Rescue Us, page 6
Handsome Stranger: I would like to see you again, pet. I’m sick of texting. When are you free next?
I thought a moment.
Me: If it’s not too late for you, you’re more than welcome to come over. I’m not doing anything overly exciting tonight though.
It took everything in me not to erase the message and make plans to see him somewhere public, but Jay had told me to put myself out there. Slowly anyway. Something told me it was different with Cyrus. He didn’t judge. He never demanded for me to speak when I wasn’t ready to.
“Cyrus seems to be interested in you,” Piper told me one afternoon.
I only stared at her, neither confirming nor denying it because really, it wasn’t like I could.
“Whatever happens,” she patted my hand, “I can vouch for him. He’s a good guy, Ainsley. And if he dates anyone, I’d be happy to see him date you.”
That conversation took place a couple of days ago. I appreciated hearing her words. Maybe I could trust him like he said.
Handsome Stranger: I’m on my way.
My eyes widened, my stomach dropping. I almost expected him to turn me down.
Quickly tidying up, I took a glance around my small living room. It was clean but definitely looked like it had been lived in. Magazines were on the coffee table; three bottles of water were on the end table. A plate of cookies sat on the other.
I was going to put the water and cookies away but thought maybe he would end up wanting some.
Letting out a small sigh, I turned off the music and threw on a sweater when my phone dinged.
Handsome Stranger: I’m here.
I buzzed him in once I heard that familiar beep. While I was the one who invited him over, I was still nervous. I never had a man over before. Was this too soon? Was there a rule on when I should have a man over, if ever at all? Should we have met up somewhere else instead? Piper vouched for him, so that was enough, wasn’t it?
Taking a deep breath and then another, I unlocked the door and stepped out into the hall.
The elevator doors dinged. A moment later, Cyrus stepped into the hallway. A deep frown had settled on his face making my stomach twist. Something was wrong.
He looked my way and paused.
What’s wrong?
His face softened as he came toward me. “Don’t worry about it. Just a weird feeling, that’s all.”
Just the sight of him took my very breath away. He was dressed in a black hoodie with light blue jeans that were ripped at the knees. He wasn’t wearing his leather cut and that fact alone, almost made him seem more lethal.
Swallowing hard, I backed up a step when he started walking toward me.
Heading back into my apartment, my heart jumped to my throat when the door shut behind me.
“Ainsley.”
I turned at the abrupt use of my name. You sure it’s nothing for me to worry about?
“I felt like I was being followed. I don’t like that shit. Makes me itchy.” Cyrus remained by the door, almost as if he were waiting for something. An invitation maybe? I already let him into my home, so I wasn’t sure what more he was wanting.
I started wringing my hands in front of me, unsure what to do. If he was being followed, that could mean whoever it was knows where I live. So many thoughts started bouncing around in my mind. Who was this person? Should I be worried? Should I call the police?
“Hey.” Cyrus’s smooth deep voice brought my attention back to him. “Don’t worry, Ainsley.”
I took a deep breath, let it out slowly and nodded. Did you want a drink? I have beer, wine, water, juice.
“I’ll have what you’re having,” he answered, coming toward me.
I nodded, heading to the kitchen to grab him a glass of wine. Even though he didn’t look like a guy who drank it, I liked that we shared something in common.
Grabbing a glass from the cupboard, I pulled the bottle from the fridge and made my way back out into the living room.
Cyrus was sitting on the couch, looking at the book I was reading. “Jane Austen. Good choice.”
Sitting beside him, I poured a glass of the white wine from New Zealand I had fallen in love with, and handed it to him.
“Thank you.” He clinked his glass against mine and took a sip, his eyes never straying from mine.
My cheeks heated.
He winked over the rim.
Taking a sip from my own glass, I leaned back against the couch. Happy and content just to sit there in silence with him, I liked having him in my home.
“How long have you lived here for?” he asked, breaking the comfortable silence between us.
Placing the glass on the table in front of us, I turned toward him. A few months.
“There’s some heavy-duty security here,” he pointed out. “You even have a security system in here. You don’t see that a lot in apartments.”
I lived at the center for over a year but wanted to have something I could call my own, I signed slowly for him. I don’t make enough to buy a house. Jay and the other ladies who run the place, had their husbands look into an apartment building for those of us at the center that are ready to move out. They made sure it was safe for us. Angel, Jay’s husband, said that if he wouldn’t want his wife or kid living there, then it wasn’t good enough. It had been sweet of him to look out for me, like he did his own. Jay’s eyes had welled at that, and I was sure that if swooning was actually a thing, she would have done it.
“That’s good.” Cyrus placed his glass on the table beside mine. “I’m glad you have people looking out for you.”
Me too. I remembered back to our conversation, wondering if everything was actually okay with him. How is everything? I’m surprised you didn’t have plans tonight. Especially when it’s Friday.
What are you implying, pet? he asked, raising an eyebrow.
My body buzzed over the fact that he signed for me. I only shrugged, unsure as to how to answer him.
“There’s a strip club I usually go to with my brother, but I wasn’t feeling it tonight. He’s been in a mood, so I told him to go get laid.” Cyrus shook his head, running a hand through his dark hair. “He’s a stubborn ass though and won’t go after the one woman he wants.”
Sounds confusing.
“Yeah.” His eyes dropped to my mouth. “But enough about him. What would you spend your night doing if I wasn’t here?”
A smile pulled at my lips. Jumping from the couch, I headed to the TV stand and opened the bottom cupboard before pulling out the item I was looking for.
“You play video games?”
I laughed, nodding quickly.
His eyes widened a touch. “You laughed.”
My neck heated, the smile falling from my face.
“No.” He rose from the couch and came toward me. Pulling me to my feet, he cupped my cheek. “Never feel ashamed over laughing. I’m just surprised. I haven’t heard a sound leave you yet. Thank you for giving that to me.”
Covering his hand against my cheek, I pushed my face into his big palm. His thumb brushed along the edge of my jaw, dipping lower to run under it.
“Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?” he asked, his voice low.
I shook my head.
“Well, you are, Ainsley.” He took a step closer. “So fucking beautiful.”
Tilting my head back, I stared up into his dark eyes. They were filled with lust, desire, and so much more. Feelings I had never seen before. Not directed toward me anyway. I had seen Jaron look at Piper like this, like she was the only who mattered in his world. Besides their daughter and unborn baby, she was. She was his life and he the same for her. I wanted that. But I had never gone out and looked for it because the guys at the center were just as broken as I was. And any of the guys who worked there had their own shit to deal with.
“Ainsley.” Cyrus’s voice was low and deep. With his hand against my cheek, he didn’t take it further.
Licking along my bottom lip, I watched as his nostrils flared. He caught the movement, a low rumble leaving from somewhere deep inside of him.
Placing my hand on his chest, I felt the beating of his heart beneath my palm. My mouth tingled, itching to feel his running along mine. To feel his tongue deep in my mouth like our moment at the deli. But that had been different. It was all for show anyway, since I had been followed. Wasn’t it? It wasn’t like he actually wanted to kiss me. Did he?
“Your move, baby.” Cyrus’s hand dipped lower, wrapping around my throat. No air was cut off as he stared deep into my eyes, but the move alone made me feel safe and protected.
I fisted his hoodie, pulling him toward me.
He lowered his mouth to mine, the kiss soft and gentle. Not like the man standing in front of me. He was rough around the edges but was kinder than I expected. It just proved you shouldn’t judge someone based on their exterior.
Although the kiss was just a peck, I breathed him in as best I could. I took his strength and power, embracing it to the point everything fell away around us.
Cyrus pulled away, placing a soft peck on my nose and then my forehead. “Let’s play one of your games.”
Blowing out a slow breath, I nodded. Lowering to my knees, I rummaged through my games before finding the one I liked playing the most.
“What’s your favorite type of game to play?”
I looked up, finding him standing only a few feet away. He was looking at the rows of movies I had on a small bookcase.
But when I looked down, I suddenly realized the position I was in. On my knees. In front of him. It looked bad. Very bad.
Jumping to my feet, I hugged the game against my chest, taking a step back.
His head whipped around. “What’s wrong?” He came toward me, but I only continued backing up. “Ainsley, stop.”
My back hit the wall, my eyes closing tight. Memories rushed through me. Painful, agonizing, downright brutal memories. They controlled and took, not giving me any sort of solace in return. One man specifically ruined my life, while the others watched or assisted. Because of him, I had nightmares. Because of him, I wasn’t the woman I once was. Because of him, I would never see my parents again. Because of him I wouldn’t be able to tell them how much I loved and missed them and how sorry I was.
“Breathe, baby.” Cyrus’s gentle voice slid through me. The game was pulled from my clutches and replaced with rough calloused hands. “Open your eyes.”
Doing as I was told; I was met by Cyrus’s handsome face. I noticed then how his nose was a little crooked. A faint light pink scar sat on his upper cheek. Maybe from being hit too hard.
“What just happened?” he asked, releasing my hands so I could answer him.
I wasn’t thinking, I signed slowly for him when really, I just wanted to rush the words out, so we could forget this ever happened in the first place. I didn’t want you wondering if I was hinting for more. I’m not ready. Not for that. Not for any of that. I like when you kiss me, but I can’t handle anything else, Cyrus. I’m sorry. Please don’t think—
Cyrus grabbed my hands, pulling me against him. He wrapped his arms around my body, hugging me tight. “I would never think that of you. I don’t know who hurt you, but you have nothing to worry about. Not when it comes to me.” He leaned back, cupping my face. “I like you, Ainsley, and I would like to take you on a date. If you’ll let me.”
I nodded.
“Also, what just happened, was not your fault. I would never hint for more. Not like that. Not when we just met. I’m sorry for making you uncomfortable and for scaring you.”
Before he could say any more, I grabbed his hoodie and threw my arms around his thick neck. I wanted to thank him for having patience with me. Sure, we only saw each other less than a handful of times so far but that was beside the point. I knew how some guys worked. I shouldn’t have assumed that Cyrus would be the same way, but I didn’t know him enough to know how he was with his partners.
“You’re welcome, pet,” he murmured, placing a soft peck on my cheek.
Clearing my throat, I pulled away from him and picked up the game. I popped it into the console before turning on the TV, while he went to the couch.
I grabbed both the controllers and joined him.
“Racing game?” he asked, once the title of the game and the credits appeared on the screen.
Putting the controller on my lap, I tapped his arm.
His eyes flicked to mine, a spark of interest flashing behind them.
Racing games are my favorite. They ease my anxiety and help distract me.
“Makes sense. I like to fight to ease my anxiety.” He laughed, shaking his head. “Don’t look at me like that.”
I scowled, unsure as to how I was looking at him.
He chuckled, leaning over and kissing my nose. “The other guys always look worse than I do, baby. And I have scars which I’ve come to learn are sexy as fuck.”
Does your brother know? I wasn’t sure exactly why I asked that, but I needed to know that Cyrus had someone rooting in his corner for him. And that he had someone who could take him to the hospital if needed.
“He does.” Cyrus turned back around, looking ahead at the TV. “I was the bad influence and got him into fighting originally but he’s dirty. He wouldn’t think twice about wiping the ground with my pretty face. We’re close. Too close sometimes. We’ve shared a room and lived together ever since we were born. Even at the clubhouse, we have a room together. Our apartment is the only thing separating us. He has his own room and thank fuck for that. The women he brings home...” Cyrus shook his head. “Anyway, we need some sort of privacy.” He looked at me then. “Does that make sense?”
It does but to be honest, I wish I had a sibling that I wanted to keep things from. I wanted to tell him my history and why I wasn’t overly close to anyone, but I couldn’t. I didn’t want to scare him away or for him to think that I was only looking for sympathy.
“Are you close with your parents?”
My chest tightened. We became estranged and before I could make things better, they were killed in a car accident by a drunk driver.
“I’m sorry, Ainsley.” A dark shadow passed over Cyrus’s face. “We lost our parents when we were young. Our mom was killed and then a year later, so was our dad. It’s been hard but we’ve had people looking out for us thankfully, so we weren’t thrown into the system and separated.”
I’m sorry for your loss too. I cupped his shoulder, placing a soft peck on his cheek.
“Thank you,” he murmured, his voice thick. “This conversation suddenly got heavy.” He smirked.
It has but thank you for letting me learn something new about you.
Cyrus grabbed my hand and brought it up to his mouth. He kissed the tips of my fingers, his eyes locking with mine. “Thank you for the same, pet.”
When he released my hand, I kept my fingers against his lips. I noticed another faint scar in his upper lip. Maybe he had been punched, which caused his lip to split and never healed properly. The skin was slightly raised but he was right, his scars were sexy.
“You need to stop looking at me like that,” he muttered.
Instead of asking him what he meant, I leaned forward, pushing my mouth against his.
He cupped the back of my neck, slipping his tongue between my lips and deepening the kiss. It turned fast and frantic, like both of us were experiencing a kiss for the very first time.
While his mouth was locked with mine, I was vaguely aware of his other hand on my hip. His fingers inched beneath my shirt. As soon as they came into contact with my skin, I jumped away from him and bounded to my feet.
Alarm bells rang in my head.
Too soon. Too damn soon.
“Ainsley.”
I shook myself, blowing out a slow breath.
“Come here.”
I turned toward him.
Cyrus held his hand out. “Please.”
I’m sorry, I can’t do more. I can’t. I just need time. I can’t give you more. Not yet.
“I want whatever you are willing to give me.” His face softened. “I didn’t come over here to have sex, pet. I came over to get to know you better. Sure, sex would be nice, but we only just met. I don’t even know your last name.”
A soft laugh left me. Cloet. I’m Ainsley Cloet.
“Nice to meet you, Ainsley Cloet.” His smile grew. “I’m Cyrus Butcher. Now, can you come here please? We can play this game, cuddle, kiss, cuddle some more, but I promise, I will not pressure you into doing anything you’re not ready for.”
Why not?
His smile fell. “What do you mean?”
I mean, most guys would push for more. In my experience, that’s how it is anyway.
“I don’t know who or what the fuck you’re going on about, but I am not him. I am not the bastards who hurt you. I feel like you’re telling me that things were taken from you without your permission.” He stood, coming toward me.
Before I could lift my hands to respond, he crushed me to him.
“I’m a patient man, pet.” He placed a hard peck on my mouth. “This is your show. You make the first move. I’m just along for the ride. Got it?”
I nodded quickly, my body buzzing at feeling every inch of him pressed up against me. I swallowed hard when I felt a large bulge twitch against my lower stomach.
Cyrus leaned forward, his mouth brushing along the length of my ear. “I won’t pressure you, baby, but I also won’t apologize for how my body reacts to you. My dick has a mind of his own. He’s suddenly become a fan of yours.”
A laugh bubbled through me. I pushed away from him, smacking his stomach playfully.
A wicked grin spread on his face, and I knew right then that I could fall for Cyrus.
And I could fall hard.
***
(Cyrus)
Before Ainsley could get away from me, I was on her. My fingers dug into her ribs, laughter shaking through her. It was a beautiful sound and one that I planned on making leave her, often.
I had no idea that even being in a kneeling position would conjure up images from whatever it was that she went through. It wasn’t something I would do and definitely not until she let me.
Giving Ainsley some reprieve, I stopped tickling her.
