Finding Gwen

Chapter Twenty-One

At some point, I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I remember, I opened my eyes to a pitch dark room. I was on my back with Gwen curled up next to me, her head tucked into my side, with my other arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders.

I watched her sleep peacefully, the rise and fall of her chest a steady reminder that she was safe. Oliver could have lost her. I could have lost her. All because I had been too stupid to admit how much she meant to us–to me.

Holding her up in the bathroom earlier, listening to her scream until her voice was nearly gone, shattered any remaining resolve I may have had. My heart broke, the same heart that had been caged off for years. But when Gwen walked into our lives, the bars confining my heart started to disappear. Her intentions may have been to care for Oliver, but from the very beginning, I had selfishly wanted to be the recipient.

Gwendalyn shifted beside me, pulling me away from my thoughts. One of her hands flopped gently onto my chest and she clenched my shirt in her fist. Beneath my arm, her body trembled, and I tightened my hold on her, hoping it would comfort her. It had the opposite effect, though, and she fought against me, her breathing increasing.

“Gwendalyn… Luce mia, you’re safe,” I whispered into her hair, kissing the top of her head, the familiarity of the action becoming an addiction that I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Instantly, her body relaxed into mine and she took a deep breath. Her fist released my shirt, her hand lying lazily on my chest as a soft groan escaped her lips. Lying my head back on the pillow, an internal debate took place on whether to stay in case she needed me again or checking in with Jason. Without a doubt, he would still be awake working on finding leads on Gwendalyn’s attacker. At the very least, I should check my phone and see if he had found anything before I came back to bed.

Carefully, I freed myself from around Gwendalyn’s body, kissing the knuckles on her hand as I laid them gently onto the bed. I tucked the comforter around her, draping the blanket that had been across my legs over her for an extra layer of comfort. I went into the bathroom and found our phones that I had discarded next to the sink at some point yesterday. A missed text from Jason waited for me.

Jason: Warehouse. ASAP.

There was definitely no staying now.

Noting the time, nearly three in the morning, I slipped it into my back pocket. While walking back into the bedroom, I made sure I silenced her phone so it wouldn’t go off then plugged it into the charger next to my bed, silently grateful we had the same type.

I pulled a notepad from my nightstand, scribbling out a note in case Gwen woke up while I was gone.

Running an errand. Be back soon. - A

The last thing she needed was to think I had abandoned her. Checking she was still sound asleep, I tucked the note under her phone then quietly slipped out of the room, heading toward my truck.

Fifteen minutes after backing out of the garage, I pulled up outside the warehouse and turned off my truck. I had no idea what to expect when I got inside, but if Jason had texted me when he knew I was taking care of Gwendalyn, it meant he found something. Or someone. I wanted it to be someone. I needed it to be. My blood began boiling at the thought of what she went through last night, some piece of trash thinking he could touch her, luce mia. I had shoved down the anger for too long. Now it was time to let it out.

Climbing out of my truck, I grabbed my knife from the glove compartment, then made my way into the warehouse. As soon as I opened the door, blood mixed with sweat and fear hit my nostrils and it relaxed me. I may not have been able to protect Gwendalyn last night, but right now, I could do something—something I was good at. Following the only light, I walked down the hallway to an open door, turning inside to find Jason sitting crossed legged on the floor in front of a man tied to a chair with his head hanging to his chest. My eyes darted to the small cut on the side of his face. A line of blood trickled down his cheek. I smiled at the sight of the blood and the thought of how much more was yet to come.

“This him?” I asked, stopping behind Jason, who stood from his position before answering.

“Nope,” he said. “But this fucker knows who he is. The bartender corroborated Gwen’s side of the story. She was arguing with a guy who looked to be getting too handsy. She then kneed him in the balls before basically stumbling out of the bar.” He paused, gesturing to the man in the chair. “He was icing his balls for a good hour after that, so he wasn’t the one who assaulted Gwen, but I’d say whoever did paid this fucker to spike her drink. He left his credit card, and the bartender gave me his information. I found him a few hours ago at a different bar, scoring drugs, so I knocked his ass out and dragged him here. He woke up and decided he was going to act tough, so I may have put him in his place a little.”

I gave Jason a short nod and pulled my knife from my pocket, twirling it around in my fingers before turning to the man in the chair. Jason moved to take up a place against the door frame. Walking over to the unconscious fucker, I stabbed his hand, embedding my knife into the wooden chair below it. His eyes snapped open, and I ripped out his gag, stuffing it into my front pocket as the scream that escaped from his throat turned to music in my ears.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” he screamed as I pulled my knife back out of his hand and laughed at his question. Where would I even begin? I swung my empty fist, connecting it with his jaw, then gripping his shirt to pull his face toward me.

“Tell me who hired you,” I said, putting as much venom into my voice as possible. He answered by spitting in my face, liquid hitting my eyelids before it ran down my face. My body reacted without direction, my knife finding its way into his other hand. To his credit, the fucker didn’t scream that time. Not until I twisted the knife, anyway.

“Fuck you,” he sneered. In a flash, the knife was lengthwise against his throat, just below his Adam’s apple, while my other hand gripped his jaw. I put enough pressure on the hilt to cause the blade to nick the skin, a bead of blood to slip onto the metal. His eyes grew. He was scared. Good. “Hey man, take it easy. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Here’s the thing,” I growled while squeezing his throat. “You do know what I’m talking about. There is a woman at my home in my bed right now, a woman I care about very much, covered in bruises because someone thought they could touch what doesn’t belong to them. We both know that someone paid you to spike her drink. So forgive me, if I don’t take it easy.”

“Tony.” I whipped my head around to face Jason. He hadn’t moved from the door frame, but he had a look in his eyes. The one that reminded me I need to get answers before I kill him. Turning back to the fucker in front of me, I released my grip on his throat and pulled back the knife. The fucker started gasping for air and I mentally kicked myself. This asshole seemed to only have a single brain cell, and I deprived it of oxygen. I needed his fucking name.

I wanted blood, though. Oscurità mia was scratching to come out, demanding I do more. Maybe he wasn’t the one to force himself on Gwen, but he had drugged her. Plenty of men just like him have sat in this chair. All of them have said the women were asking for it. I don’t have the patience to hear his excuses tonight. Not after everything. No, this time I was going to get straight to the point.

“Tell me, how intimidated do you think women will be of you if you’re missing a finger or two?” I said, examining the edge of my knife and hoping it would be sharp enough.

“What—?” he muttered, the crunch of bone as my knife crudely severed a piece of his finger cutting him off. His howl filled the room as I worked the knife out of the chair, watching as the piece fell from the chair into his lap.

“I’m done playing games,” I said. “Last chance, then the whole hand comes off. Give me his name.”

“Fuck, I don’t know his name, okay?” he sputtered, his arms trying to free themselves from the restraints as blood oozed from his amputated finger. “I met him in the bathroom and he pointed the bitch out to me. He handed me a pill and a roll of cash. I swear, I don’t know his name.” It wasn’t the answer I wanted, but for some reason, I believed the dumbass. However, that didn’t stop what came next.

My hand wrapped around the hilt of my knife and slammed it in between the fucker’s legs before he could blink. The wail that echoed off the walls brought a smile to my face. Even though he wouldn’t be around to see the light of day, there was something about seeing these assholes think they’d have to live without their penis that brought me joy.

I turned my back to the now sobbing piece of trash, knowing he’d pass out soon from the blood loss, and met Jason’s gaze.

“Thought I’d have to jump in and actually play good cop,” he chuckled.

“You got him from here?” I questioned, pulling the handkerchief out of my pocket and wiped off my face. Fuck, I hoped Gwen was still asleep cause I had no idea how I’d explain this to her. Looking at my watch, I wiped off the glass before reading the time, 4am.

“Yeah, I’ll tie up the loose end. How’s Gwen doing?” he asked as we walked toward the exit.

“I’m not sure. I left her asleep in my bed,” I sighed. “I had every intention of giving her space, but she asked me to stay. I don’t blame her. And to be honest, it was the best sleep I’ve had in a while.” We made it to the door, and we both stopped. Jason put his hand on my shoulder.

“I promise we’ll catch the guy. You go take care of Gwen. You and Ollie would be a wreck without her.”

“Don’t I know it,” I muttered.

“I’ll call if I need you. Go,” he said. I shook his hand, then opened the door, heading to my truck and home to Gwendalyn.

When I pulled up to the house, all the lights were still off. Not wanting to push my luck any further by opening the garage door, I parked in the driveway. It wasn’t even 4:30 yet, so the chances of Gwen being awake were slim. Just in case, I decided it best to dispose of my shirt now covered in blood before I went inside. Shoving it under my seat, I inspected my black jeans to make sure there were no obvious stains before I opened my truck door to head inside.

Opening the front door, I stepped into the entryway, pausing for a minute and listening for any sounds. Thankfully, everything was still quiet. I locked up before heading upstairs, being careful to avoid the squeaky step near the top. Carefully opening my door, I checked on Gwen, seeing her still curled up in the same relaxed position that I had left her in. Oh luce mia, my beautiful light.

I decided to leave the door cracked in case she woke up and walked down the hall to the bathroom that Oliver typically used. Turning on the water and letting it warm, I stripped my pants and briefs while cracking my neck in an attempt to relieve some of the stress that had built up. I stepped into the shower, letting the hot water wash away all the blood and sweat from the last couple hours. It did little to relieve the tension in my shoulders, though.

I was angry. Angry at myself for what had happened. Angry at the world for allowing bad people like the one who hurt Gwen to walk among us. I should have protected her.

My fists pounded on the tile, and the fight drained from my body. I hung my head, watching the water circle down the drain. When it finally ran clear, I turned off the water, resolving to the fact that I had failed.

Before I could step out of the shower, a blood-curdling scream came down the hallway—one that sounded far too familiar. Ripping back the curtain, I dashed out of the bathroom, grabbing a towel from the hook as I went and wrapped it around my waist. My stomach dropped when I got to the bedroom and my fears were confirmed. Gwen was lying in a fetal position in the middle of the bed with the blanket and comforter in a pile at the foot of the bed.

Rushing up next to her, I reached out to touch her when I remembered my promise. “Gwen, luce mia…” My voice didn’t sound like my own. She didn’t open her eyes, her legs kicking out. Was she reliving everything?

“No! Please, let me go! Please!” she screamed, her voice laced with pain.

“Luce mia, I promised I would not touch you without your permission. Please.” I begged her to wake up. For her subconscious to hear me and reach out. She pulled at her hair, her body thrashing once more, then she curled into herself more. Fuck it.

Reaching for her, I put one arm under her neck and the other around her waist, then pulled her into my lap. My chest was still wet and my hair was dripping water onto my shoulders, but I didn’t care. The only important thing was the woman in my lap being plagued by an anguish that she did not deserve.

“Luce mia, you are safe. I promise,” I whispered, emotion clogging my throat.

I held her body close to mine as she shook violently, the nightmare still having a hold on her. I wanted to fix this—fix everything. She deserved so much more than what she has had to endure the last couple days.

I kissed her hair, shifting my hand on her waist to rub circles on her back. She whimpered in her sleep as her body slowly stopped shaking. I continued to hold her, my hand tracing the familiar path of her spine.

Resting my chin on her head, I closed my eyes, giving her time to either wake up or completely fall back asleep.

“Anthony…” she whispered, and my eyes flew open.She squirmed against me, pulling her head away from my chest and looking up at me. Her bright blue eyes were still heavy with sleep and sadness.

“Luce mia, I’m so sorry. I know I promised not to touch you, but I was worried,” I rushed. She shifted in my lap so we were eye to eye.

“It’s okay. I’m okay. I’m sorry,” she said. This woman was trying to apologize and comfort me.I don’t deserve her. She tried to look away, but I refused to let her. Gently, I held her chin, continuing to hold her gaze.

“You have nothing to apologize for, luce mia,” I reassured her.

“I hate this feeling, Anthony. I hate feeling so out of control,” she whimpered, her eyes wandering down to my lips and back up. “Will you help me feel something different?” She brought a hand to my chest, the warmth sending electrical pulses straight to my heart.

“No, Gwen.” I shook my head as I spoke, trying to hide the evident desire in my voice. “You’re in no position. I will not take advantage of you right now.”

She pulled away from my chest, straddling my lap as she ran her hands over my chest. Her soft skin set mine on fire. I wanted her.

“Please,” she softly begged. “I want to forget.” The sadness in her eyes turned to lust as she pulled on her bottom lip with her teeth.

Fuck, this woman had my entire soul. All she had to say was, please.