by Nina Levine
“You don’t know me.” Star turns to face me, and even in the cabin’s darkness, a fleeting glance reveals the shine of wet eyes. “We fuck. That’s all. And those were your words.”
I inhale a sharp breath. I said those words like an idiot with his guard up, not willing to let anyone in. “I care for you… more than I realised. And I’ll protect you. I promise you that.”
“I don’t want you to be obligated just because we fuck.”
“I’m not here out of obligation.”
“There are women’s shelters where I can stay until I’m on my feet.”
If I grip the wheel any harder, I’ll rip the damn thing from the column. “What are you talking about? I’m not dropping you off at some bloody shelter.” Shit. That sounded angrier than I intended, and it’s the last thing she needs right now—another man who can’t control his head.
“I’m not letting you out of my sight, at least until you’ve had a medical check. Then if you want to go elsewhere, that’s fine. For now, you’re under my care.”
“You’re not my father.”
“Since I’ve lived most of my life without one, I doubt I’ve got the skills to even try.”
This is crazy. Why are we arguing? I shake my head to level my thoughts. She’s traumatised and just lost her father, and with that, she’s pushing me away.
“I won’t make you come with me because I’m not one of those arseholes who will hold you against your will. I’m not kidnapping you. I’m taking you somewhere safe. Somewhere you can rest. If you don’t want to come with me, then I’ll take you to a shelter.”
She remains quiet when I take the exit to the airport.
“Last chance, Star.”
“I don’t have a future. You should’ve left me there.”
“Christ. Why are you doing this?”
“Doing what?” she snaps.
“Acting like we don’t like each other. We do. Stop trying to push me away. I rescued you, and yeah, I’m no Prince Charming, but I risked everything to come and get you. I don’t want praise, yet a little respect wouldn’t hurt. And before you bite back, just come with me. Give yourself some time. Besides, Mum is expecting you.”
We pull up at the car rental, and after handing in the keys, I take Star’s hand and lead her out of the parking lot. We walk at a pace she can handle, and when we get to an overhead light, I stop. “Let me see.” I turn her head from side to side and under the grime there’s slight bruising to the side of her face and some cuts.
I lean down and kiss her nose. “I promise I’ll let no one do this to you again.”
Star slowly closes her eyes and opens them again. “I’ll clean myself up in the bathroom.” Her eyes meet mine, and they hold the emotion she was hiding from me. She’s grateful, only beyond the exhaustion, she stares at me with hope. “Sorry. I…”
“Hey…” I take her in my arms and hug her gently.
“I’ve no one.” She sobs into my shirt.
I stroke her hair.
I can’t shake the need to want to protect her, and if I’m being honest, it extends beyond tonight, tomorrow or the near future.
“You have me.”
11
Star slept the entire flight.
It was less than three hours and now we have about the same time in the car. We walk to the short-term parking, and I press the button to unlock my car. “These are my wheels while I’m in Adelaide.”
“It’s yours?”
I hold her door open while she slides into the front seat, then curls into a ball on her side. “For now. I’m undecided about what to do with this car and my house. I guess it depends on how my contract in Brisbane pans out.” After I close her door, I walk around to the driver’s side and buckle up.
“It’s a three-hour road trip so get some rest, princess.” I press the button to start the car, adjust the temperature because it’s cooler here than in Brisbane. “Is that okay with you?” She’s still wearing her tank top and denim shorts. “There’s a jacket on the back seat if you want it.”
She shakes her head. “I don’t feel anything. I’m not hot nor cold.”
I expected her to be in some shock. She’s tough, yet it’s going to take time for her to trust again.
“Is your Mum really expecting me?” she asks with a hoarse throat, indicating she’s probably getting sick from being run down.
I cup her beautiful face and hold her gaze. “Yes. I told my family you mean a lot to me, and I was coming to get you. Mum notified the police in case any shit went down, and Rhett was videoing everything. It was all her idea.”
A nervous expression crosses her face, and her brow pulls tight. “I look terrible.”
“No one is going to care what you look like, babe. They’ll be asleep, and there’s plenty of time to clean up in the morning.”
Her eyes flutter closed. “Thank you, Dusty. For everything.”
Before I veer the car out into traffic, she’s asleep.
We arrive home, and I carry Star into the house. The doors are unlocked, which is not unusual when you live on a farm. Trust is a big thing out here. I kick the door shut with my foot and take Star to my wing, as Tori describes it. I creep lightly even though the renovations are so large and the bedrooms are spaced out that no one will hear me.
Before I make it to my room, there are footsteps behind me.
“You made it,” Rhett whispers.
“Yeah.” I turn with Star still cradled in my arms.
Rhett stares at her, then back at me. “Is she going to be okay?”
“I hope so.”
Rhett pats me on the shoulder. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Tell Mum she’s okay, and we won’t be up early.”
He nods and hesitates. “You did good, bro.”
I smile. “Yeah. Knowing you were with me helped. My plan may have tanked if I didn’t tell the fucker you were recording everything.”
“Yeah, well… we’re family.” We assess each other for a moment, then he nods. “See you tomorrow.”
Family.
Something I’ve dismissed for years.
It all changes, especially for Star.
I carry her to my bed and let her curl up on the pillow. “You’re safe now.” Then I head back out to the car to grab her bags. When I take the steps to the verandah, I turn for a moment and look to the night sky, to the stars that seem to give my mother so much peace.
Right now, I’m thankful that the universe has allowed me to get Star home. “Thank you,” I murmur into the night, then turn on my heel to join Star in my bed.
“Are you ready?” I ask Star the following morning.
I’m sitting on the edge of my bed watching her dab makeup around her brow.
“Nearly. I need a few more minutes.”
She hasn’t ventured out of my room until I borrowed some concealer from Tori, so she could make herself presentable.
Star’s words, not mine.
Her long dark hair drips some moisture onto her top. A restful sleep, plenty of water to drink, and a long shower have done wonders because she’s looking brighter this morning. Even the makeup she is applying doesn’t hide the tension because I know she’s anxious to meet my family, especially under the extenuating circumstances.
“Not what I mean. Are you ready to meet everyone? I warn you they can be full-on at mealtimes. The table can be like a tennis match the way heads turn in a family debate.”
Star’s hand hovers near her cheekbone, and her eyes meet mine.
“What I’m saying is… if you don’t want to do this, I can take you out for coffee, and we can find somewhere to stay. Only the two of us.”
She cocks a brow at me. “Are you embarrassed?”
“What? Fuck no. I don’t want to add any more stress after what you’ve been through.”
“You said your mum wants to meet me?” she rasps. She glances down at her inked arms and then tugs on the hem of her denim skirt. “I want her to like me.”
“Baby…” I walk over and whisk her into my arms. “If I like you, then my mother will love you. That’s a promise.” She slaps my shoulder, but I refuse to put her down when I carry her through the doorway. “It’s time.”
“Dustin, let me walk.”
I chuckle, and once we’re in the dining area, I lower her to the floor. The chatter lowers and heads turn. They are eager to meet Star, although the first introduction is daunting even for me, so I can imagine how nervous she is.
“Star, I’d like you to meet my family. Everyone, this is Star.”
Mum drops her towel on the sink and leaves the dishes to walk over to us. “Star,” she says in her gentle voice. “It’s good to meet you.” She leans in and hugs her. Seeing Mum embrace the first woman I’ve really cared about, and in my home, stirs something deep inside. To bring Star here, no matter the circumstances, at some subconscious level is making a statement that I’m happy because my guard is down and I’m letting this lady be a part of my personal life.
Tori and Rhett both come and stand behind Mum. The moment she releases her, Tori steps forward and wraps her arms around Star. “Welcome,” she says and gives her a kiss on the cheek.
When she steps back, Rhett and Star assess each other momentarily.
“Thank you for what you did last night,” Star rasps.
Rhett leans in, wrapping his arms around her body and squeezes a little tighter before releasing her. “If Dustin felt strongly in playing the knight and rescuing you, then I will always have his back. It’s good to meet the girl who can whip him into line.”
Star smiles, then draws in her eyebrows as she looks at me. “What did you say about me?”
“Nothing.” I act nonchalant.
“Actions speak louder than words, my dear girl,” Mum says. “We’ve plenty to eat, so sit, and I’ll cook whatever you want.”
“Mum,” I chastise her then look at Star. “This is what Mum does. She feeds and feeds you until you’re in a food coma.”
Star gives her a warm smile. “Thank you. I am a little hungry.”
“Did you even feed the poor girl when she got in last night?” Mum asks, turning the blame to me.
“She was asleep,” I reply. I look at Rhett because he knew how exhausted Star was last night, and nothing like she is this morning.
Star takes a seat beside Tori. “I was too weary to eat,” she tells Mum as she lowers her head as though reality hits as to why she is here.
“Hey.” I pull out the seat beside her. “Mum has a doctor coming to check you out, just to make sure.”
Her eyes round. “I’m fine. I don’t want to put anyone out or make any trouble.”
“It’s okay,” I whisper.
I’ve come a long way in admitting the truth and letting go of secrets, and I’m not about to revert to pretending everything is okay when it’s not. I lean in so only she can hear me. “Everyone wants to help. It’s overwhelming, but if you want us to back off, we will. In saying that, I think you should get checked out.”
She places a hand on my thigh. “I’m thankful for everything you’re doing, but I’m okay. Being here, with you, I know I’m going to be fine.”
I take her face in my hands and gently kiss her lips.
My gut tells me she will be fine because I’m not leaving her alone until she tells me to leave.
12
“Can we take a walk,” Star asks once the doctor had visited and confirmed she was okay. Tori gave her clothes to wear rather than drive into town to buy more. She has rested most of the afternoon, and now she wants to take a stroll at twilight.
“Sure. Through the orchard?”
Star takes my hand and rolls my wrist before I have a chance to pull her up. She runs her fingers along the inside and over the words inked on my skin on my left wrist.
Per aspera ad astra.
“What does it mean,” she whispers.
I keep my gaze lowered on the words.
She’s digging into my past, and it’s making me uncomfortable.
“Through hardships to the stars.” I shrug like it means nothing.
“And this one?” She draws another line where the words hide my demons.
Superare dolor.
“Rise above pain.”
“I want you to show me.” Star’s fingers caress my fingers in a soothing way.
“Show you what?”
“What caused your pain.” She leans her head on my shoulder and waits for my answer.
My instinct is to tell her no. It was hard enough to deal with the onset of emotion when Mum made me deal with the truth. I have taken a step in letting the pain go and trying to accept it wasn’t my fault. When you carry blame and guilt for long enough, it’s easier said than done to let it go.
“Can I show you tomorrow?”
She nods, and when her eyes meet mine, it’s with understanding in how we both have come a long way.
“Come and sit on the back verandah with me.” The walk in the orchard can wait until tomorrow. I take her hand and pull her up from the couch in the living room. We pass Mum and Tori in the kitchen and tell them we’re sitting outside if they want to join us. Jace and Rhett drove into town to make a delivery and will be back soon. Tonight is a perfect night to sit on a swing and gaze up to the stars and simply enjoy being present. It’s something we used to do as a family, and I miss it.
I point toward Jupiter and Saturn. “It will be more obvious when it’s darker, although you can see some planets now. Mars will be noticeable soon.”
“Do you do this often?” she asks and takes a seat on the swing that’s tied to the porch ceiling structure. “Stargaze.”
“As a teen, we did.”
“When I thought I wouldn’t see you again, I reflected on how we’re united. And realised everyone is connected in a way because we’re all made up of Stardust.”
“Stardust…”
“Yeah. Most elements in our bodies were made in a star.”
“You’re discussing planetary science to why we should be together?” I chuckle. “A heads-up, I only understand physical chemistry.”
“Think of us,” she says while ignoring my comment. “Star and Dustin… it has a stronger meaning. Together we are StarDust.”
I take her face and gently kiss her lips. “You are something else.”
“All I thought about was you.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I tell her.
“I know,” she says and smiles, then tilts her head, so she’s leaning against my shoulder. “Because it’s our turn to shine.”
If you liked this story, you might also like:
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Also in the Series:
Charming the Outback
Jardine
Caught Out
Winning the Game
Playing for Time
The Bay Series Boxset (Books 1-4): Men of The Bay Sports Romance
Coming soon
Ulara
Standalones
Cocky Notes: A Hero Club Novel
Velocity: A KB World Novel
Leesa Bow loves to read and write spicy romance. She spends her spare time with her family, catching up with girlfriends in cafés, or taking long walks.
Leesa’s love of sport has inspired her to write stories about hot Aussie heroes and the strong women they fall in love with.
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STARDUST
Reign: A Romance Anthology
Leesa Bow
Copyright 2021 Leesa Bow
This book is a work of fiction. Any references to real events, real people, and real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, organisations, or places is entirely coincidental.
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Queen of the V
Liz Lovelock
1
Dylan
And here it comes…
“So, what do you do for work?”
And there it is…
The dreaded question I get on every single date.
Online dating is like walking through a maze, hoping to find the end, only to run into a thorny bush at every wrong turn.
How can I soften the blow for the skinny, slightly attractive, blond-headed man staring at me all doe-eyed across the table?
“I’m a doctor…surgeon.” That’s the safest answer I’ve come up with so far. Some are smart and don’t have a follow-up question. Others are not.
“What’s your specialty?”
Obviously, not a smart one.
I pick my wine up and take a long sip. “I perform vasectomies.”
And there it is...
The look of pure agony on the man’s face.
