Page 26 of Heart of a Hero

I moved through the apartment on shaky legs, my mind still reeling from the events of the day. The fear was still there, a constant undercurrent that threatened to pull me under, but it was tempered now. Dawson believed in me, believed I was worth protecting. And for the first time in longer than I could remember, I allowed myself to believe it too.

As I curled up on the couch, wrapped in a soft blanket that smelled faintly of Dawson’s cologne, I felt a tentative sense of peace settle over me. The road ahead was still uncertain, still fraught with danger and fear, but I knew now I wouldn’t have to face it alone. Dawson, Justin, Akira -- they were all in my corner, fighting for me even when I couldn’t fight for myself. And so were the rest of the Swift Angels MC.

I closed my eyes, letting the exhaustion of the day wash over me. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new fears to confront. But tonight, in the safety of Dawson’s apartment, I could allow myself to rest. The boogeyman might still be out there, but I didn’t have to worry about him grabbing hold of me. Not anymore.

Chapter Eight

Nora

The crackle of the electric fireplace and the soft glow of candles enveloped us as Dawson and I sat cross-legged on the plush rug, wrapping presents. His strong hands guided the scissors with precision, cutting perfect lines of shimmering paper. I couldn’t help but sneak glances at him, marveling at the way his hair fell across his brow, the intensity of his blue eyes as they focused on the task.

He’d insisted on taking me shopping to get some things for Taylor. Since I’d lost everything in the fire, it meant she’d also lost what few presents I’d managed to buy for her. Part of me had wanted to tell him it wasn’t necessary, but I’d swallowed my pride and let him buy stuff for my little girl. She deserved an amazing Christmas, and if Dawson wanted to give her one, who was I to argue?

Being here with Dawson in the warmth of his apartment felt like a dream -- a place where I could finally breathe, where the shadows of my past couldn’t reach me. I savored every brush of his fingers against mine as we passed tape and ribbons, every rumble of his deep laugh at my clumsy attempts to tie bows.

More than that, it also made me feel things I hadn’t in a long time. Desire, for one. How long had it been since I’d been interested in sex? It felt like it had been forever ago. I didn’t count the times I’d had sex because I felt like I didn’t have a choice.

The sound of Dawson cutting more paper interrupted my dismal thoughts. Right. I needed to focus on the here and now, not a past I couldn’t change.

“You’re a natural at this,” I teased, holding up my lopsided creation. “Unlike me, I bet you could moonlight as one of Santa’s elves.”

Dawson chuckled, the sound smooth like honey. “I don’t know about that. But I’d be happy to give you some private lessons.” He winked and my heart fluttered against my ribs.

Did he have any idea what he did to me? That he made me want things I’d thought I’d never want again? Sure, I was pregnant, but… well, I hadn’t exactly desired Rex. It wasn’t that he’d forced himself on me -- more that I’d just given him what he wanted regardless of how I felt about it. Sex with him had always been quick. But what would it be like with Dawson?

Just as I opened my mouth to reply to his teasing remark, a sudden, sharp knock rattled the apartment door. My body tensed, fingers stilling on the half-formed bow in my grasp. Dawson’s hand found mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I’ll get it. Probably just Mrs. Larson wanting to borrow some sugar again.”

Right. The old lady downstairs did come up frequently to borrow things from Dawson. Personally, I thought she was just lonely and wanted someone to talk to for a few minutes. My heart hammered in my chest, and something told me it wasn’t Mrs. Larson this time.

Dawson rose and strode to the door, and a cold sense of unease trickled down my spine.Please, let it be the sweet old lady from down the hall. Anyone but Rex. My breath caught in my throat as Dawson turned the knob, the hinges creaking slightly…

* * *

Dawson

I checked the peep hole, expecting to see Mrs. Larson’s wrinkled smile. Instead, I found myself face to face with a hulking man, his eyes dark and seething with barely contained rage. He reeked of alcohol and cigarettes. Rex. And he appeared to be drunk off his ass. Perfect. I threw the door open, ready to take him down. Again.

“Who the hell are you?” he snarled, trying to peer around me into the apartment. “Where’s Nora?”

My jaw tightened. Did this asshole really not remember me from the café? I’d landed quite a few good hits. Or was his brain too pickled with alcohol? I planted myself firmly in the doorway, blocking his view.

“I’m Dawson, Nora’s boyfriend,” I said, keeping my voice level. “And you must be Rex. She’s told me all about you.”

If he wanted to forget our previous encounter, fine. I’d play along. And I hoped my comment wouldn’t send Nora running for the hills. We hadn’t exactly discussed our relationship. It felt like more than just friendship though. At least, for me it did.

His lip curled in a sneer. “Boyfriend? Since when? Nora, get your ass out here!”

I heard her soft footsteps behind me, felt her hand tremble as it came to rest on my arm. “It’s okay, Dawson.”

I could hear the fear in her voice, see it in the way her eyes darted to Rex’s menacing form. Like hell it was all right! He’d been stalking her, so it wasn’t his first time showing up at the apartment. Had he not noticed me coming and going from here too? Maybe it was more than alcohol destroying his few remaining brain cells.

I’d sworn to myself I’d never let anyone hurt Nora again. And I sure as shit wasn’t about to let this bastard anywhere near her. My hand tightened on the doorframe as I stared Rex down, ready for whatever came next. I just needed to remember one thing… Justin had told me before if I had to shoot someone, make sure they were inside the apartment first.

Rex’s eyes narrowed as they flicked between Nora and me, his anger morphing into something more sinister. A slow, cruel smile spread across his face. “Well, well, well. Looks like you’ve been busy, Nora. Shacking up with this loser instead of at home where you belong.”

“I haven’t lived with you for several weeks now, Rex.” Nora’s fingers dug into my arm, her whole body trembling. “Please just leave. We’re done. I told you that. The entire reason I moved out was because I didn’t want anything to do with you anymore.”

“Done?” He barked out a harsh laugh. “We’re done when I say we’re done, bitch.”

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