“Thank you.” She says, snuggling into the large bed with Victor’s help.
“I will walk you out.” Victor leads the way and steps outside with him. The doctor looks at him while adjusting his hat.
“Mr. Yates, she has taken a serious beating. Make her rest, one-week minimum before you try to continue on your journey. She has to let her body heal. I trust the bastard was taken care of?”
“Quite right. He'll never touch her or anybody else again.”
The doctor laughs.
“Good. Our town is small, but it is just the place to find peace. The river is great for fishing, and we have some nice shops in town. Find something to occupy her mind while her body and spirit heal.”
Chapter 26
When Victor returns to the bedroom to check on her, the morphine has taken effect and Summer is staring at him with a huge smile. “There you are. Victor, I'm so cold. Won't you come warm me up?”
“I will just as soon as I wash off the travel and dirt from my body.” She pouts and then sits up suddenly with a look of excitement. Her pain is momentarily forgotten.
“I didn’t get to finish my bath, Victor, why don’t we share and then we can warm up together?” Victor is taken aback and then laughs out loud.
“Exactly how much morphine did he give you?” He starts to strip off his shoes, and she watches with interest.
“Victor?” She asks, sitting up on her knees and gathering her gown up with her hands so she doesn’t trip on it.
“Yes, Summer.” Her eyes are heavy-lidded as she crawls towards the end of the bed and he moves towards her just in case he should need to catch her. He reaches out to steady her, and she drops her long white gown and begins to unbutton his shirt. His breath hitches in his throat when her hands slide inside to touch his muscular chest.
“Sometimes I can’t sleep for thinking about touching you, does that shock you?” He smiles at this bit of information.
“I thought you didn’t need me?” He reminds her with a hurt look.
Her hand slides up around his neck, and she tugs his face towards hers and whispers, “I'm drowning in my need for you. For your mouth,” she kisses his mouth softly, “for your hands,” she places his hand on her unbruised breast and moans, “for all of you.” His grin fades, and he realizes what a fool he has been.
“Lord help me, but you're beautiful.” His mouth takes hers softly, savoring, tasting, sucking and tugging. She gives, and he takes, desperate for each other. He pulls back, and she whimpers balling her hands up in the material of his shirt.
“Don’t leave me, Victor,” she pleads.
“Never again,” he promises, kissing her brow. “I need to get cleaned up, and you need to sleep.” She sighs and pushes her hair back from her eyes. For a moment she weaves on her knees, while he steadies her.
“Victor, why is the room spinning?” She asks with a giggle. He laughs and helps her lay back. When he tries to cover her with a blanket she groans. “Too hot.” She kicks at the covers and tries to pull her gown off.
“Summer, stop, or you will hurt yourself!” She stills and frowns at him.
“You’re terribly bossy,” she yawns.
He turns and walks away, “I will crack the window and let some cold air in for you.”
“It isn’t fair you know…” she whispers, he leans in to hear her, “you have seen me naked now, I want to see…”
Victor puts a hand over her mouth to stop her words. “You’re killing me.”
Summer giggles as he walks away.
“You rest, and I will be right back.” He is smiling as her eyes begin to close already.
“Thank you for taking care of me,” she rolls over and frowns at a flicker of pain. “I'm tired of being hurt.” She pushes over and grabs the pillow, “I like that medicine. I'll just rest a bit…” her voice fades, and her breathing slows as her eyes close in sleep.
Victor watches her sleep, and his need to protect her is overwhelming. Both times she was protecting his son. He leans down and smooths the blonde hair away from her face. Her strength is impressive. She has survived such horrific things, but her inner strength hasn't wavered. Her soul is battered, and her hearts broken, but he plans to heal that and claim it for himself and his son. “We need you, Summer Denning.”
He bathes quickly and plans what to do for the next two weeks. Tomorrow will be a busy day, he has to visit the post office and find something to busy her mind. He knows just what to do. If he's lucky, she will sleep late, and he and Jonah can surprise her.
Tonight, he will sleep in the room with his son. He is sure he would not be able to keep his hands to himself if they were alone in the same bed all night. Victor sleeps with a grin, imagining their future together.
Chapter 27
The train pulls into the crowded station, and Jung escorts Olivia from the train and through a throng of police.
