Page 647 of One More Kiss
Chapter3
When they finally arrived atthe bottom of the mountain, Vana was relieved to see that Brandon's cabin was small but functional. Lucky immediately flopped down on the front porch, exhausted from the long hike.
"It's not the four seasons but it'll keep you out of the cold," Brandon said, holding the door open for Vana.
She entered the cabin and was surprised to find that it was actually quite cozy. A small fire was burning in the fireplace and a comfortable-looking sofa and chair were positioned in front of it. A small kitchen was off to one side and a long hallway led up to what Vana assumed was the bedroom.
"It's perfect," she said, sincerely meaning it.
He raised an eyebrow at her as if he didn't truly believe her. With a shrug he walked over to the fridge, opened it and pulled out a bone. Lucky jumped up to attention immediately as Brandon threw the bone at her traitorous dog.
Suddenly the air felt too thick and Vana felt out of place. Brandon laid the ax to the side before he leaned his thick body against the almost too small table and started at her.
"Now, you're going to tell me why you're running away from your ex-husband. Don't leave anything out."
Vana's insides curled into a tight knot as she thought about telling this man about all the pain Rich had caused her. She knew she had no choice. There was no use in holding back the truth anymore.
Vana took a deep breath and began to tell Brandon about her abusive husband. She told him about the emotional and physical abuse she had endured for years. She told him about the nights she had spent crying herself to sleep, too afraid to leave for fear of what Rich might do to her.
Brandon listened intently, his face betraying no emotion. When she was finished, he simply nodded and said, "I'm sorry you had to go through all that."
There was a moment of awkward silence before Brandon spoke again. "I promise you, you're safe here. I won't let anyone hurt you."
Vana felt a wave of relief wash over her. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she was finally safe, but what she couldn't understand was what he wanted in return. No one does anything for free.
"Why would you do that? You don't know me. "
"No, I don't but I also don't know this asshat who thinks hitting on his wife is the way to fucking go. Like I said, while you're here, you don't have to worry about anyone doing anything to you. I may not want any neighbors, but I don't want some dirty woman beater around either. You can stay here until we find a way to get you to some help. "
Vana shakes her head and looks away, "I can't just let you do this for nothing in return."
Brandon's eyes light up with mischief as he stares at her. "Be careful what you offer."
Vana's mouth drops open, and before she can say a word, her face burns with embarrassment. "No, I'm not offering to sleep with you in return."
"Never said you were. What I'm saying is, maybe you need to think about just taking some time to figure out what you're going to be doing after we get this situation under control." He looks over at her dog before looking back at her. "Lucky may be able to get by with eating whatever in the wild, but it doesn't look like that's something you can do. You need to figure out your next steps."
He's right. She didn't have a plan other than get away from Rich. Once Rich was gone from her life she would have to figure out a way to live.
"I'll make a way. I'm sure of it." She says and lifts her chin in Brandon's direction.
"I'm sure of it." Brandon replies before he walks off leaving her and Lucky in the middle of his cabin to think about what she'd do next.
