Chapter 14:

Kate returned back down looking a bit more out of sorts that she had when she left. I asked her if everything went okay she claimed everything would be fine and that she was just tired. She now walked hunched over with her right hand over her injury. I could tell she was in pain, there was no way I would be letting her use the stairs more than necessary. I helped her over to the couch where we sat in silence until a knock was heard on the door. Within seconds Carter was exiting my office saying it was the car service here to pick up my mother and daughter.

"Mother, Alexis," I called up the stairs, "your ride is here."

Everything was rushed after that, they were ushered out the door almost immediately after entering the entrance area. Alexis gave me a quick hug, and pulled me in close and whispered in my ear "promise me you'll be safe. Don't walk in to the path of danger, it finds us too often." I gave her a reassuring smile, then after promising mother that I would keep in contact often to let her know I was safe, they were on their way.

With them gone and Carter back in my office with the door closed, everything felt to quiet, it felt eerie. Almost like the calm before the storm. "If you don't mind, I would like to lie down now, maybe take a shower. I need some time to relax and clear my head". Kate said breaking the silence.

"Of course, take all the time you need. I'll show you to my bedroom." I stood up and put my arm out to help her up but I caught her giving me an evil glare. "Don't worry I'll be staying in the guest room. It's upstairs, I want you to avoid the stairs. Plus in my room you have your own personal bathroom. As well as you have Carter right next door for safety." I could tell she wasn't sure but she got up anyways as I led her to the room next to my office.

Castle's Room, Kate's POV

The pain in my stomach was getting to be unbearable. I checked my watch and saw that it was time for my next medication. I was so exhausted, I needed to get some sleep. It was not like I didn't want to sleep in Castle's room, I just felt awkward taking away his place. His mother and daughter having to leave was already my fault. How much more would I have to take away from him in all of this?

I could feel his hand on the small of my back leading me into his room. He stood so close to me I could smell his expensive cologne. I wanted to just grab on to him and have him hold me close. I was so scared inside but I couldn't show it. I'm a trained cop, I'm trained to be able to hide my fear. Inside, however, all I wanted to do was have him hold me tight while I cry my feelings out. A good cry was what I needed right now.

Castle moved his arm to my upper back and lead me over to his king sized bed. He helped me sit down then went over into the bathroom. The bed was extremely comfortable, I knew once I fell asleep it would be terribly hard for me to get out of this bed. Rick returned back into the room saying he had put some fresh towels out on the counter for me and that he would be in the living room if I needed anything.

When I saw the door close behind him I slowly made my way over to the washroom. I turned on the faucet to the shower. I made sure it was on very hot. Having only sponge baths in the hospital, I felt dirtier than I ever had in my life. I crossed my hands in front of me and grabbed hold of my sweater and started pulling upwards. Stretching my arms up pulled at the newly made stitches, and made it extremely painful. I cried out in pain when I tried.

"Kate is everything okay? Are you okay?" I could hear Rick's worried voice at the bathroom door.

"Yeah, I'm fine, just having trouble with my clothes." I tried again and this time ended up falling back against the sink the pain was so bad.

"Kate I'm coming in, I can hear that you are in a lot of pain. Let me help."

"No! Castle stay out there, do not come in." I tried for a third time, after all third times a charm. This time I couldn't stand it and fell to the ground clutching my stomach. I heard the door open and close behind me. Then I felt Castle's warm hand on my lower back.

"Kate take it easy. Let me help you. I promise I won't look." He softly took my arm and helped me up. My scar was burning like crazy, it hurt so bad. I wanted to push him away but he smelt so good, and made me feel so safe, and my body ached for a shower. I nodded slowly.

His arms moved up and he placed one on each of my shoulders. He turned me to face away from him and led me right in front of the shower. His hands slid down my back until they reached the bottom of my sweater. He then made his way up until I felt his soft hands on my bare arms. He carefully moved my arms through the sleeves. "Cross your arms over your chest".

Once I did as he said his hands reached for the hem of the sweater once again and he moved it over my head. I looked down, baggy grey sweat pants and a beige bra that was at least ten years old. Definitely not the attire that I wore in my fantasies with him. He placed my sweater on the counter, then he unclipped my bra making sure my straps stayed on my shoulders. "I think you can take it from here, call if you need any more help," he whispered into my ear.

I heard the door open and close behind me. I stood in the same spot with my arms covering my chest for another few minutes before I turned around to see if he was still there. With his hands touching me and the scent of his cologne everything that was happening had escaped my mind. I longed for him to come back in, I wanted to feel his hands on my body again. Make me feel safe and secure. After a few moments I realized that wasn't going to happen. I let my arms fall down which also let my bra fall off. I undid the tie on my pants and finished getting undressed. I then stepped into the shower.

The water was much hotter than it should be but it felt so good pouring over my body. I stood still just enjoying the feeling for several minutes. It was hard to get my mind off of Rick. His touch felt so good, so right. He was such an amazing guy, he was going entirely out of his way just to ensure my safety.

About half an hour later I finished up, turned off the shower and stepped out. I picked up one of the towels off of the counter that had been left out for me and wrapped myself in it. It was cashmere, Rick definitely never went for the cheap stuff. It felt amazing on my skin, I had never owed a towel so soft.

I found a comb beside the sink and brushed my hair with it. I would need to pick up some supplies at some point. I had no hairbrush, toothbrush, or even a change of clothes. I replaced the comb and opened the bathroom door. Laying down on the bed was a very thick pink robe. On top lay a note saying:

"This will probably be easier to maneuver for the time being,

Sleep well,

Rick"

I smiled as I read the note. I let the towel fall to the floor and I picked up the robe. It was also cashmere. I put it on and instantly felt warm and cozy. On the night stand was a bottle of water and my purse. I found my pills and placed them on my tongue while I opened the water bottle and washed them down. I slid my feet under the covers and was asleep in seconds in his silk sheeted bed.

I felt someone standing next to me, rubbing my arm. I turned over and looked up to see Rick standing over me asking if I was feeling okay. He sat down next to me on the bed. I moved my arm to where my bullet wound was waiting to feel the searing pain as I moved to sit up, but it wasn't there. I looked back at Rick in confusion, he was now sitting next to me in a tuxedo. Wow did he ever look great. I looked down to see if I could see my scar but instead I saw my bare stomach without a mark on it, not even a bruise. I was wearing a very expensive looking red lace Victoria Secret bra with matching underwear. I was also in a pair of silver stilettos.

Rick's hand swept my hair away from my face and tucked it behind my ear. He moved his hand down my arm, never taking his eyes off of me. "You are so beautiful, Kate, I love you, I love you Kate," he showed me his gorgeous smile.

I tried to open my mouth to respond but something held me back. I couldn't form the words. I saw his eyes looking into mine searching for my response. "Rick, I love…" before I could finish the bedroom door swung open. Standing in the entrance way was a masked silhouette. It was too dark in the room to see if it was a male or female. All I could see was the gun he was holding that was facing in my direction. "Say hello to your mommy when you see her for me won't you?" I heard him say.

I lay there frozen not able to move. I heard the gun fire and it went in slow motion. I could see it coming towards me, Rick then jumped in front of me and took the bullet. I looked up and the gunman was gone. I leaped off the bed and saw Rick laying there in a pool of blood gasping for air. "Rick, no… please, I lov…e you, Ric…k don't l…leave me," I sobbed and tried to get the words out. I held onto his hand and felt his grip weaken until it fell. "No!" I screamed.

"No! Stop No!"

"Kate, Kate relax, it was a bad dream, Kate what happened?" I felt a searing pain in my stomach. I could smell the familiar cologne close to my face. I felt a warmth surround me. I grabbed onto it tightly. After a few moments when I got my breath back, I opened my eyes and saw a familiar set of arms holding me tightly. My hands were grabbing onto them. I turned my head and saw Rick staring into my eyes with a worried look. "Kate, what happened, are you okay?"

"Uh, I..it..dream…"

"Shh shh, don't worry, just relax, take a deep breath."

"Please don't let go, I'm scared Rick."