Kara's Protector

by Angela Franklin

  “Everything okay, baby?” He asked as he knocked on the door about five minutes after he heard the toilet flush.

  “Dammit.” He heard, followed by the sound of something falling to the floor.

  “Can I come in?” He asked when all he wanted to do was rush to her.

  “Yeah.” He was barely able to hear her through the door. When he walked in, the site before him made is chest ache. Kara was braced against the sink with her uninjured arm, and trying to pick up the comb that had fallen on the floor. A tear was slowly falling down her cheek.

  “Leave it. I will pick it up. Let’s get you back in bed.” He said as he gently pulled her up.

  “I need to finish combing my hair.” Kara answered, her voice wavering.

  “You can, once you’re in the bed.” Cameron kissed the top of her head, then helped her to the bed, and plugged her IV back in. Then he went back to get the comb. When she reached for it, he shook his head.

  “Please, let me do this for you.” He said as he started running it through her hair.

  Chapter 6

  Kara turned a little so that Cameron could reach all of her hair. No one had ever brushed her hair for her. It was very soothing. She relaxed back against him.

  “I can do that.” Susie said when the door opened and she saw them.

  “No, thank you. Cameron is almost done.” Kara wasn’t sure she wanted Susie here right now. “What are you doing here?”

  “I came to take you home if they release you today.” Susie said smiling at her.

  “Susie, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but I’m going home with my husband.” Kara said as she felt the breath Cameron released, as if he had been afraid she would push him away.

  “That’s great, but Cameron rode with you in the ambulance, so y’all will still need a ride.” Susie smiled at her again. Kara looked up at Cameron, and he nodded.

  “Thank you, but the doctor hasn’t come in yet. I don’t know if I will be released today or not.” Cameron had finished combing her hair, and put his hands on her shoulders. It amazed Kara how much his simple touch relaxed her.

  “That’s okay. Do you mind if I speak with you both while we wait then?” Susie asked looking between them. Cameron squeezed her shoulders letting her know it was her choice.

  “Sure, but I don’t want to argue again.” Kara warned her.

  “Understood. I need to apologize to both of you for the way I behaved yesterday. Cameron, I am sorry I blamed you for yesterday. I have known you your whole life, and I know you would do anything to protect those you care about. Kara, you are like a daughter to me. When you said you wanted to stay with him, I panicked. I was so scared that I was going to lose you. I promise not to interfere again. If you want to stay together. I will support you both. I am so sorry that I lied to you, Kara.” Susie looked miserable, but Kara knew Susie meant everything she said. She glanced up at Cameron, and he smiled, then leaned down and kissed her forehead. She couldn’t keep the answering smile off her face.

  “Thank you, Susie. I don’t want to push you away, but you are right, our marriage is between us.” Kara said as Cameron massaged her shoulders. “I can always use a mother, though, and that is what you are to me.” Kara saw a tear run down Susie’s cheek and held her good hand out to her.

  “I will be whatever you need, sweet girl.” Susie said, then looked up a Cameron. “Son, this is the most I have seen you without your hat. Did Kara already take it from you?” She asked with a smile.

  “No ma’am. It appears we forgot to pack for our adventure, and that included my hat.” Cameron told her, and Kara laughed. She was glad her ribs were wrapped nice and tight.

  “It would certainly appear so. I did go by and pick up a pair of pajamas for Kara to wear home, but sorry, no hat.” Susie sat the bag beside her on the bed.

  “I can live without the hat, thank you for getting her clothes.” Cameron said as there was a knock on the door.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Denton. How are you feeling today?” The doctor asked as he came over to her.

  “Okay, just sore.” Kara answered with a smile.

  “I would say so. Do you mind laying back on the bed, so I can look at your leg?” he said. Cameron helped her shuffle around in the bed. He gently took the bandage off, and looked at the bullet wound. “It looks good, but it will scar. Do you have any questions or concerns?”

  “Just one, when can I go home?” Kara asked.

  “You’re one tough girl, Mrs. Denton. I can release you today, if you promise to take it easy, and stop getting into trouble.” The doctor gave her a mischievous smile.

  “You mean I’m not wonder woman?” She asked and they all laughed.

  “You very well may be, but even she isn’t bullet proof.” The doctor said shaking his head as he left.

  “You’re my wonder woman.” Cameron whispered in her ear. She felt her face heat with her blush.

  Cameron’s phone went off, so he stepped back to answer it, giving her time to compose herself. She looked over at Susie, who was giving her a knowing smirk. That man managed to turn her inside out with just a few words.

  “That was the SBI. I told him I would let them know when we got home.” Cameron said walking over and taking her hand.

  “I hear you are being released, wonder woman.” The nurse smiled at her.

  “Yeah, but I can only stop a speeding bullet once.” Kara deadpanned.

  “Okay, I have to ask, why only once?” The nurse asked.

  “Because it hurts like hell.” Kara smiled as everyone laughed.

  “That is a very good reason. Would you like that IV out now?”

  “Yes, please.” Kara held her arm out letting the nurse take care of it.

  Within twenty minutes, they were wheeling her down while Susie went to get the car. Kara got in the back seat carefully, leaving the front for Cameron and his long legs. Apparently, he had other ideas, because he crawled in the back on the other side of her. When she opened her mouth to protest, he shook his head at her, and put his arm around her.

  “Is there anything y’all need on the way home?” Susie asked as they pulled out.

  “Food.” Kara called out. “Oh, and my medicine.”

  “I can go back out and get your medicine after I get you home, and we can stop for food.” Susie told her.

  They agreed on fast food, so she wouldn’t have to get out, and after eating, they were on their way again. Kara dozed off, and woke to find her head on Cameron’s chest, and his arm wrapped around her with his hand resting on her hip. Her left arm was propped up on his thigh. She could feel his muscles even through his jeans. Good Lord, this man was nothing but muscle. The hand on her hip squeezed, and she looked up to find him smiling down at her.

  “Home sweet home.” Susie said as she pulled up to his house.

  “Thank you, Susie.” Cameron said as he gently pulled away from her and got out. Kara took a deep breath as she opened her door, bracing for the pain that was going to shoot through her leg. Before she even put her leg out of the car, Cameron picked her up.

  “Cameron, I can walk.” She said putting her cast arm around him.

  “Why should you have to? I can carry you so that it doesn’t hurt your leg.” Cameron said pulling her tighter against him.

  “You can’t carry me everywhere, I need to use it some.” She said laying her head in the crook of his neck.

  “You can walk in the house. I’m sure walking up the steps would hurt worse than on flat ground.” He had a point, so she nodded. He didn’t release her until he set her down on the couch.

  “Do you need pillows to prop your arm or leg on?” He asked as he kissed her forehead.

  “Not right now.” She just wanted to relax right now.

  “I’m going to go pick up your meds. I will be back soon.” Susie was walking out the door before she finished talking.

  Cameron set a glass of tea on the coffee table near her, then gently moved her legs. He sat beside her, t
hen pulled her legs into his lap. He turned on the TV, then put the remote on her stomach and laid his hands on her legs. She narrowed her eyes at him, wondering if placing the remote on her stomach was his way of making fun of her weight. Cameron wouldn’t do that, she was sure of that. She glanced over and saw an action movie was playing. She didn’t really care, she was just happy to be out of the hospital. Cameron’s thumbs stopped the steady circular motion he had be doing, making her look up at him. Poor guy was sound asleep.

  When Susie came back, Kara motioned for her to be quiet. Susie handed her the bag, kissed her cheek, then left. Kara wanted to touch him, but she couldn’t from where she was and moving would wake him up. About an hour later, there was a knock on the door. Cameron jerked awake, causing her leg to move. It was time for a pill after that.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Cameron said looking over at her.

  “I’m okay. I think it’s time for my meds anyway.” Kara said as she pushed herself up on the couch.

  “I need to make you a sandwich to eat so that the antibiotics don’t hurt your stomach.” Cameron said slowly sliding out from under her legs as someone knocked on the door again.

  “Might want to get the door first.” Kara smiled at him as he leaned down to kiss the top of her head before going to the door.

  “Of course, come on in.” She heard Cameron say as he stepped back to let a man she didn’t know in the door. “Kara, this is the SBI guy. He needs to take your statement.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am. I’m sorry it’s under these circumstances.” The man said stepping forward to shake her hand.

  “Nice to meet you, and I’m sorry if this seems rude, but may I see your badge.” Kara felt weird asking, but she needed to see it and know he was who he said he was. She knew Cameron wouldn’t let just anyone in their home. Wow, was she already thinking of this as their home?

  “No problem.” He said as he pulled it out and showed it to her. “After all you have been through, I would expect nothing less.” When she nodded, he put it back in his pocket, and sat in the recliner near her.

  “May I get you something to drink? I was just going to make her a sandwich so she can take her medicine.” Cameron asked politely.

  “No. Thank you.” He replied.

  “If you can just bring me the peanut butter, and crackers, that will be enough for now.” Kara watched him narrow his eyes as if he was trying to see if it would be enough, he nodded and went to the kitchen.

  “Mrs. Denton, I know this is the last thing you want to do, but I need you to tell me everything that happened. Can you please start with when you started dating him?” She narrowed her eyes wondering how he knew this wasn’t random. “Your husband said this started a few years ago, was that not correct?”

  “Yes, sir. I didn’t realize he told you. It started over four years ago.” She began, then relayed everything that had happened all the way up to yesterday. Cameron had come back, and had his arm around her as she told her story. She couldn’t stop a few tears from escaping, but she didn’t think anyone could have.

  “You are a very strong and determined woman, Mrs. Denton. Cameron, you are a lucky man.” The man stood up and shook Cameron’s hand before Cameron shut the door behind him.

  “Sweetheart, you need to eat and take your medicine. I will make dinner later tonight.” Cameron said as he walked back over to her.

  Kara took a couple deep breaths to calm her racing thoughts as she looked up at him. He must have saw her inner struggle. The wonderful man sat down beside her, and rubber her back slowly melting the tension gathering there. She ate a couple peanut butter crackers, then took her medicine. Cameron helped her stand, and steady herself, then she carefully walked to the bathroom. She wanted to go to bed, but it was way too early. When she got back to the couch, Cameron was leaned against a corner, and he had a pillow against him, and a blanket across the back for her to cover up with.

  He looked up at her and smiled, making her heart skip a few beats. This man packed a punch, even with her in quite a bit of pain, his smile lit her up. He patted the pillow against him, and she smiled. He was in the left corner of the couch, so that when she laid down, her cast was up in the air. He draped his arm across her, and rested his hand on her hip. His hand was so big, it actually made her feel small in comparison.

  They had known each other for a long time, but she was shocked at how comfortable she was with his touch. She hadn’t wanted anyone’s touch since she escaped Aiden. It took her a while to get comfortable with the girls always touching her, and that was only friendly hugs, or linking arms. Those warm whiskey colored eyes had put her at ease every time she saw them, it was yet another reason she avoided them. No man could be as good as Cameron appeared to be, or that is what she used to think. Now, he was taking really good care of her. She licked her lips, feeling the healing split from the first beating. She wondered what it would be like if he really kissed her, when he kissed her. He had said he would in the hospital. She had only meant to close her eyes to day dream, but apparently that turned in to sweet dreams of his firm lips on hers, and her kissing that dimple in his chin.

  Kara came awake slowly. She was so warm, and comfortable. She snuggled deeper into her pillow, and felt a light squeeze on her hip. Tipping her head back, she looked at her make shift bed. She had moved at some point, and put her cast arm across his leg with her fingers resting on his lower stomach. As she fought a blush, she tried to move her hand. Cameron quickly set his free hand on top of hers, holding it against him. She had been careful about touching him, but it seemed like he might want her touch.

  *****

  He watched Kara. Those sleepy light green eyes were messing with him. When she tried to pull away they had clouded over, but when he stopped her, those storm clouds rolled away leaving a beautiful green that reminded him of spring and new beginnings. Her face was bruised, but all he saw was the beautiful woman she was. He could still see a few freckles on the uninjured side of her face. His eyes drifted to those sweet pouty lips, those could easily bring him to his knees. He had to get his self under control. She needed to heal, not have him drooling after her.

  “I’ll go make dinner.” He said waiting for her to sit up so he wouldn’t hurt her.

  He stood up and went straight to the kitchen. It was time to distract himself. Looking through the cabinets and fridge, he found stuff for lasagna. That took a while to make and would keep him busy. He was trying to get her to relax, but it had back fired on him. If she knew how much he wanted her, she would probably run screaming for Susie’s.

  As he cooked the meat, and got everything together, he thought of all the little things he had learned about her. He was already attracted to her before all of this, but he had sensed she wouldn’t welcome any advances. Now that she was here, she was turning into his own personal diamond. She had so many faucets that made her shine. Her beauty was beyond compare to him, but her personality made her sparkle. Even with her in pain she smiled, and laughed, and joked. With her life in danger, she had threatened him if he got hurt protecting her. Truth be told, he would have gladly taken that bullet, and broken arm for her. Dear God, this woman already had him wrapped around her finger and she didn’t even know it. As he put the lasagna in the oven, her heard the front door open. In a panic, he slammed the over door, and ran to Kara.

  *****

  Kara was so confused. She had been so content when she woke up, but when he looked at her, his eyes had darkened and he got up. She had gotten up to go to the bathroom and when she looked in the mirror her heart almost stopped. No wonder he jumped up so fast. Her face was black and blue, and it was still swollen some too. A tear slid down her face and she wiped it away quickly. Poor man, she was all but drooling over him while he had to look at this mess. She quickly used the restroom, well as quickly as she could with one arm, and pain shooting through her leg.

  As she entered the living room, she caught sight of the porch swing and shivere
d. No way. She was not going to let fear paralyze her. The best way to deal with what scared you was to face it. She straightened her spine, and squared her shoulders, then walked to the door. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door. One foot in front of the other, she reminded herself. It’s just a swing, the person that hurt me is gone. He will never hurt me or anyone else again.

  “What the hell are you doing?” Cameron’s deep voice and angry tone startled her, causing her to stumble. Before she could fall, strong arms wrapped around her and kept her up right.

  “No.” She said as he tried to pull her back in the house.

  “Kara, just come inside. Dinner will be ready in about an hour.” Cameron tugged on her again.

  “Cameron, stop. I need to do this.” She tried to pull away, but he moved in front of her.

  “Why Kara? What is so important out here?” His eyes showed a fear she had never seen in him.

  “I can’t let fear stop me. Rationally, I know the swing didn’t hurt me, but I still got scared when I saw it. I need to prove to myself I can do this.” Kara knew he didn’t understand from the confused look on his face.

  “Kara, it was yesterday. Give your body time to heal, then we can work on your fears.” Cameron rubbed her cheek gently.

  “I feel the fear all the way in my soul. I need to face this. I’m afraid if I don’t, I won’t be able to stay here. Every time I see the swing will trigger only that memory. I need a new memory here, a good one of peace. I know you don’t understand, but this is something I have to do.” Kara kissed his palm.

  “I can just take the stupid thing down. Then you won’t have to look at it anymore. I’ll burn the damn thing if it will make this better.” Cameron would do it too. She knew he would do anything to help her.