Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 33995 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 170(@200wpm)___ 136(@250wpm)___ 113(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33995 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 170(@200wpm)___ 136(@250wpm)___ 113(@300wpm)
The morning continues along the same lines. I spend my time occupying and feeding the children and escorting them to the restroom in shifts. In the afternoon, Ryan makes another appearance, his huge form almost completely darkened with soot and ash. The kids flock to him, and the little children begin to cry as he gives them ginger hugs.
“Don’t cry, sweethearts,” he soothes Rachel and Rufus. “Everything’s fine. We’re going to be safe.”
But with a long look my way, he leaves again, and my heart pounds. Even if we’re safe, will he be safe? I take a peek out of the window, and my heart swoops and crashes. The flames seem even brighter than yesterday, and more violent. A helicopter hovers overhead, spraying something onto the house next door. How can this fire rage for such a long time?
But plastering a smile on my face, I pop another video into the TV, and the kids settle down to watch.
“How about some popcorn?” I ask in a cheery voice. “Extra butter?”
The children cheer, and we get comfortable for another animated film. Thank god, these things usually run three hours, otherwise I don’t know what else I’d do.
With one eye on the movie, I glance at my phone to see how much time has passed, impatient to find out what’s going on outside. Denise calls after lunch but the signal is poor, so I switch to text. I explain the situation and after many OMGs, WTFs and other abbreviated responses, she makes me promise to stay safe.
Ryan returns for dinner but only to wolf it down while standing at the counter. It’s microwaved chicken and rice from some packets I found in the nursery cupboard. I’m thrilled when he pulls me aside to give me an update.
“Thank you, Regina,” he says in a low voice. “I can’t imagine how I’d be handling this without you.”
“Of course,” I reply. “It’s my pleasure. Just stay safe, okay Ryan? Don’t get hurt out there.”
He pauses for a moment, his fork still. The air between us is palpable. Can he hear the concern in my voice? How I’m afraid for his body, his health, and his sanity? He merely dips his head again, wolfs down the meal, and then leaves.
The rest of the evening passes by in a blur. I feel like I’m losing all track of time, although we’ve probably only been locked up for two days. The children settle down in their makeshift beds again, and I tell them stories until one by one, they drop off, their sweet heads nodding. Even Rico falls asleep, and I notice that he’s clutching a stuffed frog close to his chest. I smile. He’s right on the cusp of becoming a teen, but not quite there yet. The child remains.
I too, begin to doze. I try to stay awake, but the stillness inside the nursery drugs me. Soon, I go boneless on the small couch where I’ve made my bed, and I dream of Ryan.
His hands move all over my body. His face seems to transform from sweet and loving to dominant, strong, and desperate for me in an entirely different way. The dream feels wonderfully real and in my mind, I see him with ash and soot covering his body and can even smell the smoke from the inferno raging around our little island of paradise. Somehow, we’re safe, wherever we are.
His hands are rough and strong as they run over my curves. I arch into his touch, mewling his name. He whispers into my ear, teasing me with sweet nothings. I’m not only eager, willing, and excited for him to take me, but absolutely desperate for it to happen.
Of course, that’s when I wake up.
At first, I have no idea where I am. The room is dark and it’s hot. Incredibly hot, and I struggle a bit, trying to get out from under the covers.
But this particular blanket won’t move because it’s a blanket made of man. Specifically, one huge, hard, handsome man whose leg is currently thrown over mine as his hand rests on my breast. His handsome face is peaceful and mere inches from mine as it slumbers in peace.
What?
How did I get into Ryan’s bed?
My heart rate goes berserk as I try to remember. But I can’t. I was falling asleep in my little nest in the playroom, having a dirty dream about this very man. But now he’s here, in the flesh, and clasping me close like we belong together. My flesh molds to his, as if craving his heat and closeness.
Then, another thought strikes me. Quickly, I look down. Holy shit! I’m only wearing a tiny bra and the lacy pair of panties Denise teased me about. In fact, Ryan’s knee slips between my thighs as I watch, and presses teasingly against my mound. I suppress an urge to moan as tingles run through my clit. Is the man still asleep?