On the Ropes 2: Insidious Obsession (15 page)

She reached for the blade against her neck, only to have her path blocked. Determined to free herself, she tried again, yet her path remained blocked. She grabbed at whatever blocked her, pulling. She had to try to get free even if that meant dying.

No way would she allow that sicko to rape and murder her. Resolved to fight or die trying, she tugged at the obstruction. It didn’t budge, and she whimpered as her strength began to wane. She couldn’t go out like this, not when she’d finally found happiness.

“Shh, baby. Easy now.”

She frowned at the voice. It almost sounded like Cole. Still, she could feel the pain from the knife against her neck. Sean had her, and she needed to break free. Trying again, she came up empty. “Please,” she murmured as desperation began to take over. She didn’t want to die like this. Hell, she didn’t want to die at all.

“Amber, sweetheart. You need to wake up.”

There was that voice again, so familiar yet so far away. She grimaced and tried to turn her head, but a sharp pain shot through her neck. She gasped, and her eyes flew open. Wild-eyed, her attention darted around the room as her mind struggled to catch up.

“Easy, baby. You’re okay.”

Cole?

She turned to look at him, only to have the pain return. Her hand flew to her neck, and she gingerly touched the bandage covering her flesh as she stared at him. “C-Cole?” she rasped, surprised by the weakness in her voice.

He smiled down at her as he reached for her hand and pulled it away. “Welcome back.”

Still confused, she stared blankly at him. “W-where am I?”

“The hospital. You needed surgery for the cut on your neck, but you’re going to be okay.”

“Surgery?” she repeated as events slowly began to return. “Sean?” she questioned.

“In jail.” Cole reached out and stroked a hand through her hair. “He can’t hurt you anymore.”

“I-it’s really over?”

“Yes, baby, it’s really over.” Cole took her hand in his and lifted it to his lips. “You scared the shit out of me.”

Hearing the emotion in his voice, seeing the love in his eyes, she gave him a small smile. “I’m sorry,” she replied as relief and just a little bit of guilt washed through her. She certainly hadn’t meant to frighten Cole. While it saddened her to know he’d been worried, it also warmed her heart.

“I know.” He lowered the bed rail and eased onto the edge of the bed. “The doctors say it’s going to take quite some time for you to be one hundred percent again. So I called my folks and made arrangements for you to stay with them for a little while.”

“Really?” Amber couldn’t quite believe her ears. Cole not only was having her meet his parents, but had asked them to take her in. Tears pooled in her eyes as she stared at him. Maybe it was leftover feelings from the situation with Sean or maybe it was simply the fact that she was so weak and tired, but she couldn’t seem to stop the emotions welling inside. “You want me to stay with your parents?”

The panicked look on Cole’s face nearly caused her to laugh. “Oh please don’t cry. It would only be until you’ve regained your strength and can rejoin us on the road.”

She lifted a hand, a little surprised by how heavy it felt, and wiped at her tears. “I’m not sad, Cole. I’m touched that you would go to such lengths for me.”

He leaned in close until his face was mere inches from hers. “I would go to the ends of the earth for you.”

She gently touched his face, taking comfort and strength from the familiar feel of his beard and the warmth of his flesh. No matter what happened from this point forward, she would never be alone again. Joy filled her heart as she realized she’d finally found true love. Her lips slowly morphed into a smile as she looked up at him. He would be there to protect her, to fight next to her, and encourage her. He was her everything. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, baby.” He leaned forward and brushed a soft kiss across her lips. “Now rest, because our future awaits, and personally, I think it looks pretty damn good.”

Loose Id Titles by Michelle Cary

Husbands & Wives: For Better, For Worse

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

Shelter Me

Sophie’s Secret

The Price of Submission

* * * *

The ON THE ROPES Series

Leap of Faith

Insidious Obsession

Michelle Cary

So you really want to know about me? Well, actually there’s not much to tell. Am I a mom? Yes, to two beautiful kids. Am I married? Yes, to one very happy husband (at least he was the last time I checked.) How long have I been writing? A long time, only recently did I decide to get serious and put my imagination to work. I love everything romance. I’m also a firm believer that no one should be afraid to explore their forbidden desires, a belief my husband is happy I embrace.