Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23100 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23100 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
“It’s what our captain told us.” He shrugs one shoulder. “And if you’re connected to Reed Sanders, then…” He makes a motion with his hand as if I should understand. The look on my face must show him that I don’t. “He’s done work with the government. He’s a very high-level consultant, and I like my job.”
My eyebrows pull together in confusion. Reed is working for the government? He was built like a jock, but he was more into technology than anything when we were growing up, so I guess it’s not surprising.
I go to ask another question because I’m unable to help myself, but as I do the door to the room flies open. I jerk my head to see who it is and all the air leaves my lungs when I see Reed standing there.
His eyes find mine and for a moment, time stands still. He looks the same but different, and it’s hard for me to figure out what it is. His boyish soft face has chiseled out and now he’s a man.
“Dimples?” The word comes out in a question, and I wonder if he’s thinking about how different I am. How many times had I dreamed of seeing him again?
He takes a step into the room and before I know what’s happening I’m in his arms. I don’t know who moved first, him or me, but I wrap myself around him tightly. I bury my face in his neck and breathe in his familiar scent. It’s the same as before and reminds me of a home I’d thought I’d never have again.
“Please look at me.” Reed’s voice is filled with pain as I lean back. It’s then I realize he’s sat down in the chair and I’m in his lap with his big hands cupping my cheeks. “God, I’ve missed you.”
I open my mouth to tell him the same, but his lips crash down on mine. He doesn't demand entry, only presses his mouth against me, holding me there for a moment. I close my eyes and soak it in. For the first time in a long time I feel safe and I know nothing can happen to me.
“Maybe we should go,” I hear Sherrie say, reminding me where we are.
“We should go,” Reed says, and his warm breath is against my lips.
“We need her statement, sir. I’m sure she wants to press charges.” There is hope in the officer’s words that I will.
Reed’s eyes narrow and I actually see his pupils dilate. Tension fills his strong body, and though he didn't go pro with football, he’s still must work out a lot to be so big.
“Did they hurt you?” His eyes roam over my face and he leans back to get a better look at me. “You’re smaller.”
“I think you’re bigger.” I try to tease him, but he doesn't smile.
“No one hurt me. They just wouldn't let me leave,” I admit, trying to put him at ease. He must already know some details of what happened and where I’ve been.
I’d taken a few hits here and there, but I learned quickly to follow the rules and to try and blend in. I said what they wanted to hear, but the whole time I was trying to find a way to get out. My dad kept a close eye on me no matter what I said to him. I even tried to pretend that I was a believer in our leader, but I don't think he ever bought it. When I was chosen for marriage there was no faking it anymore. I had to get out or die trying.
“Do you want to give a statement?” he asks.
“I didn't think I had a choice.” What I want is to lay my head on Reed’s chest and sleep.
“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. I’ll pick you up and walk you right out of here and we’ll be home in no time.”
“Home.” The word makes me want to cry. I glance at the police officers and can tell they want to protest.
Reed’s hand comes to my chin and he makes me look at him. “Home,” he confirms.
I know he means what he says. Something about Reed is different than I remember. His dominance fills the room and whatever he says goes.
“I want to go home, but I have to do this. If it helps take them down, then I need to do this,” I tell him.
“Alright,” he agrees and he stands us up. Panic rises in my chest and he takes my hand. “I’m not going anywhere, Dimples. Breathe.”
He sits back down and takes me with him and I relax again. It feels like when we’d take a walk and I’d lie in his arms in the afternoon and he’d hold me while the sun would set.