23. Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Derek
I wait to wake her up, hoping the nightmare she's trapped in will fade away, but as little whimpers begin to escape her lips, my heart tightens. I wrap my arms around her, holding her just tight enough to ground her, to pull her away from whatever dark place she's trapped in.
"Faith," I whisper gently, my lips brushing against her ear. "I'm right here, it's okay."
But her hands still tremble against my chest, clenched into fists, fighting some unseen terror. Her brow furrows, fear etched deep into her beautiful features. My heart aches to see her like this, so vulnerable and scared.
"Don't let him take me," she pleads, her voice broken, her eyes still shut tight, lost in the dream. "Please… please help me…"
Ryan better hopes the cops get to him. First, I think bitterly, anger surging through me. It infuriates me that even in sleep, she can't escape him. That bastard's shadow looms over her, poisoning her desperately needed peace.
"Faith," I say, my voice a bit firmer this time. "You're dreaming, sweet girl. Wake up, I've got you."
It takes a few more shakes and soft words of reassurance, but finally, her eyes flutter open. There's panic in her gaze, her chest rising and falling rapidly as her eyes dart around the room, searching for the nightmare that still clings to her. But then, her eyes meet mine, and I see the recognition dawn. She's safe. She's here with me.
"Oh, God, he was there, he was trying to…" Her voice trembles as she shakes her head, trying to rid herself of the lingering fear.
"He's not going to do a damn thing," I assure her, pulling her closer, wanting to shield her from every possible harm.
"But it was so… real…" she murmurs, her voice fragile, as if saying it out loud could bring the terror back.
"It wasn't," I remind her softly, feeling her panicked breaths against my chest. Her hands press against me, seeking the steadiness in my heartbeat, grounding herself in the rhythm in me.
"You let me worry about him, okay?" I whisper, my voice firm yet tender. "No one's taking you from me. You're safe, Faith."
I brush my fingers through her hair, soothing her with every stroke. My other hand finds hers, holding it with gentle strength. I repeat those soft, comforting words until I feel the tension drain from her body. Her breathing slowly steadies, her shoulders relaxing as the terror ebbs away.
"I swear I thought he was going to hurt me," she mumbles, her voice small and vulnerable.
"As long as you're with me, you're safe," I promise her, my voice unwavering. "The house is locked up tight. No one's getting in here without setting off alarms loud enough to wake the whole neighborhood. And even if they did, I've got two neighbors who were on SWAT—trust me, he wouldn't stand a chance. You're with me, and you're safe. Always."
She nods softly, a sigh of relief escaping her lips as she leans into me, finally allowing herself to believe in the safety of my arms. I feel her body relax, her breathing deepening as she drifts back into sleep, this time with no nightmares to haunt her.
But as I hold her, keeping her close, I make a silent vow: the minute I see Ryan, he's a dead man.