Behind The Book (Sexy #2)

by Heather Dahlgren

  “Listen, we’re going to let you guys get some rest.”

  Blake is completely unashamed to stand up and show everyone he’s been crying. The love this man has for me is indescribable. He hugs Jax and they hold on to each other for a bit, both quietly talking. Everyone else comes over to me and says goodbye. Jax is the last one to leave and he smiles down at me. “Take care of my brother.” I nod and choke back the tears. He gives me a kiss goodbye and promises to be back in the morning.

  Blake walks everyone out, and after a bit, he comes back to the room with a bottle of soda for each of us. “I asked the nurse, and she said you can have this.” I take it from him, open it, and take a small sip. It feels good on my throat.

  “Thank you.” He moves his chair to the other side of me and reaches for my hand again. “He wasn’t like this when we first met, you know. He was sweet, funny, and romantic. He used to take me out all the time. We had a ton of friends. We used to get drunk at the bar and go back to the dorms, trying to finish writing assignments drunk.” He gives me a half-smile and I squeeze his hand. “It was after he asked me to marry him. We had already been living together, but it all changed when he put that ring on my finger. He never let me write, unless it was editing his work. He told me I had rules to follow, and as long as I followed them, we would be happy.” I choke back a sob and he kisses my lips.

  “Don’t, baby. You don’t need to talk about it.”

  I look into his eyes and shake my head. “Yes, I do. Please let me get it out. I’ve never said any of it out loud.” I can see the pain clear on his face, but he nods his head. “Rules were no more friends—we only needed each other. Only approved writing was allowed. No more makeup unless it was red lipstick for sex. I was only to wear dresses, no more pants. I had to have my hair done at all times. Dinner was to be ready when he got home. The list went on and on. I tried to follow his rules, and for a while, I did, but I was so lonely. I started writing on paper, and he always found it and I always paid for it. I just couldn’t give it up. These characters were talking, and I wanted to write it. It just started happening all the time. I didn’t wear a dress he liked, my hair was a mess, or dinner wasn’t ready. It was just too much. He found a book I had been writing for a while and beat me, just like this. He made me burn my book.” I can’t stop the tears, but I don’t want to, because I need to finally feel it all. “I laid on the living room floor and didn’t move until he went to work. Even though I was in excruciating pain, I grabbed what I could, threw it in my car, and drove. I didn’t stop until I made it to California. I was afraid if I stopped, someone would ask what happened to me, or he would catch up to me.” He wipes my tears and I see his fall onto the bed.

  “Baby, I can’t believe you went through all of that. It kills me. It tears me apart to hear about it. Everything makes sense now. You were scared to get close to me because you thought I’d hurt you too. You thought I’d be like him.” We’re both sobbing at this point.

  “That wasn’t it at all, Blake. I didn’t think you’d hit me, but I didn’t trust anyone. Everyone is great, until you get to really know them. That’s what I was scared of, to fall in love with you and you not be who I thought you were. That’s why I had no friends of my own. I just didn’t trust anyone, but it’s because of you that I do now or I’m starting to. I trust you with my whole heart.”

  He kisses my hand and takes a breath. “London, wait―do you want me to call you that?” I nod my head and he continues. “All right, London, I told you all along that I wouldn’t hurt you, but that’s when I thought you had just had your heart broken. Now I think I need to make you a different promise.” He stands up and leans over me, putting his hands on either side of my head. He looks into my eyes, or what he can of the one, and I catch one last tear. “London, I promise you that I will always support your dreams. I will always encourage you, tell you how beautiful you are, and cook for you when you want.” I giggle and he winks before continuing. “I will treat you with all the respect in the world. I will keep your life filled with friends, laughter, and fun. I promise you when I put a ring on your finger, I will be the same man that I was yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I’m no one special, London, but you make me feel like I am, and I promise to always make you feel the same.” I’m crying again, but this time it’s not because of my past or what happened, it’s the love that I have with Blake. A love that will only be stronger with each day we share.

  “I love you so much, Blake. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.”

  He brushes my hair off my face and smiles at me. “I love you too, London. I’ll protect you until my last breath.”

  ***

  It’s been a week since the attack, and Blake has not left my side. I wasn’t ready to go to my house yet, so I’ve been staying with him. The first few days home from the hospital, he wouldn’t let me out of bed. He brought me my meals and stayed in the bathroom with me while I showered. I finally convinced him that I was good enough to go sit outside, so that’s where we’ve been for the last few hours. We haven’t done much talking about the attack or what I confessed to him, but I think that’s because we said it all. We both shed enough tears and said everything we felt we needed to say. I did tell him that even though my legal name is Laken and I want to remember who I was prior to Axel, I don’t want to be called that. I’m London now, and that’s just the way it’s going to stay.

  Blake is on the phone talking with Jax, I assume. He has given us full run of the house and stayed with Kallie, which I said wasn’t necessary, but he insisted I need the time to heal. Everyone came to see me when I got home, but they haven’t been back. I believe my man has given them instructions to stay away. My first night home was hard. I did cry a lot, but not because of the pain. That was something I was used to. I cried because my computer was destroyed, my paperback books were torn apart, and all my swag was gone. Blake, of course, told me as soon as I was healed, we would go get a better computer for me. I was so grateful that I had left my flash drives at Shannon’s because I knew those books were safe. I told Shannon when she left the other day to mail them to Blake’s because until I knew exactly what was going to happen with Axel, I was still on edge.

  “Hey, London?” I look over at Blake, who’s standing by the pool. “Jax and Kallie want to come over for dinner. Are you up for that?”

  “Hell yes.” He chuckles and puts the phone back to his ear. I watch him pace back and forth in front of the pool and I smile. After a few minutes, he comes back over to me and sits down.

  “You sure you want company tonight?”

  God, I love this man. “Yes, I’m positive. What time are they coming?”

  He looks at his phone and laughs. “An hour. Do you want to shower before they get here?” I nod and go to push myself up, but he rushes over to help me. “I’m right here. Stop trying to do shit for yourself.” I giggle but quickly stop when I feel the pain in my ribs. “I can’t wait until you feel no more pain.” I kiss his bicep and he winks at me. “I have big plans.” I laugh and need to stop walking for a second. “Shit, sorry.”

  “Stop apologizing. I want to laugh, but it just hurts.” We go into the bathroom, and he helps me undress and get into the shower. He brought everything I’d need from my house so I have my shampoo and soap. Even though washing my hair sucks, I do it as quickly as I can, wash my body, and rinse off. I don’t even need to check. I know Blake is sitting on the toilet waiting for me. “Blake?” He pushes the curtain open and searching to see if I’m hurt. “Sorry, I’m fine. Umm, okay, this is weird, but can you shave my legs for me? Bending like that is extremely painful.” He closes the curtain, and a minute later, he gets in the shower, naked. “What are you doing?” I try so hard not to laugh, but it comes out.

  “Well, I thought getting in here with my clothes on would be weird.” I smile and shake my head. “All right, let’s do this fast because I promised I wasn’t going to do anything sexual until you’re healed, but seeing the water run over your bod
y is pushing me to my breaking point.” Even though I want him so badly, I know how terribly it would hurt, so I just tell him how to shave my legs. He gets down on his knees in front of me, the water pounding on him, and I need to close my eyes. He rubs the soap on my legs and slowly starts shaving them. It is all too much, and I am getting so turned on.

  “Shit, stop.” I open my eyes and he removes his hands right away.

  “Did I cut you?”

  Fuck, he is so damn sweet. “No, you didn’t cut me. This is turning me on.”

  He stands up and gently wraps his arms around me. “I know. This is killing me too, but until your ribs are healed, we just have to wait.” I drop my head forward onto his bare, wet chest and sigh. He chuckles and kisses my head. “Think of it this way. The buildup will make it that much better.” I lift my head and raise my eyebrows. “All right, the buildup will make the first time fast as fuck, but the second time, I promise, will be amazing.” We both laugh, and it hurts, but I just don’t care.

  ***

  Kallie and Jax have been here for a few hours and it has been great. It makes me feel that much closer to being back to myself. “London, I know I said it before, but I really can’t believe how great you healed. The swelling is all but gone, and if it wasn’t for the bruising and stitches, I would have never believed what you looked like before.”

  It makes me feel so good to know that I’m starting to appear normal again. “Thank you. I just can’t wait for these ribs to heal and get back to my life.” She shakes her head, agreeing with me, and we start talking about books. She recently read all of my books, which was really flattering. Now, she’s begging me to tell her what happens in the next book.

  “Kallie, I think we took up enough of their time. Plus, I leave for a shoot in two days, so you know.” He gives her a wink and I smile. I love watching them together. After all this time, you’d think they are just recently dating.

  I hug them both, causing me pain in the process, and we all walk inside. I took a pain pill after dinner, and it is definitely kicking in. I’m exhausted. “Thank you both for dinner.” They walk to the door, and before they open it, the doorbell rings. We all stare at each other, and Kallie comes to stand by me, while Blake and Jax answer the door. I don’t know what the hell to think when I see the police, but my heart starts pounding in my chest and I start to cry. Kallie hugs me and I hear Blake invite them in the house.

  “I’m sorry to bother you, but I need to speak with Ms. Tweed.” I glance over at them, and Kallie releases me when Blake walks over. “Ma’am, perhaps you’d like to speak in private.” Blake wraps his arm around me and I shake my head.

  “Definitely not.” He nods and he and his partner give me a small smile. What the fuck?

  “Ma’am, you know that we placed Axel Martin under arrest.” I nod my head, and my heart is really pounding now. “Well, we thought we should let you know that he has committed suicide.” I can’t even find the words right now, and I stare at them with wide eyes. “Not sure you want the details, but he hung himself with a sheet in his cell. So, this case is officially closed, and you, ma’am, are safe.” I still can’t formulate any words, and I start crying.

  I no longer have to live in fear. No more looking over my shoulder. No more pretending. It’s over. I’m safe.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Blake

  It has been the longest six weeks of my life. After we found out Axel had killed himself, the relief was felt throughout the room. Obviously, London was the one who was the most relieved and she told me that night that for the first time in years, she felt completely safe. It made me feel like shit that I couldn’t give her that, but I guess when you know a crazy prick is out there, nothing can help. She still wasn’t comfortable going home, which hell, I loved. I wanted her with me at all times.

  Over the next couple of weeks, she started to heal, and not just physically. It has been such an unbelievable thing to watch. She went back to work last week, and I could see it was draining on her. She came home that first night and fell asleep in my arms watching TV, before we even ate dinner. Each day, she was able to do more, and now it’s been six weeks, and after a doctor’s visit, we know she is completely healed. It added to the relief I already felt. Not only was I relieved she was finally healed, but after what feels like months, we can have sex.

  It’s taken everything in me the last few weeks to not throw her on the bed and show her how much I love her. We even decided after that shower when she asked me to shave her legs, it was best not to see each other naked. I haven’t seen her naked in weeks. I am excited for her to see me naked though, and not just because I love the feel of her skin on mine. About three weeks ago, she had a girls’ day with Kallie and Brinley here, so Jax and I went out. We ended up at Tony’s tattoo shop and we both got a new tattoo. He got Kallie’s lips on his arm, and I got the word “trust” on my chest. I had him place it right where London lays her head at night and where she kisses. I fucking love how it turned out. Tony is a damn genius. I am so excited for her to see it tonight, and believe me, she will see it tonight.

  I get off work early, so I shower and order each of us a meal from the Italian restaurant we went to on our first date. I run to pick up the food, and on the way home, I stop to get her a bouquet of wildflowers. The tattoo is not the only surprise I have for her tonight.

  When I get home, I put the food in the oven to keep it hot and lay the flowers on the table so I can grab them when she walks in. I check the clock. I have twenty minutes before she gets home, so I go outside to have a smoke. My phone rings and it’s Jax.

  “Hey, brother, what’s up?” I take a drag and sit down looking out at the trees.

  “I know we should sit down to have this talk, but I need to tell someone.” I smile because I’m sure I know it before he even says anything. “I’m going to ask Kallie to marry me.”

  I fucking knew it. “Fuck, I’m so happy for you guys. When are you doing it?” I seriously can’t believe he’s going to get married. It’s hard to believe.

  “We both have shoots coming up, so I want it to be after that. I’m thinking a few weeks. Would you go with me to pick out a ring?”

  I put my smoke out and stand up, smiling. “Fuck yes. You tell me when and I’ll be there. This is fucking huge, like my dick.” He bursts out laughing, and we talk for a few more minutes. He hurries me off the phone when Kallie walks in the door, and I hang up, still smiling. I go in the house just in time for London to walk in the door. I grab the flowers and walk into the living room. “Hey, baby. How was work?”

  She tilts her head and grins when she sees the flowers. “Thank you so much. What’s the occasion?” I wrap my arms around her and press my lips to hers, kissing the hell out of her. She moans and I pull back because I want to get through dinner before I chase her into the bedroom, but she has my cock begging for more.

  I grab her hand and lead her to the kitchen. “No occasion, just because I love you.” She hugs me and kisses my chest, right on top of my tattoo. “Sit down and I’ll get dinner on the table.” She raises her eyebrows and gives me a look of complete shock. I pull our dinner out of the oven and put our meals on a plate. I carry them to the table and I put her plate in front of her.

  “Oh my God, this is just like our first date.” I sit down across from her and take in her face. I’m doing awesome so far.

  “Yes, it is. So dig in.” I give her a wink, and we start eating and talking about our day. It is so great to have her back, not having to worry that she’s hurting. I know the emotional wounds still have a way to go, but I will help her with that too. I finish eating and sip on my beer, waiting for her.

  “Blake, seriously, this was delicious. I can’t believe you thought to do this. It was so sweet.”

  I clear our plates and stand by her. “I’m a sweet guy, what can I say?” She laughs and it’s music to my ears when there is no groan of pain after it. I hold out my hand and help her stand. “Let’s sit outside for a little bit
.” We go out and sit in the lounges and I grab a cigarette. “You know, you haven’t had a cigarette since you’ve been here. That’s impressive.”

  She laughs again and smiles at me. “I haven’t needed one. Well, I probably could have when I first came home from the hospital, but no way was I risking any more pain if I coughed.” I chuckle and blow out a puff of smoke. We sit listening to the pool run, the birds chirp, and the annoying dog next door. When I put out my smoke, I turn to her.

  “London, I have a surprise for you.” She gets excited and claps her hands together, like a kid. I laugh and pull it out of my pants. Not my cock. Damn, get your head out of the gutter. I hand her the envelope I pulled out of my pocket and she peeks at me. “Open it.”

  She slowly lifts the flap and pulls out two plane tickets. She looks at them and back up at me, in shock. “Wait, what?”

  I laugh and kneel in front of her. “So, I took it upon myself to get in touch with your parents.” She goes to talk, but I place my finger over her lips. “Let me finish. I wanted to do it, not for me, but for you. I want you to be able to go home and visit them and the property you love so much.” She gets tears in her eyes and I lean forward to kiss her lips. “I called your parents and they were all too willing to get to know me. They did apologize for the way they treated me in the hospital, and I told them it’s not me they need to apologize to.”

  She throws her arms around me and starts to cry. “I can’t believe you did all that and that you remembered from our first date how much I love it there.”

  I push her back so she can see my face. “Baby, I remember everything you say, no matter how unimportant you think it may be.” She presses her lips to mine, and we share a very sweet, soft kiss. When we break apart, I wipe the remaining tears on her face. “We leave in two weeks. I did book us a hotel, though. I don’t exactly want to be on vacation with you and not be able to fuck you senseless.” We laugh and she stands up, holding her hand out to me.