I think Sam was too confident in his intimidation that he thought Sofia would quietly go back to him, so he didn't even anticipate James or the police being there (He really isn't very smart)(Like really really stupid).
James would like to say thank you for all the compliments, but he doesn't do it for the glory, he does it so people will leave his Sofia the fuck alone XD
(However, he has his Best Boyfriend in the World award hanging on display in the living room, so he highly enjoys telling people why he earned it ^^)(Anything to talk about his girl ;))
Enjoy cute moments, cuddles, and some much-anticipated intimacy.
Love you guys!
XOXOXOXOX
Chapter 29
Sofia
"How do you feel?" James asked as we walked out the door of the Sheriff's department.
Like crawling in a fucking hole and dying.
It's what I deserve.
I'm scum.
"Happy, sad, sick to my stomach, and scared that you all hate me," I sighed, looking at the ground.
"Never," they all replied.
"All of our hate is for Sam and Miranda, Sofia," Roland kissed the side of my head.
"Don't you ever think we blame you or hate you for what you went through," Anne squeezed my shoulders.
"If anything, this helps us understand you better," James smiled, kissing my hand.
I know what he means...
But I still feel gross.
I'm a hypocrite.
"I think we should all take the day off tomorrow," Anne smiled, looking at her phone, "We can go to the hot springs while we're here and leave in the morning. There's a flight leaving at ten,"
"Are you sure?' I asked, "What about work and school?"
"Roland and I are already off since we didn't know how long we would be here, and I'm sure the Sheriff can send something to the schools," she looked over at the Sheriff hopefully.
"Yeah, I'd be happy to," he smiled.
"Okay," James and I smiled.
I guess a day of relaxation would be nice.
Not that I really did anything to earn it.
I sat on a bus and watched a dude get shot.
That's a normal weekend, right?
"We'll rent a car and get a hotel for the night," Roland nodded, pulling out his phone.
"I'll take care of that for you," the Sheriff stopped him, "Take my car for the day; I'll pick it up from the hotel tonight, and I'll drive you to the airport in the morning,"
"You're already paying for the plane tickets home," Roland shook his head, "We can't ask you to pay for our mini-vacation,"
"I insist, you folks deserve a relaxing day," he chuckled, "Just enjoy yourselves,"
Wow.
He must feel really bad about not getting me back immediately.
It's really not a big deal.
You got Sam.
I should be paying for your vacation, sir.
"That's very generous of you, Sheriff, thank you," Anne smiled, taking the keys from him, "I'll give you the information for the schools,"
"James!" one of the S.W.A.T team members stopped us.
"Hi, Commander," James nodded.
"I want to thank you for your service today; that takedown was seriously impressive," he shook James's hand, "If you ever decide to become a police officer, I will give you a personal recommendation,"
That's amazing!
James must have really let Sam have it.
I'm glad Sam left his gun on the couch...
"Oh, wow, thank you," James rubbed the back of his neck, "I'll keep that in mind, and thank you for getting my girl back,"
"I hope you do. Any force would be lucky to have you on it, and It was our pleasure," he nodded, "Sofia, I want to thank you for everything you did as well. I heard that on top of leading us to Sam, you were the one who got him to the window so we could see him. You're both very brave," the Commander shook my hand.
"We're just glad to have been able to help put him where he belongs," James put his arm around my shoulders.
"Absolutely," I smiled.
"Well, there's no doubt that you did that, and I'm sure he'll regret messing with you every time he looks at the scars on his face," the Commander chuckled, handing James his card, "Not that I expect him to last long in prison, they don't take to kindly to child murderers and abusers,"
No.
I want him to rot in prison.
I want him to regret everything he did to me, Ryder, and Natalie.
Death is too good for him.
"We can only hope," James nodded, putting the card in his wallet.
"I look forward to hearing from you; you all take care," the Commander shook our hands one last time before we piled into the Sheriff's car.
"Well, that was nice of him," Anne beamed, backing out of the lot.
"Yeah, I never thought about being a cop," James slid his arm around my shoulders and pulled my legs over his.
James in a police uniform?
...
Yeah.
I could be okay with that.
"It's something to think about if you decide not to play football," Roland nodded, "Have you thought about what you want to do, Sofia?"
"For sure," James smiled.
"I've thought about majoring in art history; I'd like to be an art consultant," I explained, looking out the window, "But lately I've been leaning more toward social work,"
"Well, I'm sure you'll be great at whatever you choose," Anne nodded, "If James was to choose to be a police officer and you decided to be a social worker, I bet you'd make an amazing team,"
"Like superheroes," I giggled, looking up at James.
"It is an intriguing idea," James rubbed his nose on mine.
We pulled into a parking space outside Target and got out of the car.
"Okay, so we're going to need some clothes and shower stuff," Anne ushered us inside, "Meet us back at checkout in thirty minutes, and no toys this time, James," she poked him in the arm.
"We'll see," James smirked, "It depends on what they've got,"
We're getting toys.
He's so fucking cute.
He grabbed my hand, and we ran to the clothes.
"You get yours first," James twirled me into the girls' section.
"Why don't you pick for me, and I pick for you?" I giggled, crashing into his chest.
"I accept that challenge," he nodded, inspecting the racks thoughtfully.
He picked out a blue and green striped mini dress with a pair of black leggings for me, and I picked a pair of khaki cargo pants and a dark green t-shirt for him.
We grabbed pajamas and our shower stuff before he pulled me to the toy section.
"We'll just grab one thing," he winked at me, pulling down board games from the shelves.
"Uh-huh," I giggled, shaking my head.
I looked at the shelves of games and pulled down Pictionary, "I've always wanted to play this!"
"Get it!" James smiled, taking it from me and adding it to his pile.
James said that they play board games all the time, and I've been excited to have a game night.
I've kept them busy since I showed up...
"Are we going to play all of those tonight?" I asked, putting my arm around his waist as we walked to the front.
"Hell yeah, mom and dad love board games. I bet they'll play with us," James smiled.
"Why do I even talk?" Anne sighed, "What did you get this time, James?"
"Board games," he laughed, putting them on the belt.
"No unicorn this time?" Roland chuckled.
James picked up a box labeled 'Unstable Unicorns' and tossed it at him.
"Always unicorns, dad," he shook his head sarcastically, "You'd think he'd know me by now," he looked down at me and shrugged.
"My poor misunderstood baby," I giggled, standing on my tiptoes and kissing him, "I love the unicorns,"
We checked out and went to the hotel.
Anne gave James our room key and left to find hers.
We walked inside, and I dumped our bags out on the bed, handing James his clothes.
"Do you want to take the first shower?" I asked, putting our soap in the bathroom.
"Baby," he pulled me on his lap on the bed, "Can we just sit here for a minute?"
Is he going to get mad now that we're away from mom and dad?
Is he going to break up with me?
I'm sure the house in Missouri is still available...
I don't think I would be able to live without him...
I know I deserve it, but don't let him get mad.
Please.
I nodded, letting him hold me to his chest.
"Are you really okay?" he whispered, looking down at me.
Yes.
I'm fine.
I rested my head on his shoulder and sighed.
"This wasn't my best day, that's for sure, but it wasn't my worst either," I closed my eyes, "But right now, being with you again, yes. I'm okay. I'm really more embarrassed than upset,"
"Embarrassed?" he asked, pulling my chin up, "Why?"
How can you ask me that?
How would you feel if you admitted to me that you were forced to fuck strangers against your will?
I pulled my face back away from him and looked down at my legs.
"I've had sex with god knows how many people, and I keep pushing you away. I'm just waiting for you to get fed up with me," I whispered.
"How many of those men were consensual?" he asked, pulling my chin back up gently.
That doesn't matter.
It's a fact.
I'm not a virgin.
I'm a whore.
"None," I frowned, "But it doesn't change the fact that I have. I was a prostitute, James,"
"You were forced to get high and let men do awful things to you; that's not sex, baby, that's gut-wrenching abuse," he whispered, "I understand why you push me away, but as far as I'm concerned, we're both virgins,"
Stop doing that!
Stop making excuses for me, damnit!
"You can't keep doing this, James," I put my head on my knees, "Stop not getting mad at me,"
"Why do you keep insisting that any of the shit Sam and Miranda put you through is something I would get mad at you for?" he asked, rubbing my back, "You didn't do anything, princess; you had things done to you. You were a terrified child without a choice; no one should ever have to go through what you did,"
I had a choice.
I was just too scared to make the right one.
"Sam and Miranda always told me I deserved everything that they did to me, James; I was too loud, I was too annoying, and now I'm too broken. You should be mad, fuck, you should hate me for everything I've put you through," I cried, slamming my head on my knees.
I don't want you to hate me, but you really should!
You should be yelling at me!
"No," he pulled me back up, "Sam and Miranda are worthless drug-addicted child abusers who used you as a source of income to feed their habits. If I have to beat the shit out of a thousand Sams to keep you, you bet your sexy ass I'll do it," he rested his forehead on mine, "As scared as I was when you left yesterday, you were the one who had to go through another traumatic event today. You got stranded alone on a bus, kidnapped, hit, witnessed a murder, and had to face the man responsible for all the other trauma in your life, but yet you're still worried about me,"
I'm used to it, James.
This has been a mild day compared to what I went through before...
"Of course I'm worried about you," I rested my head back against his chest, "I love you so much, and I want to be with you in every way too, but I'm worried that I'm going to ruin your life,"
I'm not what you need.
Make me leave.
I can't do it on my own.
I'm selfishly in love with you.
"How could someone who makes my life worth living ruin it? Sam and Miranda are in prison, and if the rest of their little gang knows what's best for them, they'll leave you the fuck alone," he smiled, cracking his knuckles, "If they haven't grasped the reality that I would kill for you, then that's their mistake,"
I let him guide my chin back up to him and kiss me.
Sam was gone.
Miranda was gone.
James hopefully scared off any potential life threats.
But they still exist in my mind, and I am still that terrified little girl trapped in a closet.
I want James to understand, but I don't know how to explain it to him.
We skipped our showers and got dressed to meet his parents in the lobby.
"Okay, who's ready to go soak in the hot spring!" Anne exclaimed, happily running to the car.
"You, obviously," James laughed, holding the door open for me and wrapping me back around him in the backseat.
"Do you know how long it's been since I've been to a hot spring, male child?" Anne smiled.
"Our honeymoon," Roland sighed.
"Fair enough," James laughed, "Are you excited, baby?"
"I'm excited that mom's excited," I giggled.
We drove up the mountain, and Anne parked outside a small red building.
"Out!" she clapped, shooing us inside.
"She really is excited," I whispered, linking my arm with James's.
"I don't think I've ever seen her like this; it's kind of creeping me out," James whispered back.
What the hell is that smell?
"This place smells weird," I wrinkled my nose.
"That's the sulfur," Roland explained, "It's supposed to smell like that,"
Why would anyone enjoy something that is supposed to smell like rotten eggs?
"It still stinks," James agreed with me, holding both of our noses.
"Stop complaining and go change," Anne huffed, handing us white swimsuits.
James kissed me before disappearing into the men's locker room, and I followed Anne into the woman's.
We changed into the outfits and walked out into the hot spring.
Anne quickly walked into the steaming water, but I sat on the edge, waiting for James to come out.
I dipped my feet into the boiling hot water and winced as my legs turned red.
"It's relaxing, isn't it?" Anne sighed happily.
Not particularly.
I'm sure I've boiled water cooler than this.
Isn't this how lobsters die?
"Sure," I smiled, pulling my legs back out of the death water.
James sat down beside me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.
"Do you want to go in?" he asked, dipping his feet in and pulling them out quickly, "Fuck, that's hot!" he yelled, pulling me away.
We really are two halves.
I love him so much.
"It's better if you come in," Roland explained, leaning against the wall in the water.
James looked down at me, and I shrugged.
He picked me up and held me across his arms as he descended the stairs, keeping me above the water until he was chest-deep, and then lowered me down slowly.
"You two are absolutely ridiculous," Anne laughed, "Just come in already,"
I touched my feet to the bottom, and the water came up to my chin.
"Well?" Roland asked, "What do you think?"
"You were right; it's better all the way in," I smiled, closing my eyes, "I just wish it didn't smell so bad,"
"You get used to it," Anne laughed, splashing me.
I held my breath and went under, enjoying how the heat made my muscles relax.
I felt James pull me back up into his arms, and I giggled.
"Why don't you like me going under the water?" I asked, moving the hair out of my face, "You wouldn't let me do it at the lake either,"
"It's always freaked me out, and I worry," he shrugged, "It's an unnecessary life hazard,"
"He got pushed in the pool when he was five," Anne explained, "He still swims, but he won't go under the water,"
"It just makes me anxious," James shrugged.
"That's understandable," I kissed his cheek, "I won't do it anymore, baby,"
"Thank you, perfect girlfriend," he rested his forehead on mine.
"You're welcome, perfect boyfriend," I rubbed my nose on his.
"You two are going to get diabetes if you don't stop being so sickeningly sweet," Anne rolled her eyes.
James and I laughed, and I dropped back down into the water.
I leaned up against him and closed my eyes as he wrapped his arms around my waist.
I could feel my mind clear, like nothing except James's arms existed around me.
No worries.
No thoughts.
Just silence and my sexy boyfriend's huge biceps.
This is perfection.
"I'm starting to get dizzy," I put my hand on my head.
"Go ahead and get out sweetie; we'll leave soon," Anne smiled.
James carried me out and sat me on a chair.
"Do you want some water?" he asked, looking around for a vending machine.
"Yeah, if there is any, I'm just really hot," I put my head between my knees, trying to make my head stop spinning.
He ran off and came back with a bottle of water, and I started to feel better.
"Thank you, baby," I smiled, handing the bottle back to him.
We got dressed and went out for lunch before exploring Casper and going back to the hotel at five.
"We need to be ready by eight; Sheriff Wilson is picking us up at eight-fifteen," Anne announced as we got in the elevator, "Our flight leaves at ten,"
"Okay, mom," James nodded, "Do you guys want to play board games with us?"
"Sure, bring them to our room," she smiled, "I'll rent a movie to watch and get some snacks,"
"I'll get the snacks," James stated sternly, "I've been way too lenient with you people lately,"
"James Edwin Talbert, I will not have you spoil this by making us eat protein bars and veggie straws," Anne warned him, "We have all had a stressful day, especially Sofia, and I know she needs chocolate. I'll pick the snacks, and you can hush,"
And the point goes to Anne Talbert.
"Ugh," James threw his head back, "Fine, for Sofia,"
He's such a sore loser.
The game night should be an interesting experience.
"Good, now go get the games," she pointed as the elevator doors opened.
She's not playing.
I feel so special.
I put my hand over my mouth to hide the grin on my face.
"You," James grinned, pointing at me, "I hope you know that once we're married and I get you away from my corruptive parents, you're never going to eat junk food again,"
When we're married...
I love when he talks about being my husband.
"Yeah, yeah," I giggled, "You say it like a threat, but it'll be worth it. I need you more than I need sodium and sugar-filled garbage,"
"God, I love you," he rested his chin on my shoulder as I opened the door.
"I love you too, baby," I turned my head and kissed him.
"You take the first shower; I'm going to get the games ready," James handed me my clothes.
We're going to get married.
James still wants to marry me.
Should I...
Shouldn't I try to get more sexually comfortable with him?
I want to be okay with him seeing and touching all of me...
"Um, actually," I blushed, looking at the floor, "I was wondering if, um, maybe you wanted to take a shower with me," I mumbled, looking up at his shocked expression.
"Yes," he nodded, pulling me to the bathroom.
We stood in front of the shower, and he turned the water on.
He said yes awful fast.
I wonder if he's thought about this before...
He started to pull off his shirt, but I touched his hand to stop him.
"Can I?" I squeaked, and he nodded, letting me pull it over his head.
I ran my hands down his chest to the button on his pants and looked up at him.
Is he comfortable with me undressing him?
I've never done this before.
Fuck, this is nerve-racking.
"It's okay," he smiled, letting me unbutton them, and kicking them off.
"You now," he whispered, pulling my dress off and unhooking my bra.
We've been here before.
This is fine.
His hands traveled down my body to the edge of my leggings, and I nodded, closing my eyes.
Don't push him away.
I want this.
I want this so badly.
"Are you sure this is okay?" he asked, caressing my arms with his fingers.
"Yes," I nodded, keeping my eyes closed, "I'm just nervous,"
I felt his thumbs hook into the elastic as he pulled my leggings down to my knees, and he helped peel them off of me.
I opened my eyes, and we were both standing half-naked in our underwear.
My heart began to race as his fingers lightly grazed my panty line, waiting for me to give the okay to continue.
Thank you for being so gentle.
James is so perfect.
His eyes never left mine as I nodded, and he pulled them down, kneeling in front of me.
I trembled as James trailed kisses from the top of my thighs, along my hips, and back up my torso to my lips.
"We're just going to take a shower," he whispered, cradling my cheek in his hand, "I won't do anything you don't want to do,"
I know you won't.
I nodded, taking a deep breath, and hooked my thumbs in the elastic of his boxers, pulling them down to his ankles.
I took in the absolute perfection of my James as his eyes traveled longingly over my body.
It wasn't the same leering that all of the others in the past had done; his eyes were full of love and passion for me.
The sparks flying in his eyes were for the woman he loved.
I know, without a doubt, that even if I hadn't asked him to do this, he would still love me just as much because he wants to be with me.
James held the shower door open, and I climbed in, waiting for him to join me.
He stood facing me and wrapped his arms around my waist, letting the warm water flow over us, and I could feel his large erection on my stomach.
"Is this okay?" he asked, pushing the wet hair out of my face.
"Yeah," I smiled, wrapping my arms around his neck, "It's perfect,"
He leaned down and kissed me before grabbing the soap and squeezing some into his hand.
"Do you mind?" he asked, rubbing it on my shoulders.
I giggled and shook my head, resting my forehead on his chest, trying to keep the water out of my face as he used washing me as an excuse to explore my body.
His hands traveled from my shoulders to my breasts, my stomach, and he slid his arm between my thighs, rubbing against my slit, making me moan and dig my fingers into his arms.
I smiled against him, relieved that I was so comfortable in my vulnerability.
James rinsed me off after he had traveled every inch of my body.
"Do you want to?" he smirked, offering me the soap.
More than anything.
I took the bottle and blushed as I squeezed some into my hand.
I could feel him watching me as I ran my hands over his muscular shoulders, down his chest, his abs, and I stopped above his waist.
I looked up into his eyes again as I moved my hand to his erection, sliding my hand along his length, making his eyes roll in the back of his head as he moaned.
Having this kind of control over him sent a warm sensation across my belly. and I wanted to do it again, but I moved my hands back up his chest and wrapped my hands around his back to his ass before rinsing him off.
We stared at each other as he held me back in his arms.
Being with him is easy.
I can't believe I was so worried about him touching me.
I could stay in here forever.
"Come on, baby, let's go play some games," he smiled, turning the now cold water off and helping me out.
He grabbed our towels, and we changed into our new pajamas before grabbing the games and leaving the room.
It was ten before we got back to our room, and we both fell onto the bed, exhausted.
"I'm sorry for breaking my promise last night," I whispered, propping myself up on my elbow.
"Don't be," James propped himself up, "We won't ever sleep apart again,"
"Never," I giggled, pouncing on him.
I looked down at his content expression and kissed him.
James loves me so much.
Can he really be okay with everything I tried so hard to keep from him?
He bit my lip as we broke contact and rolled me underneath him.
"Thank you, Sofia," he whispered, kissing my neck.
"For what?" I asked, closing my eyes.
"For trusting me, I know our shower earlier was difficult for you," he whispered, lacing our fingers together.
"I have always trusted you, James," I ran my fingers over his cheek, "I'm just used to being hurt,"
"I won't ever hurt you, princess," he smiled, "I'm not going anywhere,"
He sat up and pulled off his shirt before pulling mine off and positioned us under the blanket.
I missed feeling him.
This is my favorite place.
Right inside my future husband's arms.
"I love you, James," I whispered, resting my head in the crook of his neck.
"I love you too, Sofia," he kissed the top of my head and pulled me closer to him.
"I change my mind; I'm going to take a bus back," I turned to walk out of the airport, but James pulled me back.
Airplanes, REALLY?!
Dumbest invention EVER!
NO WAY!
"It's really not that scary, baby," he assured me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.
Not scary?!
He does understand we're going to be in the sky, right?
People aren't meant to fly.
There's no oxygen up there.
Take the hint, humans.
Stay on the fucking ground!
"I'm glad you enjoy flying, but I prefer the ground," I shook my head, trying to flee from his grasp.
"Sofia Dawn Benton Talbert, you will get on the plane," Anne warned me.
I stared at her, shocked.
Who's side are you on, mom?!
What happened to 'Sofia's gone through a traumatic event' Anne?
Bring her back!
"She used your full name," James whispered, "That's never good, and hey! I didn't know your middle name was Dawn," he laughed.
"Yes, ma'am," I shivered.
No one has used my full name since Miranda.
I like the Talbert addition, though.
Wait!
Focus on the situation, Sofia!
We're going to die!
I let James pull me toward the boarding zone like a cat being pulled to a bathtub.
"It's only a five-hour flight," Roland patted my shoulder, "It will be over before you know it,"
ONLY?!
That's five hours too long!
"Yeah," I chuckled nervously, "Okay,"
James basically pushed me across the ramp into the airplane and planted me in a window seat.
Breath in.
Breath out.
Don't throw up.
I tapped my fingers on the arm of the chair nervously, wishing I had an excuse to leave this metal death trap.
The stewardess instructed us on how to use the seatbelts and oxygen masks in case of an emergency.
"James, I refuse to let this be how I die," I said, hyperventilating.
"The skies are clear, baby; we're going to be fine," he wrapped his arm back around me.
"Storms aren't the only way planes crash," I shook my head, "Hundreds of things could go wrong,"
"Well, they won't," James kissed my temple, "Close your eyes and breath, baby,"
I felt the plane start moving, and I held James's arm as hard as I could.
"We're in the sky," James whispered.
I opened my eyes and looked out the window as we started our ascent into the clouds.
I want to go back down.
Don't make me do this.
"Please make them take me back," I begged him.
"We'll be home soon, love. Do you want to switch seats with me once we get stable?"
HA!
Nice try, mister.
"I'm not standing up on an airplane; I've seen that movie too many times," I stated sourly.
"What are you afraid of?"
Everything, James.
Have you met me?!
"The exit door opening and being flung out, an explosion that causes the exit door to open and being flung out, just anything that involves me falling thirty thousand feet to my death,"
"Oh, you'd die way before you hit the ground," he shrugged.
NOT HELPFUL!
I smacked him and crossed my arms.
"What?" he chuckled, taking my hand back, "I'm just saying that you wouldn't feel the ground, but you're not going to die; I won't let you. Ever,"
"I'm going to hold that to you," I grumbled, timidly peeking out the window, "It is kind of beautiful up here, huh?"
"My view sure is," he whispered.
I looked over and found him staring at me.
"Wow, that was cheesy," I laughed, resting my head on his shoulder.
"But you loved it," he laughed, moving the arm of the chair up and pulling me closer to him.
Yeah.
I did.
Okay, fine, he knows me.
"Maybe," I giggled, "There's no one I would rather die up here with than you,"
"I'll take the compliment," he poked my nose, "But no one is dying,"
I looked back out the window and smiled.
We're going home.