X-Treme Measure (17 page)

Nevermind me telling myself I would forgive him and if he talked to me, I’d be nice and talk back to him.

Start over.

He came here…for me. He came to my rescue without any thought to what kind of danger I was in. He just came. No questions asked. When had anyone ever came to my rescue like that before? Easy…never. No one’s ever came for me like when I was down and alone and hurt. The fact Daniel did, put things in perspective. It sealed our relationship. Whether it be as a couple or friends. He put down everything and got here, knowing I was in trouble…knowing that I needed him.

Mine
.

We barely knew each other. That didn’t seem to matter to him though. He wanted me anyway. Even after we argued and I told him to stay the hell away. Tears bubbled and burned.

I think right then I loved him. I was his. Would I admit it? No. I was scared shitless. Terrified.

Next thing I knew I was being lifted into his strong arms and my eyes focused on his chiseled jaw that was blearily visible. I put my palm on his jawline and felt the hard stubble. Felt like he could use a shave. I liked the scruffiness on him. I wish I could see him. But with the tears blurring the already blur I had, nothing was visible.

“Come on, baby. Let me get you to a hospital.”

“No. Please.”

I heard a deep sigh before he whispered, “Why?”

“I don’t want people to ask questions. And I’m positive my measly women’s aide isn’t going to cover the cost of an emergency room.”

He opened his truck, and gently settled me into it. Right before he let go, my body pitched a little to the left, and the spot where my hip hurt, hit the seatbelt buckle and I couldn’t help the cry that rang out.

“Moriah, what is it?”

“My hip. I hit the corner of the TV center.”

“You hit it? Or pushed into it?” I heard the hard tensity of his voice and when I looked up at his face, I knew he was reining in the need to go back into that house and met out his own personal brand of justice but my whispered please stopped him. “Moriah?”

Daniel shook his head, and helped me get into a better position before he shut the door and got behind the wheel.

We were both quiet on the way to wherever he was taking me. “Where are we going?”

“If you won’t let me take you to the hospital, I will take you to my mother. She was a nurse for twenty years. But if anything is broken, I will take you to the hospital. No ifs, ands, or buts, Moriah. And don’t worry about the cost. I got you, babe. Understand?” His voice was guttural and I swear I heard a hitch I never would have thought a strong man like him could have.

I simply lifted my hand in acquiescence. My head pounding too hard to answer with a nod and shame kept me from speaking.

My body hurt something fierce. I closed my eyes, and let the tears that had been festering beneath the surface free. I willed the pain away and before I knew it, I heard my name being called.

“Moriah? I need to get you out, honey.”

A groan slipped past my lips. I had fallen asleep. I moved away from the door and he opened it, unbuckled me and lifted me gently from the seat.

I heard a screen door open, but I didn’t have the strength to move my head. That and Daniel’s chest was really comfy and warm.

“Hey, Danny. How she doing?”

“She’s hurt real bad, momma.” I’ve never heard him call her momma before. Must be the strain on his own nerves.

“How are
you
doing?”

“Not so hot.”

I heard Diana sigh and kept the door open wide for us both. “Put her in your bedroom. I wish you’d take her to the hospital.”

“That’s not what she wants. The only way I will take her is if something is broken or too badly damaged. Please just check her.”

“Of course I will. Put her down and go to the medicine cabinet in my bathroom and grab some aspirin. Tylenol and then the Ibuprofen. She’ll need to switch out every four to six hours, gauging her pain level.”

Daniel laid me down and left the room.

“Moriah. Just lie still, and I’ll make this as quick as possible.” Her voice was gentle but sure as she poked and prodded my body, making me wince every so often. The worst was my hip and my left eye.

Daniel was back and had both meds and a glass of water. He waited patiently against his dresser and didn’t take his eyes off of me. They were dark and steady on mine. Observing and absorbing every little detail. I tried to keep his stare, but I couldn’t. I felt the rush of red flaming up into my cheeks and covering my body.

“Well, she has a good black eye. A deep bruise that is probably to the bone on her hip, so you’ll need to stay off of it and let that heal. At least a week.”

“A week!”

At my vehemence, Diana was about to say something when Daniel interrupted her. “No worries, mother. I’ll make sure she’s well rested.”

“Take the meds every four to six. I don’t feel anything broken. And you don’t have a concussion. Just rest as much as you can. Only get up when you have to, Moriah. You’ll be in pain for a while.”

All I could do was close my eyes and wait. I felt her leave my side and then whispered something to Daniel that I couldn’t decipher. I didn’t care though. I mean, look at me. I was busted up and bruised. He might have saved me, but knowing where I came from would turn him off entirely. White trash ran in my veins. Would he still consider me his knowing the kind of stock I came from?

I heard the door whisper shut and then a heavy presence fall softly next to my body. He sat next to my hips on the bed. I peeled my eyes open and he didn’t speak as he grabbed some aspirin and the glass of water.

“Thanks.” My voice was hoarse and rough as I took the medicine. Hopefully I slept for a long while. I would have to call in to work. I’m sure I wouldn’t get fired. I’ve been working there for almost six years. There was always someone needing hours and releasing my schedule would be easy since everything was online. I’d have to call and talk with the manager.

“Crap, my phone.”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll get you another one. Just try and rest, honey.”

“Daniel. I don’t need you to—

“Moriah. Quiet, now. Don’t you worry about what tomorrow is going to bring.”

Then tears I didn’t want to shed again blurred my vision as they fell from my eyes and slipping down my cheeks. Letting him take the reins wasn’t easy for me. But there I was…letting him take over.

“Moriah. Oh, baby.” He set the glass down and walked around to the other side of the bed. The bed was bigger than I thought because he was able to get in beside me, and my body willingly curled in next to him. I buried my nose into his thick neck. “Everything is going to be okay, sweetheart. I promise.”

“I don't believe in promises.”

“Well you do now. I don't break mine.”

“Daniel?”

“Yeah, Moriah?”

I already felt the tears soaking up his t-shirt as I said, “Thank you for saving me.”

“Always. Now rest, baby.”

“Where's Reighlyn?”

“Downstairs with momma.”

“I'm sorry she had to hear that.”

“Moriah, if she hasn't heard where you were, I wouldn’t have been able to get to you. And God knows what could have happened if I hadn't shown up. You in the hospital in critical condition or worse.”

“Daniel?”

“You should try and rest now.”

“I just want to say one thing.”

“You just did, baby.”

I tried to laugh but my head hurt too badly. “Don't make me laugh when I can't appreciate it.”

“Then tell me, sweetheart.”

“I like you.”

And even through the pain racking my body, I snuggled in closer, throwing my leg over his thighs.

“I like you even more.”

The meds I took were finally kicking in as I inhaled the masculine scent of wood and Daniel. He always smelled so delicious. I closed my eyes and I swear as I drifted off I heard him whisper, ‘I’m pretty sure I’m already in love with you.’

Taking care of Moriah felt like I have been doing it for forever. The next day she woke up groggy and when I checked her bruises, her left eye was black and blue. It made me want to go right back to that dump her parents lived in and do something about it. I had never, even with Megan, ever thought I’d raise my hand to a woman but when I saw her mother pounding on Moriah like she was a sack of meat, my vision glazed red and I couldn’t help but grab the old hag and throw her across the room.

How could any woman—any
mother
—beat on their own flesh and blood? Moriah’s lips were split open, her eyes a little swollen, but it looked like she did what she could to protect what she could. Her mother? Ha. I don’t even want to call her that. That woman, had been hitting any spot she could find open. Ribs, stomach, shoulders. It didn’t matter. I hadn’t realized her hip had been hurt too. When I got her out of there and into my truck, hearing her cry out in pain, I swore everything I hold dear, which was only my mother, daughter and now the girl in my arms, that I was about to cry with her. I felt my own eyes stinging with tears. And all I wanted to do was go right back in there and beat her until she got exactly what she deserved. That sorry son of a bitch, too.

Why did Moriah go back there? There was no way I was ever going to let her go back there again. At least not without me. I gave her another dose of medicine when she tried sitting up. The bruise on her hips and ribs didn’t allow for much movement. Her head fell back and her hand went to her midriff, her thighs squeezing together.

“Moriah, what do you need?”

“Ugh. I don’t need you.”

“Bullshit.”

“Daniel.”

“Moriah.”

“Fine. I need to pee.”

A red flush stole her neck and cheeks as embarrassment flared across her face.

“Alright. Here.” I went to put my arms underneath to lift her, but she slapped at my hands.

“I don’t need you to help me. Oh, God. This is humiliating.”

“Let me help you, honey.”

Her head hung in defeat, but I wasn’t going to let her continue feeling down about the situation. I gently hooked her chin with my forefinger, bringing her face back up.

“Moriah. The more you let me help you, the quicker we can get it done and the faster you’ll heal. You are in some very bad pain, baby. And I can’t stand seeing it. Let me help you.”

A tear slipped out of her eye and I caught it with my thumb, swiping it away.

“Why are you even helping me, Daniel?”

“Because you’re my girl. Shouldn’t boyfriends be doting and take care of their women?”

“When did I agree to that?”

“The night you let me have you, Moriah. I was just pushing you. Hell, I’ve never been in a relationship before so how the hell would I know? But why not? You’re the first woman I’ve ever thought about being with for more than just a score.”

“Gee, thanks.”

I laughed at her snide remark.

“It’s the truth. You genuinely like my daughter. You’re smart. Work hard. You haven’t thrown my own job in my face.”

“Daniel, I wouldn’t ever do that. I think what you do is fine. I mean, I might not like the escort part of it, but—

“I stopped that. I told you I did a while back. All I want is you. I’m close to my goal and when I get there I plan on leaving that behind me. What I told you before was the truth. I want to open my own gym. That had been my dream before Reighlyn came along and I wouldn’t change her coming into my life for anything. I just couldn’t support us on just a trainer’s salary. The guys at XM think it’s a great idea.”

“That’s great, Daniel. And it’s a great idea if that’s what you want.”

“It is. So…will you be my girlfriend, Moriah? Be mine?”

“For how long? What if—

“Stop right there, baby. No what if’s. We’ll take this day by day. Let’s start with that. You will let me get you a new phone though.”

“Daniel.”

“Hush now, baby. Just relax. When you’re better, just call them and cancel it.”

“That costs money.”

“Do you have money saved?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll compensate you.”

She let out a small growl but then a whimper came out as she clutched her head.

“Here, let’s not argue right now.”

I lifted her up and took her into the bathroom.

“You can leave, now. I don’t need you to be in here.”

“Just go for crissaskes.”

“Why this sudden invasion of privacy?”

“Because you’re injured and if you get hurt, I will be upset.”

I heard her mumble asshat, but I let it go. Knowing it was just the pain talking. She had bite, but she was really a big softy. Her heart was shiny, pretty and pure. It was my right to keep it that way. I like making her happy and then I like making her growly and sassy.

“I got your contacts, by the way.”

“Why didn’t you say something before now?”

“Maybe I like being needed.”

“I’ll give you needed.”

I chuckled. Knowing the sass was just pretense. “Do you need me any other way, baby?”

“Ha.
No
.” I heard the blatant lie in her voice and I laughed heartily.

“No, huh? I didn’t make that good of an impression?”

“Nope. Don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don't worry, doll. As soon as you're healed, I'll make an impression that will last a lifetime.”

She snorted and I could just feel her rolling her eyes.

She finished peeing and when the flush sounded, I turned to see her stand up and leaning against the sink counter. I rushed over to her, ready to lift her up but she thrust out a hand for me to stop.

“Please. I need to try. The pain in my hip is better. I don’t feel like I’m about to keel over. Can I have my contacts, please?”

“Of course,” I said as I reached into my pocket and brought out the little canister that held the lenses. “Here, babe.”

She huffed and rolled her eyes at my endearment, but I placed them into her hands and within seconds, she had them into her eyes, blinking a few times to right them. When she opened them and looked into the mirror, she jerked back. Finally seeing her face since she left her parents trailer.

“Look at me. I look like a used up punching bag.”

“You’re beautiful.”

She shook her head with disgust and turned away from the mirror and I could see the cloud of tears threatening to return. I hooked my pointer finger under her chin and lifted her face so she could look right into my eyes.

“You’re beautiful, Moriah. This will fade and heal. Let’s get some breakfast. You think you can get down the stairs?”

She nodded, but held onto my elbow as we made our way downstairs.

“Moriah! Good morning!” Reighlyn hopped from her chair and raced towards Moriah. Luckily I was able to grab her before she plowed into Moriah.

“She’s hurt, babygirl. Don’t rush into her.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I’m sorry you were hurt, Riri.”

“I hear if it hadn’t been for you, I’d be in worse shape, so thank you. You really saved the day and my life.”

“Yeah. My dad is the best.” She hugged me and then went back to her seat to eat the pile of food my mother cooked.

Mom set me down a plate, and asked Moriah if she could stomach some food.

“I’ll have one pancake, some bacon, eggs and a slice of toast. Just in case I can’t eat it all.” She looked over to me and tried raising her eyebrow. “I thought you didn’t like bacon.”

“I don’t eat it, much. But when my mother cooks, I eat whatever she puts in front of me.”

“Like he should.”

We all laughed and then we dived into our food. To think if Reighlyn hadn’t begged me to call Moriah for her? One. Moriah wouldn’t be here in my parents’ house. Two. She might be in worse condition. Three. Hell if she didn't fit right in. My mother dotes on her as if she was already a part of our family. Didn't baby her but as we ate my mother had no problem telling Moriah about the shit I got into when I was a kid.

“Oh yes. And then in the fifth and sixth grade he played the trumpet. It was so adorable. He was actually pretty good. Whatever he did, he usually became a natural at it.”

“Mother. She doesn't want to hear about this.”

Moriah chuckled low, doing her best not to hurt her injuries and her eyes lit with mischief.

“Moriah.” I said, deep enough to let it rumble across her and when she visibly shivered, a smile of my own creeped up. I didn't mind or care it if my mother saw the flame of desire raging in my eyes. If she noticed, she kept it to herself.

Moriah looked up at me, stuck out her tongue and then ignored me as she turned back to my mom and Reighlyn.

Then she asked, “Do you have any tapes of him playing?”

“YEAH! YEAH! Grams, please say you do! I'd love to see dad play.”

“I think I have them with the other home videos.”

“Ma! Three against one? That's cruel ladies. Cruel.”

They all laughed and as we finished up breakfast my mother got up, went to the cabinet and brought something for Moriah.

“Hear, honey. Take some ibuprofen. It always looks worse the next day but you'll be right as rain in no time. Our Danny will take good care of you.”

“I'm sure
our
Danny will.” There was a smile in those words as she took the medication and chased it back with the OJ.

Underneath the table I reached my barefoot across the floor, and rolled my toes up her bare legs. Her dark sapphire eyes jerked upward, connecting with mine in surprise. I ran them up towards her inner thighs, teasing her.

A small gasp flew passed her lips and she let off a cough to disguise it when my mother looked at her.

“You okay, Moriah?”

“Yes, ma'am. I'm sorry. So how about those videos?”

The next few hours went by and all they watched was me as a kid in band, at Christmas, in sports. Moriah sat there fascinated. Two hours in and I had Moriah sitting on my lap, her head laid back against my chest. She hadn't said anything in a while and I looked over at my mom who had her eyes on us for a while.

“What, mom?”

“She’s asleep, honey. You really like her don’t you, Daniel?”

“Yes, I do. I hadn't fully realized it until yesterday. We had an argument awhile back. I overreacted and thought she thought that I wasn't good enough.”

“Oh, honey. You put your foot in your mouth, didn't you?”

“Yes.”

“Making it up to her?”

“I am now. I really like her. She’s different. A little bit younger than I had expected but mother, she’s like a breath of fresh air. She genuinely likes Reighlyn. She’s…perfect and I treated her like shit when I was putting both feet in my mouth.”

My mother chuckled, and laid her head on her hand as she leaned against the arm of her lady recliner.

“Darling, men do that. It’s how they make it up to her that matters. So when she’s all healed and better, you better show her you’re sorry.”

“What’s strange is that I hardly know her. She came into our lives like a bullet and Reighlyn took to her like that first day. I came home from work and she was just lying on the couch sleeping over her school books and she looked—

I couldn’t think up the word I wanted to use. She looked—

“Precious? Adorable? Sweet?”

“Yeah.”

“Take her up to your room so she can sleep right. If she wakes up like this, her neck is going to have a crick in it.” I looked over to Reighlyn who was aptly watching home videos. “Go. I’ll watch Reighlyn, Danny.”

I nodded and shifted Moriah so I could lift her easily into my arms. She woke up startled, gasped loudly, and reached out, ready to punch my lights out.

“It’s just Danny, Mo. I got you, baby.”

Her eyes settled on mine, and I swear I wanted to go back to her parents and beat the shit out of her father and her mother?

I frowned on beating women but what she did to Moriah had my blood boiling. The only reason keeping me back was my daughter. I wasn’t going to fuck up everything I’ve done for myself. Moriah was safe in my arms now and I wasn’t going to let her go.