Page 40 of Catch My Fall
Why I suggested I take her to my house in Maine where it would be just the two of us, I have no idea. A lapse of judgement? A moment of weakness on my part? But when I came up with the idea earlier, it was anything but selfish, my intentions were pure. I did it because I saw the turmoil in her teary eyes, her need for an escape, and I was able to provide her with the means.
I’m not going to lie and say I don’t relish the idea of having her all to myself, but if her brother ever knew the extent of the thoughts I have in my head regarding his little sister, I’d have a bullet in my skull quicker than I could blink.
I won’t touch her, I made that promise to Gage before we left, I just chose to not finish my sentence…
I won’t touch her, unless she wants me to.
I would never take advantage of her, or anyone. I respect and care for her too much to do anything like that, especially considering what she’s been through. I would never give her reason to fear me and I would sooner put a bullet between my eyes than bring her harm. She’s still healing, still dealing with the trauma she went through just weeks ago, and I’m going to do anything I possibly can to help her through it.
My house in Maine is secluded. Surrounded by a dense forest where privacy is not an issue. It’s situated in Casco Bay, an inlet of the Gulf where a cluster of some two-hundred or so islands make up the southern coast of Maine. It overlooks the ocean. It’s calm, tranquil… the perfect setting for her try to begin to heal.
I glance to my right to find her sleeping, her eyes rolling behind her shut eyelids while her head rests against the window. Her lips part slightly with every breath, her chest rising and falling steadily.
I could watch her sleep for hours and never tire of the sight. I watched over her in the hospital more times than she knew. I’d sneak in long after she fell asleep and leave before she woke. It was as if I’d never been there.
The woman makes me crazy.
Remembering that I’m currently driving, my attention snaps to the road as I straddle the central line with a car coming the opposite way.
I veer back to the right, as the oncoming car’s horn blares as it passes.
My heart pounds. Fuck, I almost killed us just from a few seconds of letting my concentration slip.
What did I say? She’s a distraction, a dangerous one at that. One I’m positive is going to be the end of me sooner or later.
Sierra stirs beside me, yawning and stretching out her arms. “How long was I out?” Her voice is thick with sleep.
“About two hours.” I don’t blame her, she needed it. After her breakdown in her bedroom earlier she must be exhausted.
The sun is beginning to set and dark clouds roll in, drawing the day to a close.
Beside me, her stomach lets out a loud growl and without a word, I’m pulling off the interstate.
“What’re you doing?” she asks.
“Getting you fed. We can carry on once you’ve got some food inside you.”
“Really, we don’t have to, I’m fi—”
“Sierra,” I cut her off, “I swore to your brother I’d take care of you. Now, are you going to be a good girl and let me?”
“Yes, Dad,” she replies with a smirk and a roll of her eyes.
My fists tighten around the steering wheel. She’s testing me, and I’m determined not to let her win.
We soon come across a small diner, and once inside, the soft sound of music plays from a jukebox in the opposite side of the diner fills the space. Only a few other tables are occupied as we slide into ours. I position myself facing the door, scoping my surroundings as I usually do, noting the fire exit to the right of me, next to a staff only door.
Sierra sits facing me, glossing over the menu in front of her, her beautiful raven black hair falling over her face like a curtain.
“Hey, there!” an older blonde waitress greets as she reaches our table. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“Just a soda, please,” I reply.
Sierra smiles. “Same here, thank you.”
“No problem. Take your time looking over the menu,” the lady says before heading towards the counter.
I pull out my phone, my stomach lurches when I see a reply to my message earlier.