Page 35 of In the Cover of Darkness

Moving from his lap, I slide back under the covers, laying on my side, ready for him to wrap me in his usual embrace. For a moment I think he's going to sit there overthinking everything I've said, but before long the bedside lamp turns off and he eases in behind me, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me tight into himself. His body relaxes behind me as I fall to sleep, safe in his arms.

Chapter 29 - Dante

I've been waiting a while for this gift to arrive that I got Mila. Never in my life would I have thought I'd be custom ordering a hot pink handle, four inch, single edge, switchblade but at this point, I'd do anything to bring a smile to her face. I'm almost positive a pink switchblade will do it. She's been doing so well with her knife skills that we've moved on to basic holds and releases. Her confidence is gaining all the time and I've threatened her with sneak attacks around the house when I think she's ready. She laughed it off but I'm dead serious, I'll try and rope Ace into it too. I think I like the idea a little too much in getting to hunt her, surprise her when she least expects it and fuck her senseless. Shaking my head, I need to refocus because she's nowhere near ready for me to chase her, but one day I'll test the waters with her and I get the feeling she will enjoy it as much as I will.

I feel like time has slowed as I wait for her to get home from work. She's been taking over more and more responsibilities at Beans and Pages, Nova asking her to manage them with her so she has a fresh perspective on things. I was excited for her untilshe also explained that this would mean she would be opening and closing the store alone sometimes.

Obviously, I pushed back a little upon hearing that but we agreed, along with Nova, that on the odd occasion this would happen, I could sit in my truck and keep an eye on things from a car park near the stores. I wanted to watch from inside but both of them instantly refused stating that if any customer came in and saw me they would instantly turn around and leave.

Putting her gift in my pocket, I check the time on my phone, noting that she's usually home in about 30 minutes. I'm struggling to sit still, but I also don't want to start anything when she's not far away, so I grab my laptop and start looking at the realty in Hidden Valley. I've been checking almost daily, and the local realtor knows what I'm after, but with the limited available land in Hidden Valley, I might have to start looking down in Woodman if nothing pops up soon. I want to get started on building a house for us, because the sooner I can start the sooner we can move in together. Not that I don't mind staying with Ace, but there's nothing like having your own space to unwind in, and the ability to christen every surface and every new piece of furniture we pick out.

The shrill ringing of my phone interrupts my thoughts as I look at the caller ID and see Mila is calling.

“Mila?”

The hysterical sobbing of her voice echoes through the speaker. Instantly I'm up and running outside to my truck as I try to get her to talk to me.

“Mila, baby, are you safe? Are you hurt? Please, baby, tell me what's happened,” I say desperately, trying to keep my voice as calm as possible.”

Sobbing still and trying to catch her breath, all she manages to say between gasps is, “He's here.”

Instantly my world slows.

He's here.

He's here.

He's here.

It runs over and over in my head, but deep down I know who she's talking about. Trevor. He's here, and he's going to die. I'll kill him and bring him back to life just to kill him again if he's touched her. Just him looking at her is enough for him to die after everything he's done.

I think I've broken every speed limit, and cut minutes off the short drive into town, screeching to a stop in front of Beans. Not bothering to turn off the engine or shut the truck door when I run inside, scanning my surroundings for any threats, the sounds of her sobs haunting me from my phone speaker.

The door is unlocked but the closed sign is turned, I'm just hoping it was her and not him wanting a bit of privacy as he terrorises her. The store appears empty and I can hear her crying from behind the counter. Continuing to scan the area and outside street, I round the counter and see her curled in a ball on the floor, her face covering her hands, her whole body tense and shaking.

Kneeling down next to her I reach out to gently touch her, “Mila, baby. It's me, I'm here.”

As soon as I make contact she starts thrashing and kicking me as if her life depended on it. I take each blow she gives in stride, almost proud of the strength behind her fists.

“Sunshine, it's me,” grabbing her wrists gently. “Nothing's going to hurt you, I'm here, you're safe.”

I can see the panic start to ease from her face, her eyes blinking several times as recognition clicks in that it's me with her.

“Dante,” she gasps, her eyes locked on mine.

“Yeah, baby, I'm here.”

Within an instant she's on me, clinging to me like a baby koala. Clawing at my shoulders, wrapping her legs around my waist, a loud emotional cry coming from her. Taking a moment to hold her tight, whispering to her that she's safe and nothing will hurt her, I stand, gather her bag and head back out to the truck, locking the door to Beans as I go.

Refusing to put her down, I don't ask her to separate and sit in the passenger seat, so I adjust the driver's seat right back, placing my hand on the back of her head so it doesn't get bumped. I climb into the truck with her still firmly wrapped around me, her tears wetting my henley.

Closing the truck door I start to rub her back and call Ace, letting him know what's happened and to let the Sheriff and Nova know.

The drive home is slow and quiet. Not wanting to risk her safety any more than I need to, but also not giving a fuck if I get pulled over. I keep her on my lap, her legs straddling me, arms around my shoulders, head against my chest. Pulling up to the house I can see all the lights on inside but Ace's truck is gone, he is no doubt with Nova making sure Beans is safe and secure.

Her sobbing has stopped now but her breathing is hitched as she tries to work through her emotions. Gently, I ease us out of my truck and carry her inside the house, making my way to our room. Not bothering to turn on the lights upstairs, I sit her on the edge of the bed, taking my time to remove her shoes and clothes, leaving her in her bra and panties.

Her whole presence has changed. Gone is my fierce, confident woman. A shell of her is all that remains in front of me. Taking my henley off I place it over her head, gently guiding her arms into the sleeves before removing my pants and shoes, and easing us both into bed, her back to my front as I wrap her in my entire being. I'd do anything to take away this moment for her and I'm beyond pissed that she was even put in this position, but she doesn't need my anger right now, so I continue to comfort her, to let her know she's not alone.

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