"Come with me this week," Link said, "Dr. Isaac said I need to go over things with you two. Please?" His blue eyes were pleading, and somewhat shy. I knew it wasn't easy for him to ask.
I embraced him. "Of course! I'll be there whenever you need me."
"I know." He murmured softly into my hair. I felt his gratitude in his arms as they held me. Since Rhett had returned, the three of us had been walking on eggshells in the bedroom. Every time Link touched me, Rhett was on alert. It made for a dissatisfying experience for Link, and added anxiety to Rhett's. While I was always taken care of, the tension grew tiresome, and I found myself eager to be done with the situation. Dr. Isaac seemed to be helping, and I was willing to do whatever it took to move things along.
Link ran his hand down my back. "You've been so supportive, Des, and I still can't wrap my head around it."
I held him tighter. "You're a good man, and I love you. And as long as you are trying to get better and still love me, I'll be there."
His breath hitched. He pulled away from me slightly to look me in the eyes. Upon closer inspection, I noticed his eyes were glassy. "And I'll never stop trying, or... You- you're so amazing, Desiree. Anyone else would have taken off." In shame, he turned his face as a tear escaped and ran down his cheek.
My hand turned him back to face me again so that I could kiss him.
I'm not going anywhere.
...
Both Rhett and Link looked a bit nervous. Rhett bounced his knee and tapped his foot while he stared intently into space. Link wrung his hands. For some reason I was strangely calm.
The office was atypical. Instead of a leather couch, a hammock hung from the ceiling. Comfortable chairs rested beside it for those who didn't wish to lay down. Dim lighting made for a soothing ambience. It smelled of vanilla. Numerous certificates and plaques lined the sky blue walls, but it was the only thing that reminded us that this was a therapist's office.
The round faced, friendly Dr. Isaac sat in his chair facing us at an angle. The man was immediately likable, with a warm smile and kind eyes, but had a hardness about him that warned against any doubts of his ability to handle patients.
"Rhett, why don't you tell Link what you're worried about?" The man sat with his pen poised to write in the notepad on his lap.
Rhett looked uncomfortable. I reached over and patted his arm reassuringly, which earned me a grateful smile. "Like, about his issues?"
"Right. I want you to talk to Link about why you're worried." Dr. Isaac nodded.
"Well," Rhett shifted to see Link better. "You get so out of control when you go into... into that zone. When we started this thing with Desiree," he reached over and took my hand, "We talked about how I felt before I ever said anything to her. This isn't just another girl to me, and I will do what I have to in order to keep her safe."
I glowed on the inside.
"And do you think that your presence guarantees her safety?" Dr. Isaac asked.
Rhett looked determined and certain. "Yeah, I do." He squeezed my hand.
Link sat on the hammock, rocking himself back and forth, looking thoughtful and sad. It took everything I had not to go to him and kiss that look off of his face. Seeing him so torn up was devastating.
The doctor turned his inquiries to me. "Desiree, do you feel safe with Link?"
It felt as though everyone held their breath as they awaited my answer.
Do I?
it had been a couple of weeks, but the worry was still there. Then again, he had made love to me and more than made up for his mistake. But did I really feel safe? Like I could relax?
"If we monitor the situation, yes." I replied, trying not to look at Link. "I believe he would never intentionally hurt me in his right mind."
Dr. Isaac accepted that answer. His eyes glanced to Link, who was looking at him with questioning eyes. "Then Link, we have more work to do in order to help you cope with your PTSD. If you are to form meaningful relationships, it is essential that you continue therapy." He turned to Rhett and me, "If we need you again, will you be willing to come in?"
We nodded enthusiastically.
...
Rhett and I left the room, leaving Link with Dr. Isaac. I looked at Link as we walked out, silently willing him to know how much I loved him. He smiled.
The door closed behind us, leaving us in an empty hallway, and Rhett turned to me. "I meant what I said in there, you know. I will protect you."
I looked up into his beautiful eyes, shining so fiercely as they gazed down at me. "I know."
"And I love you." Rhett seemed intent on making sure that point was comprehended. "That will never happen to you again. Ever. Not while I'm around."
While I know he meant well, I couldn't help feeling a little upset that he was missing the point. I spoke gently. "We are here to make sure it doesn't even if you aren't, Rhett."
He scowled and shook his head. "I just don't know, Des."
"I do." My face was impassive as I stroked his arm. "We will get past this. We have to."
My knees quaked as Rhett leaned down to kiss me. His demeanor was so intense, so protective, so passionate. My lips felt as though they were trembling when he pulled back.
How does he manage to do this to me?
That feeling only increased as he smirked. "Want to come over?"
...
I shook unintentionally. Rhett's face was buried between my legs, his tongue working me mercilessly. He had practically dragged me upstairs, and I gave myself completely over to him, allowing him to do whatever he wanted.
"Oh God, that's so good..." I moaned, writhing and moving my hips. His hands held me so that I wouldn't involuntarily move away from him. More little sounds and whines escaped my mouth. I glanced down at one point to see him looking at my face, gauging my reactions as he moved his tongue. His eye contact sent me reeling. "OH MY GOD! RHETT! YES!" My entire body tensed as I climaxed.
The bed shifted as he moved to hover above me and kiss his way up my neck.
"I love the sounds you make." He whispered into my ear. I felt his whiskers on my jaw, and I turned eagerly to meet his mouth. My own taste on his lips was intoxicating. I gasped softly as his large erection bumped into my overly sensitive clit before he pushed into me. Soon, I found myself falling into another orgasm, wrapping my body around his as best I could, unable to get enough of him. His heavy breathing into my neck and the hardness of his thrusts took my breath away.
My fingertips dug into his back as I cried out, "Rhett, take it, FUCK!" My voice became desperate and I whined, "Oh! I want it! I want it! Please..."
I heard his breathing change as he began to climb. "Christ... Des!" As he came, I felt him pull out of me and finish.
Time seemed to slow, and the room was spinning around me. My heart raced. All I felt at this moment was the need to lay there and be. When I closed my eyes, I felt Rhett move on the bed to lay beside me. My head turned to face him, even though my eyes remained closed, and I felt his hand on my face, his thumb stroking my cheek. My world at that moment shrank down to this moment. There was no distraction, no worry, no anxiety...everything was Rhett.