Chapter 6

Is She With You?

It was noon on the 22nd. Sariel was hard at work clearing fields and loading up boxes of produce to sell to Pierre. The shopkeeper had worked out a very agreeable deal with her and paid her quite well for produce she was willing to sell to him. She found her thoughts drifting to the phone calls she and Elliott exchanged over the past two weeks.

She'd been hard at work for several hours already and was relieved when she finally loaded the last box into her truck. Crates of Parsnips, Green Beans, Cauliflower, Kale, and Potatoes filled the bed of her truck. She climbed into her truck and made the drive to town.

Sariel parked her truck near Pierre's and gently pushed the store's door open. She spotted Pierre and Caroline having a discussion and quickly propped the door open. She waved to the pair before returning to her truck. She heaved the first few crates out of the truck and took them inside.

"Good afternoon. I've got a truckload of produce for you." Sariel called out softly.

"Excellent! What do you have?" Pierre asked kindly.

"Oh, the usual. Parsnips, Cauliflower, Potatoes, Green Beans, and Kale." Sariel replied.

"Alright. Would you like some help with the crates?" Pierre asked.

"Please, if you don't mind. There's not a lot, about three of each, but they're heavy." Sariel grunted slightly as she set her first load down.

Pierre slid out from behind the counter and immediately joined Sariel at her truck. It took the pair about forty minutes to off-load all of the produce. He immediately set to work inspecting everything and was quite pleased at the quality of the crops.

"These all look amazing, Sariel! I don't know how you do it. Caroline, can you get Sariel's payment for her?" Pierre called out to his wife.

"Of course. Thank you so much, Sariel. After a harvest like this, are you finally catching a chance to relax?" Caroline asked sweetly.

"Ah, yeah, I am. I've got plans tonight. I've got a few more fields that should be ready to harvest in the next few days, too." Sariel replied with a slight blush on her face.

"Sariel, your cheeks are flushed. Are you alright?" Caroline asked concernedly.

"Oh, uh, yeah. I'm fine. Just uh, have a date tonight." Sariel replied sheepishly.

"With someone in town?" Pierre asked.

"Maybe." Sariel replied cryptically.

She bade the couple farewell and made the drive back to the farm. It was now 4:00, and she had to get ready for her date with Elliott. She went to her closet and pulled out a midnight blue dress. The sheer blue fabric moved freely over the silver lining. The v-neck cut accentuated her chest perfectly. She'd worn this particular dress to a company Winter Star party two years ago and had been the talk of the evening.

Sariel pulled out the bra that matched the dress. The black satin garment was a molded-cup bra, meant to provide lift, support and enhanced her bust quite well. She pulled out a black satin thong to complete the outfit. She grabbed a pair of silver heels from her closet and set them near the outfit.

Sariel rushed through taking a shower, making sure she was immaculately manicured and groomed for the date. Pleased with herself she quickly dried her hair and opted to leave it down. Her rich mahogany waves cascaded around her face and shoulders. She glanced at the clock and saw it was now 5:30. She quickly dressed and took a picture of herself and sent it to Lilly.

"Holy. Shit. Sariel. You look GOOD. Damn, Elliott's a lucky man." Lilly replied.

"Aw, thanks, Lilly." Sariel typed out quickly.

"You're dressed to kill him, Rinn. I don't think *I* could keep my eyes off of you, and you're my best friend." Lilly replied.

"Is it bad that I have fallen completely for him? I'm… scared, Lilly." Sariel responded.

"Rinn, you deserve this. Just be yourself. If he feels even a little like you do, you're fine. Have fun tonight! Don't forget to give me all the details! Xoxo" Lilly replied.

"Thanks Lilly. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?" Sariel quickly sent the message.

She exited the house and made the short drive to the edge of town and arrived at the Saloon by 5:50. She pushed the wooden door open and was greeted by most of the patrons turning her attention towards her. Leah stood and gave her a small hug.

"Oh my god, Sari! You look amazing! Elliott's in the back." Leah whispered to her.

Sariel nodded and walked towards the back private dining room. Her heels clicked softly on the wooden floor. Butterflies were surging in her stomach. The door was open and she peeked around the corner.

Elliott was wearing black slacks and a white dress shirt. His sleeves were rolled up slightly and the gray tie he wore complemented him perfectly. He was holding a single white rose in his left hand.

Sariel moved around the corner and smiled brightly when she heard Elliott's gasp. He stood from his chair and quickly joined her. The scent of his aftershave was driving her wild. The notes of clary sage, mandarin oranges, and sandalwood were pleasing. She detected faint hints of lavender, iris, and amber as well.

"My god, Rinn. You're beautiful!" Elliott exclaimed.

"Thank you. You're not so bad yourself." Sariel countered playfully.

Elliott quickly kissed her, unable to bear the distance between the two of them. When she deepened the kiss he moaned against her. He very reluctantly broke the kiss and led her to her seat.

"I spent eight hours today writing. It's nice to be able to relax. Thank you for joining me, darling." Elliott purred.

Emily appeared with a beer for Elliott and a glass of wine for Sariel. She complimented Sariel on her dress. She took their food orders and disappeared just as quickly as she had shown up.

"I'm glad to hear you're making progress. I propose a toast, to our friendship." Sariel stated with her wine in her hand.

"That's a great idea! Here's to us!" Elliott cheerfully replied while clinking her glass with his bottle.

Sariel drew a sip of the wine into her mouth and savored the rich, complex, spicy flavor of the bold cabernet sauvignon. She caught Elliott staring at her intently. His eyes were roaming her body and she shivered slightly.

The duo sat discussing things from what foods Elliott couldn't stand, to what Sariel's best friend was like. They were engrossed in their conversation when Emily reappeared with their meal. She gently set their plates down and refilled their drinks.

Elliott had opted for Tom Kha Soup and Sariel chose a simple salad of mixed field greens with berries and grilled chicken. As they finished their meal, Sariel slowly drank yet another glass of wine. Elliott quickly paid for their meal and took Sariel's hand in his.

"Rinn, thank you. You've helped me stay balanced the last few weeks and I truly appreciate that." Elliott stated softly.

"You're welcome, Ellie. I'm happy that I can be here for you. I'm very glad I found you here." Sariel admitted.

"As am I, darling. I am honored that you are my girlfriend." Elliott purred.

"Is that so?" Sariel quipped.

"Indeed. Though, dressed as you are, I'm sure I'm no longer the only person interested in you." Elliott replied, smirking.

"Ah, but you have what they don't." Sariel retorted.

"Oh? And what's that?" Elliott asked.

"Permission to touch and kiss me." Sariel flirted.

Elliott whimpered slightly and bit his lip. He shifted in his seat and stared into Sariel's eyes. Desire and want were clinging to the back of his thoughts.

"What's the matter, Elliott?" Sariel taunted slightly.

"I would love nothing more than to do both of the things you mentioned." Elliott replied.

"So, what's stopping you?" Sariel asked defiantly.

Elliott immediately slid his chair back and motioned for Sariel to join him. She fell into step by his side and he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closely to him. As they entered the main portion of the Saloon, they were met with the stares and gazes of the patrons.

Sariel leaned close to Elliott and hugged him gently. Her slender body fit against him perfectly, like she'd been made just for him. She smiled when he immediately brought his hands to her lower back.

"Dance with me?" Sariel whispered faintly.

"Gladly." Elliott replied.

Sariel moved to the jukebox and found the perfect song. She quickly started it and returned to Elliott. The soft notes of Gavi's Song by Lindsey Stirling filled the air of the Saloon. Sariel took her place in Elliott's embrace and smiled as he expertly led her through a dance. They moved together perfectly.

Elliott spun her and as the song reached its end, they noticed that everyone in the Saloon was staring at them. He expertly dipped her low to the ground and kissed her passionately. Another song started and this time he brought Sariel as close to him as possible and relished the growing intimacy between them. The two danced in their small space, easily moving with one another.

Sariel laid her head on Elliott's chest and nestled against him when he wrapped his arms around her. Sariel stifled a small yawn and snuggled closer to Elliott. For the first time since Lucian she felt safe, protected and loved.

Her phone started buzzing in her purse and she cursed at the invasive device. She quickly dismissed the call and focused her attention back on Elliott. Again her phone rang, and again she ignored it. This routine continued for a few moments until she finally answered the phone.

"This is Sariel. I'm busy, what do you want?" She spat out.

"I tried to visit you today, Sariel, but there was no one at your house. Then I thought to myself,

'It's Monday, she should be at work', so I went to Joja HQ and they said you weren't there, and hadn't been in over three weeks! Imagine my surprise! Where has my love gone?" Lucian asked.

Sariel dropped the phone as the color drained from her face. She took a few steps away from the device. Tears were flowing down her face and she couldn't think straight. She flinched when Elliott reached out towards her and cursed herself internally. She took Elliott's hand and he pulled her close to him, shielding her with his right arm.

Elliott's gaze hardened and he picked up the phone. Lucian was still rambling on the other end. Elliott growled and started berating the other man.

"Lucian, just what in the name of Yoba do you want with Sariel? She's moved on, or at least she'd like to. Hell, I'd like her to be able to move on." The rage was apparent in Elliott's voice.

"Oh look. Little Lia has a boyfriend. I bet you wouldn't come to her defense if her life was on the line." Lucian taunted.

"That's a bet you'd lose. I would gladly give my life for hers." Elliott spat out.

"Such a bold statement. Give the phone back to Lia." Lucian demanded.

"No. I'm not going to cause torment to Sariel." Elliott replied flatly.

"If you value her life you will. Give her the phone, Elliott." Lucian's voice was frigid.

Sariel looked towards Elliott and he shook his head slightly. She snuggled closer to him and tightened her hold on his waist. She couldn't make out much of the conversation at all.

"I value her life more than my own. Be that as it may, I still refuse to cause her undue harm." Elliott replied.

They both gasped when the door to the Saloon swung open and Lucian entered. His brown hair was cropped short and his amber eyes were dark. Rage and fury splayed across his face as he approached the pair.

Elliott quickly dropped the phone into his pocket and moved Sariel behind him. She backed slowly away from Elliott and sought refuge and sanctuary in the Saloon. She caught Leah motioning to her and she started to follow the young red-head.

"If you want your lover to walk out of her alive, Lia, you'll stop moving." Lucian called out.

All of the color in Sariel's face drained and she stopped and turned towards Elliott and Lucian. She moved back to Elliott's side. She swallowed the lump in her throat and stepped in front of Elliott.

Elliott reached out to try and protect her and frowned when Sariel shrugged off his hand. He focused his gaze on Lucian and stared at the young man intently. He was ready to pull Sariel out of the way if need be.

"Ah, there's Lia. You look beautiful. Elliott doesn't deserve you." Lucian taunted.

Sariel slapped Lucian across his face as hard as she could. The resounding crack of her palm against his skin echoed in the Saloon. Fire burned in her tender hand, but the handprint forming on Lucian's cheek was worth it.

He growled and reached towards her, the fury rising in his heart overcame him. He managed to grab a handful of her hair and yanked her to floor. He tightened his grip and laughed when she screamed in pain.

"Stupid, stupid Lia. Why would you go and do something like that?" He sneered as he brought a knife to her throat.

Sariel's steel eyes focused on his and she felt the room freeze. Everyone was staring at she and Lucian, afraid of making a move and provoking the deranged man. She focused on the one sound in the Saloon that brought her comfort - the rhythmic rise and fall of Elliott's steady breathing.

"Trust me?" Sariel whispered.

"Rinn…" Elliott whimpered.

"Distract him." Sariel murmured.

Sariel closed her eyes and felt her resolve strengthen. Lucian moved and slightly loosened his grip on her hair. She braced herself for what she was getting ready to do.

"You're correct. Sariel doesn't deserve me. In fact, I don't like her, I'm just using her." Elliott taunted.

His heart hurt and he felt sick to his stomach after saying something so hurtful. The pain in Sariel's face danced across her eyes quickly. He saw her wince and recoil slightly.

"That's what I'm saying. She's just a dirty whore that doesn't deserve anything." Lucian stated in agreement.

He loosened his grip again and Sariel drew a ragged breath into her lungs. Lucian took a step away from her, unaware she was preparing to attack him. His eyes darted between Elliott and Sariel as he was trying to figure out how to hurt her the most.

"You should just take her and leave. None of us want her here. We should just sell her farm to Joja Mart so they can make a warehouse here and forget she even existed." Elliott spat out.

Lucian wavered and that was the kiss of death for him. Sariel ripped her hair free from his grasp and brought her full strength down against his arm as she twisted his wrist into a practiced supinating wristlock. She felt his lower arm snap beneath the force of her assault. His right arm went slack as his shoulder dislocated. His pained screamed echoed in the Saloon. She launched herself at him and winced when his knife sliced into her side. The rage that burned in her threatened to consume her.

He tried to fight her off with his left hand, but failed. Sariel growled and delivered a punch to his solar plexus. He staggered backwards and she delivered a perfect front kick to his jaw. She stumbled backwards and felt herself fall into Elliott's arms. Sariel winced as she pressed her arm to her side and felt the warm, sticky blood on her dress.

"My god, Sariel! Are you okay?" Leah asked.

"Uh, not so much. Can you ask Gus for a towel?" Sariel whimpered as she drew in a breath.

"Darling, that was incredible. Where did you learn to fight like that?" Elliott asked softly.

"After Luc… Self defense classes. Vowed I'd never be weak again." Sariel huffed out.

Leah handed her the towel Gus had presented and gasped when she saw the cut on her side. She pulled Sariel's arm out of the way and immediately took over pressing the towel to the wound. Sariel squirmed in pain.

"Gus! Call Harvey! Hurry, damn it!" Leah called out.

"Rinn? What's wrong?" Elliott asked softly.

"Wasn't fast enough…" Sariel whimpered.

"Fast enough? For what?" Elliott queried.

"Didn't dodge the knife…" Sariel stated.

"Oh Yoba! Let me see, darling." Elliott commanded.

"S'okay. Just a scratch, I think." Sariel stated as she shied away from Elliott.

"Sariel, let me see the wound." Elliott commanded again.

"Fine, fine, just, be gentle okay?" Sariel replied begrudgingly.

She peeled the towel from her side and shuddered as Elliott ran his hand lightly down her side. Sariel smiled at him despite the pain in her side. She snaked her right arm around Elliott's waist and hugged him lightly.

"Ellie?" Sariel called out softly.

"Yes, darling?" Elliott replied as he continued investigating the wound on her side.

"Did you mean what you said?" Sariel asked quietly

"Which part? How I didn't deserve you?" Elliott asked sadly.

"Ah… yeah… Uhm…" Sariel replied.

"No. It's true though. I don't deserve you. You are wonderful and brilliant. I am quite glad you chose me though." Elliott responded.

The door to the Saloon opened again and Harvey, the town doctor stepped inside. He set his bag on the floor next to Sariel and immediately sat to work cleaning the wound. The slit wasn't very long, nor deep. It was seeping blood at a slow rate now.

"You're going to be fine, Sariel. I doubt it will even leave a scar. It looks like the tip of the blade sliced your side. I'll dress the wound and then you'll be good as new, alright?" Harvey asked.

"Thanks doc. I appreciate it." Sariel replied.

"As for Mr. Reid, I'll keep him confined to the hospital while the police from Zuzu City show up and deal with him. I have to treat his injuries of course. What did you do to him?" Harvey inquired.

"Supinating wristlock. Broke his lower arm and you'll find his right shoulder is dislocated. I might have fractured his jaw when I kicked him." Sariel replied flatly.

"That's… impressive and terrifying. Please remind me never to make you angry." Harvey stated.

"It was either that, or Lucian would have killed me. He's killed before and genuinely hates me and blames me for what happened to him. I greatly love my life and would like to continue being alive." Sariel fired back.

"Rinn, shh. Try not to think of that, darling." Elliott whispered in her ear.

"Sariel, you're as patched up as I can get you. Please try to get some rest tonight. Simply Tylenol or other pain relief should be sufficient for this wound. Call me if it worsens or looks like it's infected." Harvey stated as he finished up.

Elliott helped Sariel off the floor and looped his arm around her waist. He escorted her outside to her truck and eased her into the passenger's side. He climbed into the driver's seat and drove the vehicle back to her farm.

"Elliott?" Sariel asked quietly.

"Yes?" Elliott replied.

"I know tonight was only our second date, but I'd really prefer to not be alone tonight." Sariel admitted sadly.

"I will gladly stay with you, if that's what you wish." Elliott responded.

"Thank you, Ell." Sariel stated.

Elliott climbed out of the truck and opened the door for Sariel. She looped her arm around his neck and allowed him to gently lift her out of the truck. She took her keys and opened the door to her house.

She stepped inside and locked the door behind Elliott. She started making her way towards the bathroom. Once inside she slowly pulled off her dress and discarded it. The bandage on her abdomen stood out against her stomach.

Sariel exited the bathroom and made her way to her dresser where she pulled on a t-shirt. She undid the clasp of her bra and slid the undergarment off from under her shirt. She caught Elliott browsing her bookshelf and smiled.

"Elliott?" Sariel called out.

"Yes, darling?" Elliott replied.

"Come here." Sariel stated.

Elliott obliged and entered her bedroom and smiled at her brightly. Even in pajamas she was beautiful. He wanted nothing more than to hold her and keep her safe.

Sariel quickly embraced Elliott and pulled him as close to her as she could. She relaxed significantly when he wrapped his arms around her. Something about the author calmed the storm in her thoughts and heart.

"I'm sorry, Elliott." Sariel cried softly.

"For what, darling?" Elliott asked gently.

"Lucian." Sariel replied remorsefully.

"Rinn, you have nothing to apologize for. You can not control his actions, nor could you have predicted he'd still harbor such vengeance for you. Are you worried that I'm going to leave you because of this?" Elliott inquired.

"Y-y-yes." Sariel stammered.

Elliott pulled back from their embrace slightly and cupped Sariel's face in his left hand. His face softened and he stared into her steel eyes. He idly rubbed her cheek with his thumb.

"Sariel, look at me. If I was going to leave you, would I be here now? I care a great deal for you. We all have parts of our past that haunt us. No one can fault you for yours. I would very much like to continue dating you." Elliott replied lovingly.

Sariel reached up on her tiptoes and kissed Elliott softly. She laid her head over his heart and stood within his embrace, peacefully listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. She smiled when Elliott started stroking her back softly.

"Darling, get some sleep. I'll be in the guest bedroom if you need me." Elliott whispered.

"No." Sariel defiantly replied.

"No?" Elliott asked inquisitively.

"No. In here, with me. Please." Sariel stated firmly.

"Are you certain?" Elliott replied.

"Yes." Sariel stated.

Elliott easily lifted Sariel into the air and carried her to the bed. He undid his tie and shucked off his dress shirt, revealing the white tank top underneath. He kicked off his shoes and undid his belt and tossed it on the floor. He crawled into bed next to Sariel and smiled when she snuggled up against him.

Sariel nestled her head on his chest and pressed her body close to him. She finally started to feel calm when Elliott looped his right arm around her and pulled the blankets around them. Sariel draped her right arm across his broad chest and rested her hand over his heart.

Elliott placed a chaste kiss to her forehead and snuggled against her. He was falling even more in love with her every minute they spent together. A half hour had passed and he realized Sariel had finally fallen asleep. He drifted off to sleep and his dreams were occupied by Sariel.