8 Chapter 7

I looked up above my arms and saw the back of Hunter. He was shielding me from a man I never knew could be defeated. Tears streamed down my face as the blood continued to ooze out of me and Hunter saw my disheveled house.

Hunter

I was too late, but I still saved her from her crazy father. Smashing empty beer bottles against his own daughter was horrific. Rage flowed through my veins as I fought with her father, smashing glass against him to see how he liked it.

"What is wrong with you!?"

"Who in the hell are you, bastard?"

"What did you just call me?"

"Bastard. You're a bastard, and she's a whore. Needing a bastard to come save her." I strained against him and looked back at her, she was looking at me with terror and worry, as if telling me to leave with her eyes.

How could I leave you?

She mouthed the words, "Please leave," to me as she struggled to stand. As if she could deal with it alone after I left. But she couldn't stand and more blood was leaving her. She needs to get to a hospital and soon. Her skin was pale and her eyelids were heavy as she sat there, waiting for unconsciousness. I shoved her father off me, and he landed on the couch with a low grunt. I turned and sat facing her.

"Let me see."

"I'm sorry about the necklace."

"That doesn't matter. Now let me see."

Her voice was as quiet as a mouse and she was slow to react. "I can't. You're not supposed to be here."

"I don't care. I'm here now. Please, let me see your arms."

She shook her head, "You need to leave." Tears stained her face. I gently wiped them away.

"We need to go to a hospital."

"I can't afford it."

"I didn't ask if you could. Please Emily. Let me help."

"And I need to help you. You need to leave before he gets back up." her voice was so desperate, frantic, even.

"I can't leave you like this."

"I'll be fine. I'm used to this."

"That's not a good thing." Her eyelids were close to falling. "Hey! Look at me! Keep your eyes on me, okay?"

She slowly nodded her head, and she opened her eyes more. I gave her a smile. "That's my girl, stay with me."

But she wasn't looking at me, her vision was distant, she stood up quickly and reached her arms up above me. Even though she was skinny, she still had a very strong and feminine body. I looked up and she protected me by blocking a plank of wood being smashed down by her father. This caused more blood to escape her arms and she cringed in pain. But she held her ground.

"Don't touch him!" Blood from her arms dripped onto my back. I stood up and shoved him back again and harder. I took my chance to leave with Emily.

"Hang in there for me!" I told her as I drove her to the hospital. I ran her to the ER and the doctors took her away on the gurney. I paced back and forth in the waiting room as they took care of her. Can you hear me screaming please don't leave me? Please hold on for me. We still have fall and winter and next year to enjoy together. Your heartbeat was so faded when I held you. Please, come back to me so I can take you home. Hold on for me. I rubbed the necklace in my pocket as I waited. I sat down after a while and fixed the chain. After some time, a nurse came into the room and looked at me.

"Hunter? Come with me; this way."

I followed her to her room. "She couldn't stop calling for you. She'll be happy to see you, Hunter."

We turned corners and walked down hallways until she opened the room door for me to enter. I entered and closed the door behind me. Then she looked at me and said the funniest thing.

"Hunter, nothing hurts now. See?"

Bandages covered her body as I turned to look at her. I couldn't help but smile with tears and laughter.

"I'll take you home."

"Thank you for saving me again, and for everything else. I'm sorry you had to see that though."

I wanted to hold you so badly, but you needed time to heal. So I sat next to you and held your hand instead.

"No need to say sorry. I'm glad I was there to protect you."

"I was so scared."

"I know."

"I was worried he would kill you."

Me? Shouldn't she care about herself?

"I'm here now. I'm in perfect health. See? Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"

"No, I'm fine, but what about you? Are you okay?"

Her hand tightened around mine.

"I am now. Thank you."

So much comfort filled me. She needed me to survive; I am her life support. It's a great honor to be that for her.

"Hunter?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I give you a reward for saving me? Even though I don't have much?"

"Of course."

She smiled and leaned into me. She kissed me. My desire for her filled up again and I moved closer into her and moved my hands to her waist and head.

More. Give me more. Please...

I moved my head to the right and opened my mouth. I let my tongue touch her lips and teeth to taste her more. I moved my hand from her waist to her mouth to open it for me. I let my tongue enter her mouth. She tasted the same, but her mouth was more warm and wet. Once my desire was satisfied for that moment, I pulled back and wiped her mouth with my thumb. She was shocked that I was a great kisser, and I was too, but it was also my desire for her that helped. She rested her head on my shoulder and said in a quiet voice.

"Let's go home and sleep."

Then her breath slowed and quieted and she fell asleep.