Page 5 of Rescued By the Guard

Dale nods and sits as he scoots back into the chair.

With a little discomfort, I ease back onto the couch and pull the blankets tighter even though it’s warm in the room. The fire is giving off a ton of heat.

We sit in silence as I take stock of my body, and it’s strange how when everything hurts, nothing sticks out until you scan each body part and I’m one massive wreck. My lip stings, but my nerves force me to ignore it as I bite on my bottom lip. I can’t see a lot out of my left eye as it’s swollen, and it won’t open allthe way. My stomach keeps rolling. It’s like I’m a constant tidal wave and I hope I can keep everything down, however it doesn’t feel like there is anything in my belly as is.

We remain in silence as I maintain my gaze on the flames and force myself to relax my body by reminding myself to ease my muscles. Everything in my mind is like a black void, so I force myself to stop searching into the abyss and allow the peace inside the cottage to take over while the storm rages outside. It’s a metaphor for my life, I’m assuming, and I hug myself tighter, trying to soothe myself any way possible.

Dale stands and moves over to the fireplace, puts on an oven mitt and grabs a Dutch oven that’s been sitting on the stone floor. In all my inner chaos, I didn’t notice it sitting there.

“While you were resting, I had chicken noodle soup heating up.”

I lift my gaze toward him with a brow lifted. He smiles. “Don’t get too excited, it’s from a can, but you should try to eat something. You’ve been in and out for a little over ten hours now, and I don’t know the last time you ate.”

My stomach dips and I’m not too thrilled at the idea of eating, but he’s right. “I’m nauseated.”

He nods. “I assumed you would be with the head injury, but a bit of food might help settle your stomach.”

Agreeing, I nod and watch as he ladles two scoops full into a mug. Thankful to have a handle to hold on to as I’m still shaky and don’t want to spill a bowl of soup into my lap.

Dale hands it over and I sniff it and my stomach churns. I sigh and lift a small amount of the broth in the spoon and bring it to my lips. Dale stays crouched beside me, ready to grab the mug if I drop it.

The hot liquid feels good in my mouth as it goes down. “Mmmm. This is good, thank you. I mean, it’s not tomato soup, but it’ll do.” I freeze as I realize what I said.

Dale cocks his head and his lips upturn a little. “Okay, so tomato soup is more to your liking. There’s a little tidbit for you.”

It’s not much information, but it’s something and I can’t help the burst of relief that invades me.

“See? It’s just going to take some time, but we’ll get you into shape in no time.”

I grab another spoonful of the broth and force it to go down. My stomach doesn’t agree yet, but I’m hoping it will get with the program soon enough.

“What’s your favorite color?” Dale asks.

I frown and check him over. I don’t know. Nothing is coming to me.

“Sorry. I wanted to take you off balance and see if something would come out. The soup gave us something, so I figured, why not try something else?”

It’s good thinking, but obviously doesn’t work. However, I don’t want to focus on myself. It gives me more of a headache because I keep concentrating too hard. No matter how hard I try to calm myself down.

“Will you talk to me? It hurts to use my brain too much.” I smirk and sip my soup.

Dale stands and gets himself some soup. “What would you like to talk about?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. Tell me about yourself. Maybe it will be like the soup and something will trigger.” It sounds dumb even in my head, but it’s another way to get to know this man who has been going far and beyond for me. I may not have my memories, but he’s a protector at heart. There’s no denying it, and I can’t help but swoon over it a little bit.

Dale sits and instead of using a spoon, he sips out of the mug. “Okay. I’m here on vacation, I have a younger brother Eric who is married with two kids, the second was born only lastmonth. I love the water and can’t stay away from it.” He quiets down as he drinks his soup.

“Why would you come here for a vacation? It’s the middle of winter. Don’t you want somewhere sunny?”

He laughs. “Nope, not my scene. I don’t like to be around many people, and I wanted to be somewhere I can hunker down on my own and think.”

“Oh.” I frown and lower my head. “I’m sorry for ruining your plans.”

“Oh, shit, Bella, that’s not what I mean. I’m happy you’re here. I’m not thrilled about the circumstances, but I like that you’re safe here, with me.”

Lifting my head, I meet his gaze, as I try to get the excitement within me under control at him being happy I’m here. “Bella?”

Dale’s eyes widen, and he squirms in his seat a little. “What?”

---