My dom, my savior

[AngelofyourNighmares]

She blushed at the fact he had called her beautiful she was far from such but it was still rather nice to hear. She didn't know how to respond so she didn't say anything for the time being. She laughed at the last part of his sentence in a sense hearing her full name on his lips wasn't all that bad and she definitely didn't mind hearing him saying it.


She smiled hearing of him talking about the family he did have, it must be nice to have someone care for you that much she thought to herself sadly but didn't let her sadness show as she looked away from him and out the window for a moment. She grinned at him at the mention of not having a wife but felt her whole demeanor changed at the mention of applying to be one she hoped like hell he wouldn't notice. She giggled knowing she would never be wife material but she wasn't about to say that she didn't need him asking more questions about her that she wasn't ready to answer. She was grateful when he laughed and she relaxed because of his doing so.

She smiled and followed the signs and his directions she was grateful that it was time to eat for she was rather hungry. She noticed how beautiful the area was and decided that would be the kind of place she would like to settle down at, go to college, get a good job, and live a happy life. She smiled over at him grateful to soon be able to stretch her legs and sure he would be too.

She smiled to herself at how at ease he seemed with her when he took his shoes off, how did he know she wasn't planning on killing him. "That actually sounds nice." She said wistfully how long had it been she since dipped her feet into lake water too long she thought to herself. "As I said I am not sure where I want to end up but a place like this would be nice, but I want to go to college and become a teacher." She said softly not giving up to much about herself just enough to keep him appeased she thought to herself.


It was so beautiful here she thought to herself as they pulled into the marina she was sure he has seen this type of scenery all the time. She smiled over at him grateful more then he knew for doing this for her even if she was just along for the ride. She bit her lip as her thoughts seemed to be overtaking her and she didn't realize she had zoned off for a moment.


'Sorry." She said as she pulled into a spot realizing he caught her daydreaming.

 

[Pre_Eminant]

He hopped out of the car as soon as she brought it to a stop, before she had even killed the engine, wiggling his toes in the grass beside the spot she had selected at the edge of a walkway down to the lakeside. Before reaching in to grab them and slip them back to his feet, he made his way around to the driver’s side and opened the door, offering his hand to her with a assured smile.

Once again, he felt the tingle of desire coarse through his body as she accepted his hand with shy timidity, he caught her eyes as the fingers connected and something seemed to pass across them and he wondered if she felt the tingle of the brief connection too. He took the keys from her hands and locked the vehicle before taking anything from it, his hand moved to touch gently to the small of her back. He steered her beside him with constant light pressure to that soft spot just as the base of her spine.

His head was spinning from the tingle that still echoed across his fingertips as he steered her towards the reception of the hotel. His blood was boiling through his veins, not only at the memory of the connection but also in anticipation at the next phase of his plans. She meekly followed beside him as he maintained the guiding touch of his hand at her back, her legs moving quickly to keep up with his long strides. He took the opportunity to dare to dream of his ultimate goal and conjured pictures of her body bound and twisted into shapes, limbs elongated, her eyes not full of fear or timidity but full of the need to feel his touch.

He felt a deep rumble of desire deep within his chest and sucked in oxygen through his nose to steady himself as they entered the large spacious and airy reception area. He steered Annabella to the side as he approached the receptionist who greeted them with a smile “What can I do for you folks” he asked in a thick Southern accent.

He glanced across at her, keeping one eye on her as he responded with just his name “Ryan Speed”

The man’s face changed instantly to one of almost reverence as he washed his hands together “Mr Speed, Sir, your assistant rang us earlier to let us know of your arrival, all your requests have been taken care off and we’re most grateful for your patronage. Ryan glanced at Annabella a little embarrassed at the fuss the man was making and wondered what his PA had had to say to get things arranged at such short notice. He also guessed that she had followed his directive that the budget was of no importance and that the man was hoping for more of it to flow his way. “Please follow me” the man continued as he took keys from under the counter and led them through the hotel to the beautiful view over the lake to the rear of the building. He led them down a narrow path to a rather grand looking guest cottage separate from the main complex that had the most perfect views. As they walked, he placed his hand back to the small of her back and turned his head to smile at her adding a wink as the man fussed and waxed lyrical about the hotel, the cottage and how they would be most pleased to provide anything that was needed.

As they approached the entry to the cottage, he turned to the man his voice dismissing him with a hard edge that was not to be argued with, telling him that he would find him back at reception in a moment. The man's constant jabbering cut off completely at the commanding tone and he lowered his head almost reminiscent of a bow before scurrying off in silence. He turned back to her, taking her by the wrist and pressing the key card into her hand as she looked at him in silence and no doubt confusion. “You need a shower” he spoke simply, telling her what was blatantly obvious after who knows how many days on the road. “You need a shower and then we can continue our drive after lunch” he finished before turning on his heel and leaving her without even turning to look back.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

She smiled over at him, he seemed he needed this almost as much as her she was sure he was a busy man and rarely got around to doing things that she enjoyed. She bit her lip when he opened her door for and then held his hand out to her and for a moment she was unsure if she should accept it then decided there was no harm in doing so, she was sure he meant her no harm.


She gently and shyly took his hand into her own and shyly gave him a smile as he helped her from the driver's seat and she was grateful t be able to stretch but she also felt a jolt of excitement as he touched her as well... there will be none of that she told herself. She gave him the keys knowing when they left it would be his turn to drive and she was glad for it. When he touched the small of her back she gasped and hoped he hadn't noticed. She tensed up and she was sure he would notice that, but she didn't say anything.


She watched as he leads her to the hotel and she was a little skeptical by this considering this was not part of the agenda or the agreement she wondered if he would notice the look in her eyes. She hoped this wasn't some kind of set up and she momentarily wanted to run off because she refused to let another man lay his hands on her and hurt her. She bristled every time he touched her back but said nothing not wanting to look like a complete paranoid freak. She took a deep breath to regain her composure once more, she seemed to be doing a lot of that since meeting Ryan.


She was stunned by how beautiful the reception area was as they entered the hotel lobby. She shook her head she couldn't afford this she thought to herself and then maintained in her head that they hadn't agreed to this and that bothered her. She looked over at him when he spoke to the receptionist with ease she might add like he had done this a thousand times before and she was sure he had many of times before.


She looked at him as he said his whole name and wondered why it sounded so familiar to her.. oh Jesus she thought to herself.

She knew he was more important then he had let on back at the truck stop and she actually understood why now she was putting two and two together and still to her it meant nothing that he had a moment but it wasn't to make her pay him back ten times more the last thing she was or wanted to be known as was a gold digger. She shook her head and gave him a reassuring smile when he looked over at her slightly embarrassed she was sure he knew now that she knew exactly who he was but she wanted him to know it didn't make a bit of difference to her. She took a deep breath shaking her head she wouldn't make a scene but when they were alone she would let him know exactly what was on her mind. When they were led to the rear of the hotel she was stunned by how beautiful everything was and she was even more irritated than before but she hid her feelings well enough for now. Of course a separate place, she was starting to worry what his intentions actually were. She gasped again when he placed his hand against her back as she listened to what the place they were visiting had to offer them.


She felt slightly sorry for the man and the way Ryan seemed to dismiss him but she was sure he meant nothing by or at least she hoped this wasn't a different side of him. She looked at Ryan with a stern look as the man walked away from that clearly showed she was not happy at the moment but still for the time being she didn't say anything. She took the key card and looked at him in confusion. She rolled her eyes at him but knew he was right. "Wait!" She yelled as he started to walk away.

 

[Pre_Eminant]

As he strode away he was hoping that she would just take the instruction for what it was, along with the reassurance that this was not part of any sinister plan or attempt to go beyond what little trust had been built up between the two of them in these few short hours.

He heard her shout and came to an abrupt stop, hesitating for a moment, his mind spinning with the possibilities for her exclamation for him to wait. Wait for what, wait to get bawled out, for being a creep, being a control freak, being the serial killer or rapist that she had feared. He gritted his teeth and slowly turned on his heel, setting a calm expression on his face.

“I just thought you’d prefer a little time on your own and the chance to get cleaned up” he said calmly just loud enough for her to hear over the distance he had made from her in the few strides before she called. He wanted to say so much more, that he would never do anything to her that she did not agree to, how he would always respect her, how he could see her fragility and wanted to help in the rebuild of her confidence and self-worth. He realized his face had sunk to a forlorn expression and twisted his mouth into a gentle smile once more.

“We can get straight back onto the road if you prefer”, one eyebrow raised to punctuate the question. He wondered if he had pushed her boundaries too far, he could see how fragile she was and he had hoped that she could see that he was not the serial killer or rapist that may be she had once feared. Sure he had used his wealth and position to procure something nice for her, he wondered if sub-consciously he was showing off, but dispelled that quickly. If anything he usually assuaged his wealth and power, seeking to establish relationships based as equals rather than potentially clouded by the trappings of affluence.

He looked back at her, had he read her so wrong.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

She couldn't deny that she was scared or that she thought this was some plan of his to kidnap her and do terrible things to her, she had been hurt enough and didn't need anyone else to do so, she wouldn't be able to fight she was still very weak from being on the road for days and from the last beating her father had handed her.

She didn't really understand why she had yelled out wait, what waits for him to kill me or wait because this was all too much, she didn't really think he was going to harm and or kill her but her father had really done a number on her and she didn't know if she was coming or going any longer. She took a long deep breath and for a moment she felt like a complete and utter moron. She could tell by the look on his face that he was displeased and maybe hurt but the clear and evident fear in her voice.


She looked at him and felt angry at herself maybe it had been the way he told her to get cleaned up as if he demanded her too, maybe that was what made her want to stop him in his tracks after all. She looked at him softly as he kept his distance from her, but she knew the wheels in his own head were turning for some reason she knew Ryan would never want to hurt her, but she knew this man for less than a day and she didn't want to be a complete moron in trusting a complete stranger either. She felt bad for the way she came off that was the last thing she wanted was to seem like some ungrateful brat.


"No I'm sorry, I guess I was just taken back a little." She said softly and looked away for a moment, grateful that he had carried one of her bags in for her. She looked at him gently but didn't say anything else for several long moments. "I... it's just that I can't afford this luxury and it will take me a long time to pay you back." Part of what she said was true she didn't need to tell him the rest... for the time being at least and a nice hot shower and fresh clothing did sound pretty good at the moment.

 

[Pre_Eminant]

His eyes captured hers and he stared intently for a moment trying to calm the mixture of emotions that churned through him. Relief that she had not hurled abuse, anger that she had yelled at him, lust as his eyes trailed down her form, sorrow as he saw the fear in her eyes.

He took a single pace back towards her, his eyes softening as he eased his lips to form a gentle smile “It’s only a shower”, he wrinkled his nose and chuckled quietly “and you need one if you’re going to continue to be my driver”. He titled his head to one side as if to ponder, glancing at his watch before continuing “I think a couple of hours driving duty more than compensates for a shower”. His eyes sparkled mischievously for a moment before he went on “A few more hours at the wheel and I’m going to owe you”. He paused for a moment longer before spinning on his heel and moving off back to the main hotel.

As he finally entered into the hotel he wondered if she was still watching or had conceded defeat and had entered the cottage, he was so tempted to turn and look but steeled his nerve and looked around the forecourt until he spied his earlier attentive friend.

The man noticed him looking and trotted over on thick set legs his mouth grinning wide “I hope the cottage has everything you need, it’s the best room on site with the best views in the state” he announced proudly.

“I’m sure it is perfect” Ryan reassured with a nod before continuing “I assume all the requests were fulfilled as directed?”.

“Oh yes Sir, I had someone drive into town straight after I spoke to your assistant, the young lady will find a dress, underwear and shoes laid out for her just as was specified. There is everything she could possibly want in the bathroom as well as a selection of perfumes and a choice of beauty products that my wife would kill for” he nodded with a nervous laugh.

Ryan nodded hoping that again he had not over stepped the mark, but he hungered to see her express the femininity that was undeniable even in the casual dust draped clothing she currently wore. He now knew she would try to rail against anything he offered, seeing it as something that needed to be repaid even though the pleasure of seeing her in something that elevated her already delicious exterior would be payment enough.

He looked around the hotel lobby and raised an eyebrow “The bar?” he asked.

“This way”, the man returned with a sweep of his arm to usher Ryan forward. He followed the little man round to a quaint rustic setting, a long bar with a small dance floor at one end. Tables and chairs arranged around the edges. But the veranda outside over looking the lake was the pièce de résistance and he guessed that the views were the main selling point for the hotel as they were undoubtedly breath taking.

He eased onto a stool at the bar after nodding at the barman and ordering a Tom Collins and looked back to the hotel manager “And the rest of the arrangements?”.

The man smiled, “we have hired you the best cruiser on the lake Mr Speed sir. A 46’ Cantius, we’ve stocked the galley with everything as directed and both the galley fridge and cockpit fridge are fully stocked with a selection of beverages”. He pointed to a mooring just at the end of the veranda, turning Ryan nodded in satisfaction at the gleaming lake cruiser. His own 200’ yacht was moored at Corpus Christi complete with jacuzzi and gym and could comfortably accommodate 12 guests with a crew of 15. But he liked what he saw and hoped that Annabella would see its charms for a pleasant time away from whatever troubled her rather than the dollar signs of what she would owe in return.

Ryan turned back to the man and nodded his head in thanks “You’ve done everything that was asked thank you”.

The man beamed happily “Should we hold the cottage for overnight” he gave Ryan a quizzical look having obviously been warned that the visit may only be fleeting.

Ryan returned the chuckle and nodded “You may”. He thought back to the look on Annabella’s face as she yelled at him to ‘wait’ and he wondered if again this was all pushing her too far too soon. Not that he was in any great rush, he was enjoying the thrill of the chase, the silent stalking like a panther in pursuit of it's prey and his interest had been piqued not only did he want her but he wanted to know her. He looked around the indisputably pleasant settings and environment of the lakeside in the sun and reassured himself that he was not planning to leap on her and force her to his will, but he couldn’t deny that hunting for a day or two here would be a much more pleasant experience than in the front of his hire car.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

She didn't want to be this way but she had been through so much that learning to trust other people again, much less a very powerful man. She bit her lip as she gently looked at him wanting him to know it wasn't him that it was her.


She nodded her head softly to indicate he was right and maybe she had been a bit foolish to think he was offering her anything more than kindness. She looked at him gently a few hours driving didn't compensate for everything he was doing for her but she didn't dare say that at least at the moment anyway. She giggled lightly when he said he would owe her and she shook her head as if to say he had already done enough but suspecting that wasn't what he wanted to hear for the time being she didn't say anything. She watched as he walked away and she took a long deep breath trying to calm her heart that was racing against her chest.


She waited a moment before taking the key card he had handed her and walked into the room, she had never seen anything more beautiful she thought to herself and remembered there was no way in hell she would ever be able to repay him even for a few hours at this marvelous place, money or not Ana didn't take handouts she wasn't that type of person.


She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she shut and locked the door, before pulling her hair from the ponytail holder she had it secured in and ran her fingers through it a shower would be amazing it wasn't as if she hadn't had one in the seedy motel but the water was cole and it wasn't the nicest of places.


She sighed and looked at the bed it looked welcoming and comfortable but she knew now was not the time so she trodded towards the bathroom.


She bit her lip as she walked into the bathroom and again her breath caught as she noticed laid out on a chase chair was a new dress, shows and fresh underwear, and an assortment of perfumes and make-up that she really didn't wear that much of, with a note... "It's just clothes, don't think you owe me anything." She bit her lip reminding herself he had to want something from her in order to be this nice.


She sighed to herself, what exactly did he want from her she thought, as she stipped her dust-ridden clothing off and started a hot shower her thoughts going a million miles a minute. She looked into the mirror as she looked at herself naked, then turned and looked at her back and winced she knew the scars would remain forever.


She climbed into the water as she let the hot water rain against her skin, closing her eyes and enjoying the feel of the moment.


She could not deny how good the hot water felt against her skin as she enjoyed the feeling of a normal shower and letting the past go along with it, as if she could ever really let her past go she thought to herself, there was an assortment of shampoos and shower gels, she snickered to herself, of course, there were. She chose a strawberry scented body wash and shampoo and took it the scent as she washed and bathed herself.


She hadn't felt this good in a very long time and knew she had Ryan to thank for that even if at the moment she was feeling very overwhelmed by his kindness.


She finished her shower a little sad she would have to leave it and chucked at how ridiculous she felt at the moment for even thinking that. She dried off and then blowdried her hair, opting to leave it down for the day, and then dressed in the clothing Ryan had decidedly picked out for her, she added very light makeup and wore a cotton candy scented perfume.

She looked herself over in the mirror and was stunned by what she saw staring back at her she looked like an entirely new person, she was glad Ryan had decided on a dress that didn't reveal her back.

She bit her lip and wondered if she should wait in the room for Ryan to return or go and search for him.

She decided to go and search for him either she would tun into him and or she would find someone that could direct her towards him.

 

[Pre_Eminant]

He sent the obsequious hotel manager away satisfied that all his requests and requirements had been put into place. He took a sip from the Tom Collins that the barman had efficiently delivered to his elbow and reluctantly put his phone to ear after select a quick dial from his favorites.

“Should I ask?” was the response when the number he’d dialed was answered almost immediately.

He laughed good naturedly before answering “No Charlotte, you should not, but thank you for making the arrangements they were delivered better than I’d expected”. Charlotte Bladon was his PA and probably his most trusted friend and confident. She was an employee, but he respected her judgement and trusted her empirically with not only his business life but much of his private life too. He paused before he continued, Charlotte knew him so well she didn’t interrupt the silence knowing that he would be weighing up and selecting his words carefully “I think I may have found her”.

Unseen to his eyes, Charlotte Bladen looked stunned in the executive office that she currently manned in his private home. She knew of his predilections and knew how he had long hungered for a connection beyond the select few that were carefully chosen and vetted in order to sate his darkness. How he desperately wanted to find someone that shared, appreciated and embraced his need and that they could commit to one another under those terms. She quickly pulled herself together “You’ve only been off radar for 36 hours…..are you sure?”.

He knew she was only trying to help and caution, but he also knew she appreciated his ability to weigh up people, to make decisions based on very little data that always seemed to be correct. “I know what I feel when I look at her” he stated simply in answer to the question and that was enough for Charlotte as they quickly caught up on corporate news and important updates and decision, she to exchange with him.

As they spoke his eye was drawn to a figure as they entered into the bar their head turning as if looking for someone. He focused his attention and was struck dumb as he saw Annabella. He cut Charlotte of mid-sentence “I’ll call you back” and ended the call instantly. He stayed at his bar-stool for a moment, just feasting his eyes on her as she stood at the entrance to the bar, the dress fitted her perfectly, emphasizing the lines and curves of her body. He was pleased to see that they’d managed to source a dress with a collar as per his request, it was a ridiculous request really as he could have selected something much more daring or revealing. However, he knew she would be shy and self-confident to wear such a dress and there was that dark part of him that so wanted to collar her as a possession that even this little nod towards that made his skin prickle with want and desire.

He was so pleased to see a small smile at her face, she looked a tiny little more relaxed and could see in her face that she had enjoyed the shower and may be the chance to have a little time to herself. The fact that she had come looking for him also pleased him, he was beginning to not just be someone helping her to miles between herself and whatever she was running from. He was becoming someone she could trust, may be even rely on, hopefully someone she liked or even thought of as a friend.

He rose from his seat and waved a hand to catch her attention, stepping over to meet her in the center of the bar as she moved towards him. As they neared each other he stopped and ran his eyes up and down her blatantly “Well, well, well Annabella” he spoke happy sing song voice to not only make her feel at ease but also because he was genuinely happy to see her. “I didn’t think it was possible but you are even more beautiful and graceful than your name suggests” he finished and smiled.

He reached and took hold of one of her hands, his eyes catching hers to silently ask if she would accept his touch. As his fingers closed on hers, he felt the repeat of the electricity that seemed to buzz through is entire body every time their skin had connected. He again saw a slight blur or fuzz cross her own eyes and wondered if she felt it too.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

She took a deep breath right now all she wanted to do was partially flee and partially get to know Ryan more and more, but even if she did she and he could never be anything more then friends they were from two different worlds and when she was ready she wanted something real with someone and not just a passing fling and she was a virgin and she wanted her first time to mean something.

She looked around the hallway and noticed the man that had taken care of everything when they first arrived and gently she asked him if he knew where she might be able to find her friend.

I can do this I can make new friends and new memories I can let go of the past and move towards my future, that was another reason why even if she were very attracted to Ryan, she wouldn't be with someone of his stature, someone who would feel sorry for her, someone who would maybe hold her back on getting her education and a new chance and life, she had already placed her life on hold once she never wanted to do that again.

She bit her lip and hated the fact that she felt so strange, and that she didn't trust people she didn't want to get hurt again but she also felt like that was going to be inevitable. She took a long deep breath seemed as if that was all she had been doing of late, she wanted to see Ryan even though she wasn't ready for anything else.

She finally walked down into the bar section where she would find Ryan. She looked down at herself hoping she looked okay.

She blushed when she saw him and the way that he looked at her as her heart started to race against her chest. She walked towards him and blushed even more when he told her in short words how attractive she was.

She smiled kindly at him and allowed him to take her hands in his a shiver ran through her as he held her hands.

 

[Pre_Eminant]

He felt the tension and uncertainty run from his as he saw how she accepted his touch and he smiled an easy and reassuring smile as he lifted her hand and encouraged her to twirl and show him how she looked. He let out a low whistle of approval as she came back round to face him and let out a cheeky laugh “Wow, best looking chauffeur I’ve ever seen” he beamed. He dropped his arm and turned, his fingers sliding to entwine with hers, before she knew it they were holding hands as he led her across the bar area. No gentle touch in the small of the back to guide her this time, instead being guided by his side her fragile fingers linked through his as he drew her out onto the veranda overlooking the lake. The view was undeniably beautiful, a multitudinous hue of green extended around the shoreline to either side of the beach area which was busy with families and couples enjoying the afternoon sun. He watched her from the corner of his eye and could see that she appreciated the view too, the cries of excited children and the murmur of conversations juxtaposed by the calm serenity of the tranquil blue waters as they seemed to stretch out into affinity. He wanted to tell her that its beauty was dulled by her own radiance, how he could never look at beauty again without comparing it to her own and it coming up short. How he wanted to support her and encourage her to be the best version of herself she could be. All he would ask in return was to be the center of her world just as she would be his.

He pondered for a moment in silence as they both looked out, their fingers still entwined and he thought about his need for her to submit to not only his desires but his guidance. She had started to trust him and he was confident that she was attracted to him, but now she was cleaned up and a little of the tension had seeped from within her he could see how young she was and there was a naivety underneath the veneer of world weariness. He needed her to accept that he was reliable and allow herself to depend on him. A true submissive, has to accept being owned, directed, and controlled because that is the whole point of being submissive. He knew it was going to be a long path for her to surrender all her power and only raise genuine concerns when necessary. Everyone had limitations, she had to learn to accept her own, stay within those limits and respect him as her dominant. He was attracted to her physically, but from that very first moment he saw her on the steps at the truck stop his submissive radar had seen something deep within her that he wanted to possess. He hoped that he was not seeing something merely for the fact that he wanted to see it.

He stepped off towards the gleaming river cruiser, his hand tugging her gently to his side once more as they walked along the boardwalk to where it was moored. He extended his arm in an arc and smiled at her, “My turn to pilot you for a while”. His words were calm and quiet yet insistent, this wasn’t an invitation it was a statement they were going out into the lake together and he looked carefully at her expression to check that she accepted his stated intention. He let her hand slip from his and stepped with his long legs across the gantry onto deck, turning he reached across, his large hands folding tightly to the sides of her waist as he scooped her up easily and lifted her across. He placed her down gently , his hands still gently caressed to her slender waist, their bodies close as he lowered his head to look down at her “OK?”.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

She couldn’t hide the blush that crept to her face as she smiled at him and accepted his offered hands into her own, even if she was still very uncertain about all of this, she blushed even more when she did a quick twirl for him. She giggled at his words he was so handsome she thought to herself but also very powerful and intimidating all the same. She was surprised when he laced his hand within her own and she could feel the electric between them even if she wanted to deny it. Her breath caught when he led her out onto the veranda yes this was exactly the type of place she hoped to live someday. She never thought she had seen anything more beautiful and she didn’t speak for several long pauses she just took in the beauty and the majesty that was life. She glanced over at him and gave him a shy smile. She bit her lip as once more her heart raced and her thoughts were all over the place. She didn’t really understand what was happening between them but she knew deep down she wasn’t right for him. She decided to stop thinking so much and just enjoy the time for what it was.

Why hadn’t she pulled her hand away from his, she wouldn’t lie and say that the closeness didn’t freak her out a little not that he would hurt her but in the way it was making her feel. She could sense there was a lot on his mind too but neither of them pried into the thoughts of the other and for now that was okay with her. She appreciated the fact that Ryan didn’t pry into her personal life. However at this moment she really wished she could read his mind cause he was deep in thought. The way he looked over there was dark and oh so sexy she thought to herself. She shook her head snap out of it Anna belle. She wanted to know more about him and her she wasn’t sure why considering she didn’t want to get any closer to him then she already was. She was terrified of the thought of getting closer, not really because of him more because of herself and her past.

She watched as he led her gently. She smiled and gently accepted his arm all the while thinking in her mind that this was all to much. She was trusting him completely and she wasn’t completely sure why. He could get her on this boat and Murder her she thought to herself but held the passing fleeting look from her eyes. She gasped a bit when he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her into the boat with ease. “Yes.” She said breathlessly at telegraph closeness.

 

[Pre_Eminant]

He realized his hands still circled her waist and suddenly he became acutely aware that he wanted to kiss her, wanted to feel those lips against his. It was only a second but it felt like an eternity that he gazed into her eyes before he realized his head was descending slowly, his lips parting and he snapped himself backwards, his hands releasing the contact as he took a step back on unsteady legs. He turned his mouth into an easy smile and his voice had a sharper edge than he would’ve liked as he spoke “Welcome aboard”.

He walked up the few small steps into the rear seating area, turning to ensure she had followed and smiled as he walked through the already open doors into a covered seating area with the cockpit at the front and looked around pleased at the boat selection. His composure regained he stepped close to her and reached to take her fingers in his, “Are you ready to be first mate ?” he asked with a chuckle. He nodded back down to the rear of the boat “Can you go an untie the rope at the rear and I’ll do the front”. He didn’t wait for a response and slipped out and walked with nimble and practiced feet up the side of the vessel to cast off the front ropes. As he made his way back down, he could see she had followed his request and that she was coiling the rope judiciously before hanging the coils onto a cleat that was probably there by design for just such the purpose.

He made it back to the salon before she did and had scooped up a length of spare rope on his way. Sitting in the pilot’s seat as she re-entered, he looked up at her as his fingers expertly knotted, pulled and re-knotted one end of the soft cord. “There’s something so beautiful yet simple about a bare bond” he murmured, expertly tying a hitch knot into a loop of rope, pulling on the loop to show her how inescapable the knot would be to whatever is bound, yet with one simple pull of the hitch line the knot seemingly dissolved back into a straight length. He chuckled as he repeated the knot with obvious expertise in his nimble fingers before lazily coiling the rope and casting it onto the small raised table by the bench seat to the side.

He turned to settle into the pilot’s seat and pushed the button start, the rumble of the dual 435hp engines rumbled into life. He felt the slight vibration under his seat against the slight sway of the boat and pushed the control forward to ease the boat slowly away from the small quay at the end of the hotel’s veranda. He was conscious of the small pleasure boats piloted by the day trippers around the beach area and carefully kept a wide berth as he headed out into deeper and quieter waters. He glanced across and noticed she had sat back onto the comfy bench seat just to his side, her fingers stroking unconsciously against the length of coiled rope he’d placed there before they set off.

“I love the water” he mused out loud both to himself as much as her and grinned as he pushed the speed up slightly, the breeze through an open window at the front of the salon ruffling her hair slightly. He pushed on towards a small island facing the hotel, the lake widening with just lush dense forest to either side. They cruised through the water in companionable silence for a few minutes as the island began to near, until he reigned back the motors to a low rumble and they drifted a few hundred feet from the island. Finally, he cut the engines and silence descended “Come sit with me” the edge in his voice suggesting a command, yet phrased as a request. As he turned and bent to shuck off his shoes and pulling of his socks.

He moved down to the back board of the boat and sat down, his feet in the cool water, the legs descending into the dark blue to half way up his shins, wetting his pants but showing no signs of concern as he looked back towards the hotel and it’s little beach. Enough distance to mean that the crowds surrounding it were still moving pin pricks of color but no shouts and screams of pleasure penetrated their isolation. He swayed his feet back and forth and waited to see whether she would join him.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

She had never felt so many emotions than the ones she was feeling when his arms encircled around her waist and she looked up at him and smiled shyly her pale face a deep red now as she knew he would be able to hear her heart pound against her chest. Was he going to kiss her she wondered and if so why was she not backing up from her, she took a deep breath and looked away as he slowly backed up from her. She smiled when he told her welcome aboard, this was almost as stunning as the views she thought to herself.

She looked around as she followed him and admired everything she was looking at, this boat was stunning she thought to herself, she was sure that everything Ryan did or had was stunning. She breathed deeply when he once more took her hand in his, still not sure why she hadn't or wasn't pulling away from him and then realizing that she did not want to pull away from him, this little bit of closeness made her feel safe. She nodded her head gently when she walked to the rear and did as he asked of her. She took a deep breath as she watched him work on his own rope part of her wondered how he had gotten so good at this et the other part of her wanted deep down to actually know how he was so good at that.

She watched him as he grabbed the rope as she tentatively finished her own as she wondered more and more about him, he was an enigma to her and she wanted to know more about him. She walked up to where he was and smiled at him as she listened to how he spoke of the rope, fear struck her for a moment and she closed her eyes and told herself there was nothing to be frightened of. She looked at him and tried to hide the curiosity that was going through her mind at the moment, so many thoughts were running rampant and she needed them to slow down for a little while.

The way the boat came to life as he loved the sound of the roaring engine she was grateful to be getting away for a little bit and forgetting about life for a moment. He looked at home at the wheel of the boat like he had naturally belonged there, she had never seen a man more handsome she had some attractive guys come into the bar/restaurant she worked at but none of them even came close to Ryan.

"I do as well." She said softly and smiled at his words, she again looked at her surroundings the last thing she wanted was to have any fears with Ryan something deep down told her she could trust him even if she was still so very unsure, she knew she wanted to know him, she couldn't be with him but she knew that no matter what happened, she would never ever forget him and or everything he had done for her.

She slipped her shoes off and sat down beside him and dipped her own feet in the water as she looked over at him. "Thank-you." Was all she really knew to say at this moment.

 

[Pre_Eminant]

He looked over at her and smiled, what he saw in return caught him off guard a little. She looked happy, he realized that for the first time since he had set eyes on her that she actually looked genuinely happy and even a little relaxed. He realized he was having an effect on her and his smile turned into a beaming grin as he turned his head back to the cool waters and he splashed his feet back and forth, kicking up water to further drench his pant legs and even a few speckled drops onto the bottom of her dress.

He reached out for her hand as he splashed as if to steady himself from falling off the back board, but his fingers interlinked with hers and he heard her giggle, joining in with the splashing with a little less animation than his, but never the less she joined in and was giggling, the little peals of laughter music to his ears.

He stopped his splashing and apologized for wetting the bottom of her dress, he moved to run his fingers over the edge, the backs of his fingers brushing against her thighs he detected a quick shiver, but he could not detect whether it was the colds or fear or something else and he moved his hand back into his lap. “it’s beautiful here” he said as he looked out along the verdant shoreline. She nodded her ascent and he looked back at her “Beautiful” he repeated his eyes blatantly on her as he spoke.

She turned to him with a shy smile, her lips parting as if to speak but nothing but silence came out. He looked her in the eye and repeated the word “Beautiful”, this time not just blatant but obvious that he was talking about her. She blushed a deep red and looked as if she were about to protest or argue to the contrary.

But, before he knew what he was doing, before he could stop and check himself, before he could use the careful and considered thought that was so atypical of his normal behavior he kissed her.

He molded his lips to hers and felt her lips yield to his, he didn’t stop to consider whether the yield to him was an automatic response or one that matched his own driving need, he just leaned in and devoured her with every fiber of his being. Strengthening the kiss, his tongue sliding against her as he explored her depths, his hand to the back of her head, his fingers sliding upwards from the base of her neck to thread fingers into her hair. Intoxicated by the scent of her his tongue darted out to caress and explore her mouth. It seemed that each time he inhaled with nostrils flaring he absorbed more of her scent, and the next thing he knew his free hand was cradling her jaw lightly as the kiss stretched and he moaned into her mouth, a deep rumble of pleasure and desire and need from deep within his chest.

After moments that lasted an eternity, he broke contact and looked with his piercing dark eyes into hers for another moment that seems to last an age. But then he turned to look down at his feet, undulating them in the waters to create ripples rather than splash. “That was nice” he murmured.