by J. L. Perry
“Thank you,” I say, relieved.
All my nerves vanish as I walk briskly down the hallway towards the bed. They’re set out in a large ‘U’ pattern, with the nurse’s station positioned in the centre. Approaching bed 20, I find the curtains drawn on all three sides. Lifting one corner back, I peek inside. My heart hurts when I see her lying there all alone, staring up at the ceiling.
“Are you feeling up to a visitor?” I ask. Fuck, it’s so good to see her!
“Ryan,” she says, her face lighting up. She grabs her side and groans as she sits herself up.
I’m beside her bed in an instant, pulling her into my arms. It was only a few hours ago that I wondered if I’d ever get to hold her again.
“I’m so sorry,” I whisper into her hair, when I hear her softly crying into my chest.
“How is your mum?” she asks.
“She’s a bit shaken, but she’s okay. After being looked over by the doctor, she was released. She’s staying next door, with Yvonne.”
“I feel responsible for ….”
“Shh,” I say, cutting her off and rubbing my hand down her back.
Drawing back, she wipes the tears from her face. “I thought he was going to kill both of us,” she chokes out. “I had to get him away from the house, away from her.”
“I know,” I say, pulling her into me again.
We hold each other for the longest time. I don’t want to let her go.
Eventually, I encourage her to lay back down, as she needs her rest.
I grab the chair by the far wall and place it next the bed.
She gives me a weak smile when I reach for her hand. The rope burns on her wrists from where she was bound are clearly visible. It upsets me to see them, and brings back memories of the first day I met her.
When the car they were travelling in hit the road spikes, Wade continued on undeterred, driving until the wheels were down to the bare metal. When the vehicle became hard to control, he jumped out, crossed the medium strip, and flagged down a car travelling northbound before high jacking it. He only made it five minutes down the road before losing control and crashing at high speed into a tree. The car was split in two, killing him instantly. We can all be grateful he was the only fatality.
An instant death was too good for him, but I’m relieved that Morgan is now free of him. It’s a miracle nobody else lost their life during his rampage.
When Morgan was found, she was hogtied like an animal in the boot of the car.
“What did the doctor say? Has someone looked you over?”
“Yes. Apparently, I’m dehydrated,” she answers, lifting her arm slightly, to show me the fluid drip that’s been inserted in her hand. “I’m still waiting for the results of the x-rays. The doctor thinks at worst I may have a few broken ribs.”
Pulling her hand towards my face, I place a soft kiss on her knuckles.
“I’m sorry I let you down.”
“This is in no way your fault, Ryan,” she says.
“But I promised I’d keep you safe.”
“Please don’t beat yourself up. It was just one of those unfortunate situations. None of us knew what was awaiting us.”
Despite her protests, I lift her from the car and carry her into the house, heading straight to my bedroom. She was kept in hospital overnight for observations, and released earlier today. Even though the doctor gave her the all clear, I still want her to rest. She’s been through so much, and my overprotective side has kicked in. She’s my life. Almost losing her has made me see just how much I need her in my life. I want to hold on to her tight and never let go.
“I can walk, you know.”
“I know,” I say with a chuckle. I’m continually awed by her strength.
After gently placing her on my bed, I stand to full height. The bruise on her cheek has darkened and it makes me feel sick inside.
“Can I get you anything?” I ask, trying to mask my inner turmoil. “A drink? Maybe something to eat?”
“I just need you,” she replies, reaching out to me. “I don’t want to be alone.”
Her words tug on my heart strings. Even though she said she doesn’t blame me for not being able to protect her like I promised, I’m still beating myself up for it.
She shimmies into the middle of bed, tapping the space beside her. “Lay with me.”
After pulling my shirt over my head and sliding off my shoes, I lie down beside her. She turns onto her side to face me, so I do the same.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I ask, tucking her hair behind her ear.
“I am. I’m happy to be here with you,” she replies with a smile.
“I’m sorry—” She puts her finger over my mouth, cutting me off.
“No more apologies.”
“I still hate that I let you down,” I say, as a lump forms in the back of my throat.
“You didn’t. You saved me. I would hate to see what would’ve become of me if you didn’t pull me over all those months ago and encourage me to stay. You are, and always will be, the best thing that has ever happened in my life.”
She brings her face forward, brushing her lips against mine.
“You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me too,” I reply, because it’s the truth. She’s enriched my life in so many ways.
Sliding my arm around her waist, I gently pull her to me until our bodies are flush. I place a soft kiss on her forehead before drawing back to look at her. I’m so thankful to have her back safe and sound.
Her eyes lock with mine, and my heart sinks when I see them pool with tears. “Morgan,” I say, brushing the tip of my thumb across her cheek to catch the stray tear.
“I’m okay, honestly.”
I want to believe her, but when a few more tears fall I have my doubts.
“What you went through with ….” I pause because I can’t even bring myself to voice his name. Death was too good for that fucker.
“I don’t want to talk about it anymore,” she says. “I just want to forget.” Before I have a chance to respond, her mouth covers mine. “Make love to me, Ryan. Help me forget.”
That is the last thing I expected her to say. Trepidation fills me. The last time we almost went all the way, she had a panic attack. After what she went through yesterday, chances are, it will happen again.
“Please,” she pleads. The vulnerability I see on her face tugs at my heart. “I won’t freak out again, I promise.”
“I don’t think now is the right time.”
“I can still feel his hands and his mouth all over me, Ryan.” Her words send rage running through me, I’m going to be beating myself up for a long time about this. I’ll never forgive myself for letting her down.
A small sob escapes her as she buries her face in my chest. “Please … please help that feeling go away.”
How can I say no to that? I may never forget what happened, but I’d give anything to make it all go away for her.
I place my finger under her chin, gently lifting her face to meet mine. “On one condition,” I say.
“Anything,” she replies.
“Same deal as last time. If at any time you want me to stop, just say the word.” She nods her head. “I mean it, Morgan.”
“I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”
I don’t know what I did to deserve her either, but whatever it was I’m thankful.
I take things slowly. I need her to be one hundred percent sure.
She senses my hesitation and pushes me onto my back before straddling me. She looks down at me and smiles, then pulls her T-shirt up and over her head. I grab hold of her waist when her hands disappear behind her back to unclasp her bra. She has no idea how fucking beautiful she is.
My eyes move to her perfect breasts. There are bruises all over her body, so I need the distraction. I can’t let the harrowing sight of her injuries ruin this moment for her.
Lifting my torso off the mattress, I gently suck one of her plump nipples into my mout
h.
“Ryan,” she moans, tilting her head back.
Pulling her body flush with mine, I roll her onto her back. My mouth and hands are everywhere as I try to erase all signs of Wade, while being mindful not to place my hands anywhere near her neck. She doesn’t seem to mind my lips there though.
Making my way down her body, I continue on my mission. I’m not entirely sure what he did to her, but I do know she wasn’t raped. I got a chance to speak to the doctor last night while Morgan slept. I needed to find out exactly what she was dealing with so I can do everything in my power to aid her recovery.
Looking up, I smile when I reach her waist. “You still want to keep going?” I ask. Her needs will always be my first priority.
“Please,” she says without hesitation. Stretching her arms towards me, she runs her fingers through my hair. “Don’t stop!”
I reach for the waistband of her leggings. I went to the shops this morning to buy her some clean clothes. She kept asking over and over if she could shower before she was discharged.
Standing, I remove her leggings and underwear in one swift movement. I need to taste her again; I’m addicted to her scent.
I discard my own clothing before kneeling down beside the bed. Reaching for her, I gently drag her body down the mattress, placing her legs on my shoulders to spread her wide.
“In this moment,” I say, making eye contact with her, “you couldn’t be more beautiful.”
My eyes don’t leave hers as I lower my face to swirl circles around her clit with my tongue, which makes her eyes roll back in her head. My cock throbs when she arches her back and moans. I’m already on edge and I’m not even inside her yet.
It doesn’t take long for her to reach her peak, her body trembling under the weight of my mouth. Seeing her come undone has fast become one of my favourite things ever.
After placing a chaste kiss on her inner thigh, I raise my head and smile as I wipe her juices from my mouth.
“I could do that all day,” I growl. Because, fuck me, I could.
“Yes, please,” she giggles.
I place my hands under her arms, encouraging her to move up the bed.
She opens her legs to me as I crawl over the mattress, settling between her thighs.
“I need you inside me, Ryan,” she begs, tugging lightly on my hair.
I prop myself up on one arm, as I reach for the top drawer of my bedside table to retrieve a condom.
With the foil wrapper placed between my teeth, I use both arms to push myself up, then kneel back on my haunches. She watches my every move as I tear open the packet, and roll it down over my rock hard cock.
I thought I’d be nervous when we finally reached this point again, but I’m not. In this moment it seems right; it’s exactly what we both need. Yesterday showed us just how short life can be, and how we need to make the most of every moment because none of us are guaranteed a tomorrow.
When I settle back between her legs, I look down at her as I brush the hair off her face. “You still want to do this?” I ask.
“Yes,” she breathes. “I need you more than I need air.” I love that she said that. She’s made me feel the exact same way on many occasions.
I gently place my mouth over hers, putting my whole heart into our kiss. I don’t want to fuck her; I want to make love to her. She needs to see how beautiful sex can be when it’s with someone who cares.
Reaching for one of her legs, I wrap it around my waist. The anticipation to be finally inside her is almost too much.
I gently rub my cock along her opening as I deepen the kiss. She moans into my mouth as I gently slide inside her.
Pulling out of the kiss, I draw back to see her face. “Are you okay?” I ask, just making sure one last time.
“I’m better than okay,” she replies, as a beautiful smile breaks out onto her face.
Rolling my hips forward, I push all the way in until I’m buried balls deep in her heaven.
“Jesus, Morgan,” I groan. “You feel so good.” I still for a moment, giving her time to adjust.
Only when she wraps her other leg around my waist, do I move. I thrust into her in leisurely, long strokes. I’m already on the brink of coming, but I want to drag this moment out as long as I can. Being intimate with her is way more than I ever dreamt it would be. The feelings she evokes in me at times are overwhelming.
Her body moves in sync with mine. When her legs tighten their grip around my waist and her fingernails dig into my back, I know she’s close.
“Come for me, babe,” I whisper, picking up the pace. Christ, I want to bury myself inside her and never leave.
The moment I feel her inner walls clenching around my cock, I let go myself, coming hard.
“Oh god, Ryan,” she moans, which only seems to heighten this feeling.
“Morgan,” I grunt, thrusting into her a few more times. I don’t want this sensation to ever end.
I’m still deep inside her as I lift my head so I can see her face. We’re both breathless.
“Wow,” is all she says.
Wow is an understatement. Nobody has ever come close to making me feel a fraction of what she does. There’s something I’ve known for a long time now, and after everything that’s happened, I need to tell her. As I drove around looking for her yesterday, I was kicking myself for not having the balls to tell her exactly how I feel.
“I love you, Morgan.”
A smile breaks onto her face, as tears fill her eyes. “You do?”
“With every inch of my heart,” I admit.
“Oh, Ryan.” I’m taken aback when she buries her face in my chest and starts to sob.
“Jesus, Morgan,” I say, pulling out and rolling off her. I’m not sure what reaction I was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t this. “I’m sorry. I got lost in the moment.”
“Don’t be sorry. I’m happy that you love me.”
“Well, sobbing into my chest makes me think you’re not.”
“They’re happy tears. The last person to tell me they loved me was my mum. It’s been years since somebody has said those words to me.” She bows her head before continuing. “I didn’t realise how much I’d missed hearing those words until now.” A smile creeps onto her face again as her eyes meet mine once more. “It’s nice to be loved.”
Her words break my heart. I don’t think a day has ever passed that my mother hasn’t told me she loves me. It’s something I’ve always taken for granted until now.
Placing my finger under her chin, I raise her face to meet mine.
“I love you too,” she says, running her hand down the side of my face. “I love you so much.”
A huge smile breaks out on my face. Hearing her say she loves me too means everything. Absolutely fucking everything!
“Move in with me, Morgan?” After everything that’s happened, having her here with me is for the best.
She sits up, clutching the sheet to her chest. “You want me to move in with you?” I smile as I reach out to pull the sheet down. She doesn’t need to cover up in front of me. I love her body.
Using my elbow to push myself up, I place a soft kiss just below her ear. “Yes,” I whisper, as my mouth trails a path down her neck and across her collarbone. “I need you here with me.”
“Are you sure? Moving in with someone is a big step.”
Pulling back, I study her. “You don’t want to move in?”
“Yes, but only if you’re sure.”
“I want this,” I say, because I do. I’ve never wanted anything more in my life. Almost losing her only cemented how much she means to me. “You’re it for me. The one. The person I want to spend the rest of my life with.” I’m rambling, but I don’t care. She needs to know I’m all in.
“I want this too,” she admits. Her words make me so happy.
“Well, it’s settled.” I bring her gently with me as I lie back down. Our heads rest on the pillow as I gaze into her beautiful emerald eyes.
“You have no ide
a how happy you just made me,” I admit.
“I think I have a fair idea.” I can tell by the way she looks at me that she’s happy too.
“We can go over to Mum’s later and collect all your things. First, I need to make love to you again.”
“You won’t hear any complaints from me.”
I waited a long time to have her, but it was worth every second. Fuck was it worth it. Life is so much richer when you share it with someone you love.
I place my lips softly on her forehead. I’m still smiling. I seem to smile a lot when I’m with her. My work on the force has always given my life a purpose—a chance to give back. But Morgan gives my life meaning and a future to look forward to.
I’m going to cherish every minute of it!
This was a short story originally written for an anthology called COP TALES. One hundred percent of all money raised went to the Office Down Memorial Page. Even though I exceeded my allocated word count at the time, I felt like there is still so much more of Ryan and Morgan’s story to tell, hence why I’ve now extended Saviour and released the fuller version.
Domestic Violence is a subject close to my heart. Did you know that one in four women has experienced abuse by her partner, and over 72,000 women between 2016–2017 sought homelessness services in Australia alone due to family violence? So many more cases go unreported. On average, one woman a week is killed by a current or former partner. These are pretty frightening statistics. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call the numbers below.
Australia—Domestic & Family Violence Hotline—13 11 14
United States—The National Domestic Violence Hotline—1–800–799-SAFE (7233)
The United Kingdom—The National Domestic Violence Hotline—0808 2000 247
I was born and have lived in Sydney, Australia, for most of my life. Earlier this year, we decided on a tree change, buying acreage in the Hunter Valley region—wine country—where I now live with my husband and son. Paterson, where this story is set, is a picturesque little country town not far from where I’m now living.
I currently have ten published books—five self-published and five novels released through publishing giant, Hachette. My last six releases have all been #1 bestsellers, and my novel, Nineteen Letters, won the RWA Ruby Award for 2018 Romantic Book of the Year. A number of my stories have also been translated into different languages, including French, German, Hungarian, Czech and Hebrew.
