Page 5 of Inevitable Dream

“Who’s Hubert?” he asks, watching me rub my temples.

“He’s the property manager. He’s a sweet man, and he’d wait, but I’m never late with the rent, and he’ll worry if he doesn’t see me around,” I tell him.

“You give me his number, sweetheart, and I’ll call him. I’ll get him the rent money. Don’t stress. I’ll take care of it.” Rebel’s tone is calm and smooth. It makes me want to curl into his lap and fall asleep in his arms.

“I forgot my checkbook,” I murmur.

“If he’s the great guy you say he is, he’ll wait a couple of days. Don’t ya think?”

“He is.”

“Then there’s no problem.” Rebel gives me a warm smile. He’s sexy when he’s brooding, but irresistible when he smiles at me that way. I manage a small grin, then lay my head back and close my eyes with the hope that we arrive at Rebel’s soon. I fall asleep without remembering the attack.

A while later, I vaguely recall Rebel leading me to the elevator, hearing a variety of voices. I was so tired by that point, I was a walking zombie. I don’t remember getting into Rebel’s bed at all. Yet, here I am, cuddled up to Rebel, with his arm banded around my waist.

I stir in his arms, and Rebel releases me and turns me carefully onto my back. “How’s your headache, sweetheart?”

I lick my lips. “Better, thank you.”

Then his fingers glide along my cheek. It’s a whisper of a touch, and yet it leaves my belly warm and gushy, and my throat goes dry. His touch leaves me breathless. He runs his fingers over the bandage on my forehead.

“Do we need to change the dressing?” he asks, his vibrant blue eyes looking deeply into mine.

“I’ll do it later.” My stomach makes itself known with a rumble right then and there.

“I need to feed you,” he says with a grin.

“Maybe some toast,” I murmur.

“Gertie brought some soup over earlier, and I’ll bet you she has sandwiches waiting for us in the refrigerator.”

“Gertie?”

“You’ll meet her soon. If I know that woman, she’ll be at our door by dinnertime.” He chuckles. “She’s a hoot, and she’s part of our Storm family. You can’t help but love that old woman.” As soon as he says old woman, I think old man, bringing Hubert to mind.

“Hubert!” I exclaim, my eyes growing wide.

“I’ve called him, babe. Suffice it to say he isn’t too happy about what happened to you. He doesn’t care when you pay the rent but wants to come over to see you. I told him to give you the day to rest and to come by tomorrow anytime. Does that work for you?” he asks.

I tug at my lower lip and peer up at him through lowered lashes. “Yes. I didn’t want to upset Hubert by having him see me this way. He’s a really sweet man.”

“Sounds like it. Time to get you fed.” Rebel gets out of bed, then comes over to my side and gently helps me out. The rest did amazing things for my headache, but my muscles have seized up, and I can feel every ache and pain. “Bathroom is through there.” Rebel points to the adjoining door. “When you’re ready, call, and I’ll help you to the living room.”

He leaves me to it. I see my bags in the corner of the room on the chair, and I grab my brush and a hair tie. The mirror reveals a very pale me with crazy bed hair and the bruises getting darker on my skin. I splash some water on my face and brush my hair, pulling it up in a messy bun. It doesn’t hide the cuts and scrapes—nothing would—but my hair doesn’t look like a wild mess now.

I don’t call for Rebel and instead find my way into the living room, where the scent of chicken noodle soup catches my attention. My tummy grumbles, reminding me to feed it.

“You didn’t call me,” he says. Rebel comes over to me, tucks his hand under my chin, and lightly brushes his lips over mine. “No matter. Come sit and eat.” He guides me to the small table, where he has two bowls and warm rolls waiting for us. He helps me into my chair.

“Smells incredible,” I say, taking in the delicious aroma.

“There’s nothing like a bowl of chicken soup to make you feel better. At least, that’s what Gertie tells me,” Rebel says with a grin. “Eat up, baby. We’ve got to get your strength back.”

Chapter3

Family Comes in All Shapes and Sizes

Rebel

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