Page 30 of Fabricated

He places me on my bathroom counter, turning on the shower. He peels my wet clothes off before taking his wet clothes off as well. I hadn’t noticed that before.It then clicks that he must have been the one to save me.I knew I should feel some type of way, but I am still in shock, my mind still a little groggy.

He picks me up, walking us into the shower. He rests me against the heated tile wall, his body still wrapped around mine, his forehead resting on mine. Water drops off the hair hanging in his face and onto my cold skin.

His body is warm and strong against mine.His heart beating out of his chest. I put my hand against it, my mind syncing to the rhythm of his heartbeat.

“I would have killed them if something happened to you,” he whispers, nose brushing along mine. I close my eyes as my body shakes. Tears mix with water. My reality is sinking in like a bullet to the chest. I could have died. I almost did. What impact have I made for anyone to remember me by? How could I live and not make my story a testimony to help others out there? My sobs become more violent. My body is shaking uncontrollably. Like a volcano is inside me. I cry my sorrow into his chest.

He holds me and kisses down my neck to my shoulder.

Here I am safe.

Here I can breathe.

Here I can cry.

Here is where I want to stay.

* * *

After my shower, I refuse medical attention in favor of lying down.

Branson sits with his back against my headboard as he reads a book. Branson in glasses has the ability to destroy me. Never found a man in glasses attractive. I’m certain there isn’t anything that would stop me from finding him irresistible.

“You’re staring, Darling.”

I smile as my head lays on my pillow, facing him.“Why do you call me Darling?”

“Do you not like it?” he asks, marking his book with a dog ear. That was abuse. Uncalled for. And downright sociopathic.

I actually cringe. Just… why?

“Well, no, I do, but… wouldn’t most people use babe or baby?” I ask, looking away from the assaulted book and up at him.

“I’m not most people, Darling. You’re not either. Why would I call you something so basic when you’re so precious?” My heart stills for a moment at his words.

“Precious?” I ask. I want to make sure I had heard him right.

“To me? Yeah.” He looks at me with his slightly narrowed eyes.

“Aww. You’re sweet.”

He frowns. “I’m not. Don’t say shit like that out loud.”

I giggle. “Admit that you're sweet and I won’t,” I tease.

He roll his eyes at me. Hot. So hot.

“Fine. I’m sweet.” He pauses, licking his lips. “For you. Now, shut up and go to bed. Your body needs to rest.”

Sighing, I close my eyes.

“Yes, Daddy.”

I swear I hear him choke.

My smile brightens.

Chapter 13

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