“Trav, it’s okay,” she whispered. “He wouldn’t have forced me.”
“He was going to kidnap you.”
She had nothing to say to that. Despite what Duke had done, he never hit her back though. He took it and just took it. Caitlin knew he would never rape her.
Travis was staring at the ceiling, his jaw flexing. He was struggling to maintain control. He took a couple of shallow exhalations and closed his eyes, bowing his head. When he opened them, his hands cupped her face. “Tell me what happened.”
Caitlin told him. Not leaving anything out. He had already gotten hurt because of her. Besides, the truth had a way of slipping out no matter how deep you buried it.
He pulled away, nostrils flaring. “He’s dead.”
“No. Let it go, Travis. Please.”
“He touched you.”
“No, he didn’t. He didn’t get a chance.”
“You could’ve been hurt.”
“Did you see the other guy?” Caitlin teased to lighten his mood.
“I’m not finding this amusing, sunshine.”
“To his credit, he never hit me. Despite everything I did to him.”
Travis considered this, and shook his head. “You really can take care of yourself.”
“I manage. I don’t think I’d be crazy enough to take on the entire MC.” Her voice turned sharp with the realization of what might have happened if Nicholas Crane hadn’t shown up.
She punched Travis on the shoulder. “You could have been killed!”
“Confident in me much?” Travis muttered.
“We should’ve just run.”
“A SEAL never retreats—”
“Newsflash, Travis. You’re not a SEAL anymore. You’re my husband. And tactically, that was stupid.”
Travis ran his fingers on one side of her face, his expression rueful. “I’m an ass.”
“What?”
“If I’d known what had happened to you, I wouldn’t have fucked you so callously just now. I’m so sorry, Cat.”
Remorse leached through his skin, making her want him to know she was okay. More than okay. She hopped down from her perch and wrapped her arms around his neck. He wouldn’t look at her, so she grabbed his chin so he would.
“I loved what happened between us just now; don’t even think that I didn’t. You’re right. I do like rough sex.” His eyes flared, so she continued, “I’ll love it more if you make me come.” Warmth started to replace the haunted look on his face. “Tell you what, Trav. Let’s take a shower together, and then you’ll let me take care of that gash on your face, and then I’ll let you have me again. But this time, I’m coming first.”
“You got yourself a deal, sunshine girl.”
“First thingwe’re gonna do when we get back to DC is get you a wedding ring.”
It was early morning, and the sun was just breaking out on the horizon. They were both awake and Caitlin was lying in the crook of his arm. He raised their entwined fingers, studying how her left hand was resting in his right and lamenting the fact her fingers were bare.
He already had the diamond ring. He picked one out himself. He had been apprehensive about giving it to her, not wanting to spook her. But after the misunderstanding last night, he’d be insisting she wear his ring. They were getting married again, too. Caitlin was his wife. End of story. The sooner she became Caitlin Blake, the more settled he’d be about their relationship.
“Hmm . . . mm,” Caitlin mumbled.
