Page 54 of Refuge for Flora

Flora’s fingers trembled a little as she started to type.

Hey wavy! long time no see. doing okay?

She hit enter and waited. “How long before I know?”

“See that little picture of her face right there? That means she’s actually on here and has seen it.”

“Oh. What are those waggling dots right there?”

“That means she’s replying to you.”

“Right now?”

“Yep. Oh! There ya go!” The dots disappeared and in their place was a message straight from Rissa.

Yeah. u leave? dumbass Darryl drag u away? no cars there.

“What do I say to her?” Flora whispered.

“Just tell her you’re out of town, then see if you can find out anything from her.”

Flora started typing a reply.

Out of town. dont know when im coming back. darryls business.

The wavy dots reappeared, but the next line surprised her.

Hey Velma with u? they looking for her. she aint around. seen her?

Flora turned to glare at Barrett. “Believe me now?”

Before he could stop himself, he turned away. He hadn’t believed her. Why, he wasn’t sure. Maybe it was because the story sounded so implausible. Maybe it was because he didn’t know her that well. Maybe somewhere deep inside he didn’t want to believe anyone could be so disgustingly cruel. The heat of a blush crept across his cheeks and he was instantly sorry he hadn’t taken her word as gospel. When he turned back to her, he hoped his face showed his sincerity. “I never should’ve doubted you. I never should’ve questioned you. And I’m sorry. I really, really am. I know that had to be hard.”

“It was harder to know that you didn’t really believe me.” A single crystal tear trickled down her cheek and broke his heart. All she needed was someone who cared about her and would help her. She’d come there with nothing and no one, trying like hell to escape a horror most people couldn’t imagine, and she’d been met with doubt from one out of two of the only people she knew.

“Flora, listen to me.” He took her face in his hands and stared into her eyes. “I believe you. I believe every word. I’m sorry I doubted you for even a minute. I’m going to see to it that you’re safe and that asshole can’t touch you. I won’t let him take away anyone I want as badly as I want you. But first, I’ve got to find him and bring him down so he can never,neverhurt you again. Because if he does, babe, I swear to you, I’ll kill him with my bare hands.” The scent of her shampoo and the softness of her hands on the backs of his fueled the intensity of what he felt for her as he leaned in and kissed her.

The arms that wrapped around his neck and drew him closer were like some kind of miracle to Barrett. He’d been kicked and stomped and bludgeoned emotionally, but this was his fresh start, someone who needed him as much as he needed her. While their lips were pressed together, he wasn’t thinking about Jessica, or Jesse, or anyone else. Just her. And that was all he needed.

She pulled back and looked up into his eyes, the innocence there startling for someone who’d seen as much as she had. “I believe you, Barrett. I know you’ll try to keep me safe, and I appreciate it. I really do. But promise me if it comes to me or you, you’ll let me go and keep yourself safe.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Yes, you can. Please. I don’t want you to?”

“Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself. We’ve just got to keep you safe. Nothing else matters right now.” He kissed the tip of her nose and swept a strand of that red and gold hair out of her face.

Flora dropped her head, her forehead resting on his chest, and Barrett sighed into her hair. For someone who should be fragile and damaged, she was surprisingly resilient, and he respected that immensely. Keeping her safe wouldn’t be easy, but he’d find a way. She whispered something, but he didn’t catch it. “Sorry, babe. What?”

“I said, I could fall in love with you, you know.”

Barrett chuckled. “I certainly hope so!”

“Do you think you could ever fall in love with me?”

His arms tightened a little more around her. “Oh, I really don’t think that’s going to be a problem, precious.” The minute the words were out, he felt something, almost like she was shivering, and pressed her back to look into her face.

Slick with tears, her face was reddened and blotchy and her eyes were swollen. He hadn’t realized she was crying until she shuddered against him. Barrett just clutched her to him and held her tightly. “Baby, it’s okay. Please, don’t cry. We’ll get past all of this and everything will be fine. You’ll see. C’mon. It’s fine, really. In a few months, this will all be a distant memory, I promise.”

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