Page 112 of Fight for Me
Anne didn’t know what to say. She felt like she was still in shock. Not only from being kidnapped and assaulted, but also watching Blane beat that guy Trevor to within an inch of his life. She was grateful to be rescued and even more grateful that the baby was okay.
She cleared her throat. “I’m so glad the baby is okay,” she began.
Blane glanced at her. “Me, too, babe. I’m also relieved to have you back.”
“You, um, really went after Trevor.” Anne thought her voice sounded nervous.
Blane didn’t say anything for a moment. “I got a little carried away,” he admitted. “I haven’t been as scared or as angry like that in a very long time. If ever.” He looked at her. “I’m sorry if I frightened you.”
Anne let out a sigh. “It was just…unexpected. I’ve seen you shoot someone, but a beating is somehow more personal. Does that make sense?”
“Absolutely. Any time you lay hands on someone, it’s up close and very personal. And since they’d taken you in particular, it was personal tome.”
His voice was tight and Anne thought of how she’d react if someone had taken Blane from her. She’d be hard-pressed to not want to tear that person to pieces, too.
“I’m sorry about Linda,” she said.
Blane shook his head. “That was crazy.Sheis crazy. I had no idea all that was under the surface.”
Anne remembered the times Linda had looked at her with open hostility. “She never liked me, which I thought was kind of strange given her devotion to you. But for her to try and kill me. Kill both of us…” Her voice trailed away.
Tired, she closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the seat. Her whole body felt like it had been roughed over with a sack of potatoes.
“Still want to marry me?” Blane’s tone was ironic, but Anne heard the underlying seriousness.
Did he really think she’d back out because of this?
“Blane,” she took his hand, “nothing could stop me from marrying you.”
A small smile lifted the corner of his lips, and he squeezed her hand.
They were quiet the rest of the way home to Blane’s where he helped her out of the car and into the house. Daniel met them at the door.
“Miss Anne,” he said with a smile, “I’m so glad Blane found you.”
The Secret Service agents were right behind him. One took a look at them and spoke into a cell phone. “Trident and Treasure are back at home base.”
That gave Anne a slight pause. They’d code named her Treasure? That was kind of…nice.
“Sir, shall I serve some refreshments in your room?”
“That would be great. Thanks, Daniel.”
Daniel glanced at Blane’s bloody knuckles and added, “I’ll bring the first aid kit as well, sir.” His eyes took in the bruises on Anne’s face. “And an ice pack.”
Blane nodded in acknowledgement.
Anne went upstairs, followed closely by Blane. She collapsed gratefully onto his bed and kicked off her shoes.
“I’d love a shower.” She desperately wanted to wash away the past twelve hours.
“I’ll get the water going,” Blane said, disappearing into the bathroom. She heard the water start.
She gathered a fresh nightgown and followed Blane, stripping as she went and letting the clothes fall to the floor. Blane gave her a light kiss on the forehead before she stepped under the warm spray.
The hot water was heaven and Anne spent a long time in the shower. It soothed the sore, abused muscles and made her feel clean in more than just a physical way.
When she finally got out, she slathered a girly smelling lotion all over before putting on her gown. It was a simple, sleeveless, baby blue cotton dress that came down right above her knees. The fabric was soft and edged in lace.