?”

“Trust me.”

Trembling, she fought down rising anxiety. Her long, amber hair was swept aside and warm breath wafted against her neck. Gooseflesh rose as his lips pressed kisses across her shoulders. Deft fingers unfastened the gown's back buttons. The blue silk slipped off, pooling at her feet.

Naked and painfully unsure, she gasped, covering herself.

Showing incredible patience, he whispered calming endearments while his fingers played, dipped and caressed their way along her willing flesh. In time, arousal overtook reservations and claimed her womanhood. A primal dance was about to begin and she was ready for an active part.

Impassioned, she spun into this beautiful man and took her own pleasure from his mouth. He shed the rest of his clothes, assisted by her desperate hands. They paused, breathing heavily. Starved eyes traveled over one another, drinking in two nude bodies.

He laid her back on the bed, kissing her gently. Tears sprang to her eyes as he worshiped her body. No part was left neglected or unclaimed. Twice, she cried out in ecstasy. Overcome by terrible emptiness, she begged him to join with her.

Careful of her injuries, he wasn't rough. Desperate for his touch, she wouldn't have cared though. Moving over her, he claimed the final gateway left untouched. Their bodies fell into position as if made for one another. She clutched at his hands while a quick pace rolled through her body. Pleasure ripped up her abdomen. With a cry, he experienced his own release. She rewarded his efforts by kissing his sweaty face.

He lifted his weight off and laid beside her. “Did I hurt you in any way?”

“No, darling, you never could. I know that now for sure,” she whispered, kissing him. “I love you.”

“I love you too. I'm so lucky that you were the one who saved my skin that day.”

Hands joined, cozy silence was shared between them, hearts overflowing. Gavin fell asleep quickly, no doubt exhausted after the day's events and drained by pleasure. Pulling up the blankets, Elaine covered him carefully. He stirred but didn't awaken.

Despite also being exhausted, she lay awake for some time. Next to her, an incredible man slept after demonstrating the most tender, merciful love. His body was beyond pleasing but she was further attracted by his confidence and moral, protective character.

How can I not love him? Now that he has shown me a normal life? I have lived, worked and made love alongside a single man. Never could I imagine how this life could feel. Safe. Protected. Today, I would have been murdered horrifically if Gavin hadn't been here. Turning onto her left side, she observed his sleeping beauty. His expectations of me are so high. How do I please him or prove myself worthy of his love? I can't believe that he doesn't even see me as a prostitute. He protects me like I am a virginal girl. What could he want of me moving forward?

Anxious, she eased out from under his arm. Her gown still lay crumpled where it had fallen. Donning the silky blue layers for the second time, she slipped out of the bedroom.

Cricket roused from before the fireplace. Tail wagging, he trotted over to lavish attention upon his mistress. She knelt and hugged the little dog tightly. Golden fur tickled her nose. Such innocent affection and loyalty was a balm to her soul.

The dog whined and licked her nose.

Such fear was foolish but she couldn't deny basic instinct. Being vulnerable had never been her style. And yet, vulnerability seemed to be Gavin's chief demand from their relationship. Life had treated her harshly. She wasn't sure that he understood the gravity of everything that had happened.

Her body had been sold and turned inside out since age fifteen. Until tonight, she had never been given the slightest consideration or extra thought during sex. Gavin had treated her as a person with rights, feelings and needs.

She touched her mouth, smiling. Swollen lips tingled from his adoration. His hands had been gentle and considerate upon her awakening body. The prospect of being his for life brought a thrill to her heart.

Staring into the flames, she could only hope that he didn't tire of her any time soon.

Another hour onward, fatigue weighed her down. After adding more wood upon the flames, she tiptoed back into the bedroom. Cricket jumped up on the bed as she slipped below the sheets. Gavin roused despite her best efforts.

“Are you alright, Elaine?” he asked sleepily. “You were gone for a long time.”

She snuggled into his arms, her head resting upon his strong, warm chest. “Yes, I'm fine. Go back to sleep, darling. I'm sorry for waking you.”

“Cricket did actually,” he chuckled, petting the squirming dog. “Lay down, boy, it's not time to play. No, lay down!”

At his master's severe tone, Cricket obeyed instantly and settled at their legs.

Elaine rolled her eyes. “Why does he always listen to you and not to me?”

Gavin chuckled and shrugged. “I suppose he knows I'm the boss. You're too lenient with him.”

“Is that so? Well, from now on, I'll strive to say no more often to both of you.” She stuck her tongue out.

“Not too often, I hope, beauty. Come here.”

Their smiling mouths met in a deep kiss. His hands roamed across her body but didn't indulge further. She was far too tired for a second round and he let her rest. Cuddling her close, he kissed her hair. Murmured endearments escorted her into blissful dreams that night.