Page 115 of Ruthless Beast

‘Who is it?”

“I’ll tell you everything once we get safely to my place. Please, Emily. Let’s get you home. My arm is killing me.”

“Oh, yes, I’m sorry. I forgot about that.”

“It’s okay. You’ve been through a terrible ordeal. Come, you’ll feel better once you’ve had a bath and a decent meal. We’ll talk then.”

Emily relents and gets back into the car. Ten minutes into the drive, she’s fast asleep on my shoulder. I can’t begin to imagine what she’s seen and experienced since she was taken. All I can do to keep my own sanity is to imagine that no one man handled Emily or took advantage of her in the most vial way. I couldn’t live with myself if I thought that the woman I love, the mother of my child, suffered physical abuse at another’s hand. It’s bad enough that she had to fear for her life.

She’s still out for the count by the time we get home, so I carry her to my bedroom, place her gently on the bed, and cover her with a blanket. I watch her chest as it moves up and down. I’m so grateful to have this woman back. I love Emily so much. I thought I’d never see her again when Paolo said she had run away.

“Sleep well, my love. You’re safe now,” I whisper, closing the bedroom door.

28

EMILY

It wasn’t a dream. I’m back in Lucas’ bed. I sit up and look around me, soothing my soul with the knowledge that this is real.

Maria. I suddenly think of the brave woman who risked her own life to help me escape. It doesn’t matter that we weren’t entirely successful on our own. What matters is that she took a chance on me. I’ll wait until tomorrow and then call the resort her cousin works at to find out if Maria made it there safely.

Dannie! I have to call my best friend and tell her that I’m home safely. Poor Daniella must be worried sick about me. What a terrible year it’s been. I have to wonder what David would have done had he known what destruction his choices have led to.

One thing is for sure. If Lucas wants to be a part of my life and that of his child’s he’s going to have to give his career choices a good evaluation. I don’t want to be with a man who lives like this. I can’t. It’s too hard. I love Lucas very much, but I have a child to think of now. I’m going to be a mother soon and no matter what happens, my child’s needs will always be my main priority.

The door opens and Lucas peeks into the room.

“Oh, hi, You’re awake. How are you feeling?”

“Like I could sleep for a month and still take frequent naps after that.”

“I’m not surprised. Are you hungry? Chef will be happy to whip something delicious for you. Anything you like. Just name it.”

“Sounds wonderful. I think I’ll have a bath first.”

“Your clothes are in the closet and there are fresh towels on the tub.”

“Thank you, Lucas.”

“Anytime, my love.”

“We should talk after I’ve had a bite to eat.”

“Okay. What can I get you to eat?”

“Don’t laugh, but I’d kill for a cheeseburger.”

“And a cheeseburger is exactly what you’ll have.”

I get up as soon as Lucas has left the room and head for the bathroom. I can’t wait to soak away the dirt from my body. The stench of Tijuana’s strip club and safe house clings to me like shit to a blanket. I’ll have to wash my hair a few times to get the smell out, I’m sure.

I add as many fragrant bath balls to the water as I can stand before I slip into a heavenly tub filled with warm water. Oh! Who would have guessed that something so simple as a bath would hold so much pleasure. The room in Tijuana was small and the bathroom wasn’t anything more than a glorified hose over an open drain.

I close my eyes, allowing the steam to open up my pores. I hope it will flush out the awful memories as well as the clogged pores on my face. The perfect tranquility is disturbed by one tiny thing. The baby is moving and it’s the first time I can feel it.

I move my fingers to the spot where I feel the light flutters of a tiny baby's limbs touching my insides. It’s an odd sensation, like something tickling me very softly.

“We made it, sweetheart. We’re home.”

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