Chapter 33

Scarlet

I feel like my head is going to explode, I feel someone rubbing my hand. I try to move my arm and I can’t move it. It hurts. “Ouch.”

“Baby.”

I try to open my eyes, but it’s too hard. “I can’t see. Ryder?”

“Yes baby your eyes are swollen pretty bad, just get some rest. The doctor said some of the swelling will be down tomorrow.”

“Did they get him?”

“Baby, I beat the shit out of him and Annabelle kicked Kelsie’s ass. I’m so sorry. I love you.” I feel him kiss my face. “I love you so much. I was so scared when Cade called me.”

I try to clear my throat. “Cade called you.”

“It’s a long story the nurse is here to give you some meds. Get some rest, I’ll be here when you wake up.”

“You will?”

“Baby after everything from today. I may never let you leave my sight again.”

“I love you too.” I drift back off to sleep.

I wake up and am actually able to open my eyes a little. I can see Cade, my Mom and Annabelle standing there. “Hey.” I keep looking for Ryder.

My mom smiles. “I made him go downstairs with Dustin and grab a bite to eat. He was worn out, but he wouldn’t admit it.”

I’m confused. “With Dustin?”

Annabelle chuckles. “I know you’re confused, but Dustin is who led us to you yesterday.”

Cade steps over to my bed. “Little sis you have to quit scaring the shit out of everyone like this.”

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m here for my little sister. Yesterday was one of the scariest days of my life. I have to say one of because Daria’s damn near given me a heart attack a few times.”

A sudden movement from the door catches my attention. I look up to see Ryder. He crosses over to my bed. “Hey pretty girl. I’m glad to see you awake and able to open your eyes a little.”

I nod. “Yeah. I feel kinda lost about the past couple of days.”

“Don’t worry we’ll get you caught up in time.” My mom says from the corner of the room.

Ryder smiles at me again. “Right now all you need to know is that you are safe. Brandon and Kelsie are in jail. Now just focus on getting better.”

I look around the room. “Um can I have a minute alone with Ryder?”

Everyone nods.

Ryder looks at me with fear and uncertainty in his eyes. “Baby if you are going to break up with me, now is not the time. I may just turn into a stalker.”

I chuckle even though it hurts my tender face. “No. I just want you to know I understand we both said some things to each other and we have some talking to do, but right now I don’t want you to leave my side.”

He smiles. “Oh thank God. I was afraid you were going to wake up and say ‘Get out of here dickhead and never look my way again’ because I know that would be what I deserve after how I treated you the other day.”

“Hey we both got wound up and if I’d saw you talking to an ex and then hugging them, I would’ve probably lost it too. I’m sorry I brought up your past. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“It’s okay. I should’ve given you a minute to explain rather than just blowing up. I would want someone to give me a minute to explain and the benefit of the doubt. As far as my past goes, I wish it had been me that told you. But truth being told I probably would’ve chickened out and Nelson knew that. I know he would never tell someone I didn’t trust.”

“I know but I shouldn’t have thrown it at you like that. We both just have insecurity issues we need to deal with. I think we both have some abandonment issues. While I was in and out during the time that Brandon had me tied up, all I could think about was that I might never get to see you again. That I may tell you how sorry I was. How much I love you.”

He leans over me and kisses me gently on the lips. “I would give you a lot sexier kiss but your lips are pretty bruised. I’m going to let everyone back in here so I don’t risk your safety.”

I look up. “Risk my safety?”

“Because if we don’t get some people in here I’m going to try all of the positions that hospital bed offers. I will fuck you until everyone in this hospital knows you’re mine. But right now you have guests and you are bruised. I’d be afraid I would hurt you. But just so you know I want you.”

Fuck now I’m turned on and wet. My mother, brother and friends are about to walk in here. I have to find a way to calm myself down. Too late my mom is walking through the door, just a talking. “Well Scarlet, the doctor says you can get out of here in the morning.”

I smile. “That sounds great.”

Ryder steps up. “She’s coming to stay with me. Y’all are welcome to come see her anytime, but there are more people out at my house. There is me, dad, Nelson, Naomi and Nana Pearl. So she won’t be alone.”

My mom looks up at him. “I’m not sure about that Ryder.”

He looks at her. “I am. You have to work, Gable is touring for another week, Cade has to go home or so and Annabelle has school. At my house there are people in and out all the time and with Brandon being arrested there is probably going to be press hounding her for a statement. I can control security at the farm.”

“Momma it’ll be okay. I’ll stay at Ryder’s. He’s right there is someone there all the time without even trying. Plus that way I can be near my Button I miss him.”

My mom shakes her head. “Leave it to you to try and show reason for your argument with a pet cow.”

“Look the farm is beautiful so while I’m recovering I can sit out back and sketch all day, with my good hand.”

She nods. “I understand and I didn’t think about reporters. But I’m going to be out there daily to check on you.”

“I’m counting on it.” I am really hoping. My mother has always been kinda flighty when it came to Gable and me. She was more about free love and doing whatever we want. Sometimes you just want a real mom.

Ryder smiles. “Well Nana is going to be excited, she’ll be up there to take care of you. She has called me non-stop since Nelson told her about you being in here. She also threatened to beat my ass when she found out about our argument.”

I laugh. “I bet she did. Nana’s got my back.”

Everyone chuckles.

I realize that I need to talk to Cade a little he has a life to get back to seven hours away.

“Alright guys I wanna hang out with Cade a little before he has to head back. As much as I love him being here, I know Daria needs help with those babies.” They step out the door.

He steps forward. “Hey she’s okay. I’m here as long as you need me.”

“I need you to go be home with your wife and kids. I’m safe and I have the distinct feeling that Ryder isn’t going to let me out of his sight.” I see Ryder stalking outside the door.

He laughs. “Yeah I can totally see that and I like it. Being an overprotective caveman bastard myself I understand it.”

I smile. “Thanks Cade. I’m so glad I threw a fit with Gable like a five year old to go meet you.”

He smiles and shakes his head.

Cade and I spend a little while longer talking. We set up a visit in our near future and I send him on his way. Telling him to be careful and call me when he gets home.

The rest of the day is filled with Annabelle’s craziness. Ryder’s overprotectiveness. My momma’s concerns. Dustin’s apologies. A visit from Nelson, Naomi, Greer and Nana Pearl. The highlight of my day a phone call from Gable telling me he would be home within a week.

After the crazy day has past I’m exhausted, Ryder slides in the chair next to my bed. I look over to him. “Ryder?”

“Yeah?”

“Will you lay with me?”

“Are you sure babe? I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I’ll be fine. Just get up here.”

He winks. “Yes ma’am.”

I turn on my side so that my arm with a cast is draped over him and fall into a secure peaceful sleep.