A Heart for Rebel (12 page)

T
HE DOCTOR PRODDED and pulled on every single part of
my body that hurt. I wanted to tell him to stop fucking hurting me more, but I knew
he was only trying to assess the extent of my injuries. According to the doctor
I had a mild concussion from having my head banged against the wall. The
motherfucking, douche bag. I have a busted swollen lip, a black eye, broken arm
and a sprained leg. He really did a number on me. Here I am in the hospital
battered and hurting. All I can think of is Wyatt. I need him here with me. I
want to see his beautiful face. I have no way of contacting him because my
purse was left behind with Mrs. Sullivan. I hope she’s okay. The nurse came in
and administered a pain killer and my eyes were slowly beginning to weigh like
a ton. I closed my eyes and drifted into a painful sleep. I felt a light touch
to my cheek and opened my eyes to see the most beautiful face I had been
wanting to see…Wyatt.

“Hey, pretty girl,”
he softly said.

“Hey, honey,” I
replied.

“Are you alright?”
he asked.

“I am now that
you’re here,” I replied.

“The doctor said
you could leave whenever you were ready,” he said.

“Okay. Did he tell
you what injuries I sustained?” I asked.

“Yeah, he did. Victor
was here, but he had to leave and get ready for work. He said he will see you
tonight,” he said.

“How did you guys
find out where I was?” I asked.

“Victor put two and
two together. I went to your place. I had to see you and you weren’t there.
Victor thought you were with me,” he said.

“Okay. Did Victor
say if the police caught Benny? Is Mrs. Sullivan okay?” I asked with a yawn.

“Mrs. Sullivan was
fine when I left her. Victor said Benny got away, but the police put an APB on
him,” he said. The thought of Benny still out there at large filled me with
dread. Wyatt helped me stand and get dressed. The orderly wheels me to Wyatt’s
car and the both of them help me and my battered body into the car. I winced
and cried from the pain that shot through out every molecule of my body. Wyatt
had his jaw clenched so tight I feared it would break his jaw and loosen his
teeth. I knew he was flipping mad and though it was understandable I was
nervous. I was nervous that he would be upset with me. Instead of taking me home,
Wyatt took me to his place.

“I thought you were
taking me home?” I asked.

“I did take you
home…my home. You, pretty girl are staying with me until you are well enough to
be on your own,” he said. Internally I did a happy dance. I wasn’t going to
argue about spending time with him. He helped me out of his car and gently
lifted me into his arms and carried me inside. He held me as we waited for the
elevator. I was in awe of him that he was able to lift me up and hold me even
though I was tiny I still felt I was heavy. When we got to his floor we got off
the elevator and just when I thought my night was getting better, here comes Oz
stepping out of his place.

“What the fuck
happened to you, Rebel? Are you alright?” he asked. Wyatt looked at me with
questioning eyes. Fuck! Who in heaven did I piss off to make my night a living
hell?

“Wyatt, this is
Oswald Stonewall, your neighbor and the new artist Laura commissioned at the
gallery,” I said.

“Call me Oz,
please. Now, tell me what happened?”

“Oswald, was it? Well,
let me break it down for you. Rebel at the moment needs lots of rest and
therefore does not have the time or the inclination to explain what happened,”
Wyatt said before opening his apartment door and slamming it in Oz’s face.
Wyatt gently placed me on the sofa and kissed me on the forehead. He started to
pace up and down around the room. I knew he was highly agitated and extremely
angry.

“Wyatt, why are you
so upset with me?” I whispered. He stopped pacing and pierced me with his eyes.
They were blazing with heat, but not directed at me.

“I’m not upset with
you, pretty girl. I’m agitated and I want to kill the fucker that hurt you. I’m
also fucking fuming at the clown next door. I don’t want you talking to him,”
he barked.

I cringed and said,
“Don’t you think I want to kill the asshole that did this to me? As for Oz, I
have to work with him, Wyatt. My job will require that I speak with him. I have
been assigned to work with him the next six weeks,” I quietly said. Wyatt
clenched his jaw and stormed out of his apartment slamming the door yet again
behind him. I tried to get up from the couch to go after him, but my body
screamed in protest. I groaned in pain and inched my way back down onto the
sofa. I don’t know how long I waited for him to return. I must have fallen
asleep because when I finally woke up I was lying in bed with his warm body
behind me. I tried to turn to look at him, but I pulled my body the wrong way
and yelped in pain.

“I’m sorry, pretty
girl,” he murmured.

“I know you are,” I
whispered.

“Are you in a lot
of pain? Do you want a pain med?” he asked.

“No, I’m just
sore,” I said. He leaned over and kissed me on my bare shoulder. I felt that
kiss all the way to my toes. My body awakened and broke out in goose bumps just
by the sheer thought of his lips all over my body. Unfortunately, for me I’m too
banged up to do more than just use my imagination.

“I have something
for you,” he said.

“Really? What is
it?” I asked. He got off the bed and said, “Don’t move a muscle. I’ll be right
back.”

“I can’t even move
without pain shooting through my body. Where exactly do you think I could go?”
I playfully asked.

“Not funny, babe,”
he said before walking down the stairs. I was glad that he didn’t ask me what
happened. I planned to tell him, but just not now. It was still fresh in my
mind and I didn’t want to let lose any tears. I was so terrified tonight. I
thought I was never going to see Wyatt or Bailey. I honestly thought Benny was
going to kill me. If it wasn’t for Mrs. Sullivan coming to my rescue I probably
would be dead. I shuddered at the thought. Wyatt came back with a little bundle
of fur in his arms and my heart rate picked up. He placed the adorable little
puppy on the bed. He scampered my way wagging his tail and licking my face. He
had the cutest baby bark. I loved him instantly. I hugged him to me and looked
at Wyatt. My eyes became watery as I took in the wonderful man before me. God,
I love him so fucking much.

“I love him, thank
you,” I cried.

“Hey…hey, pretty
girl don’t cry, it breaks my heart every time I see you cry,” he said.

“These are happy
tears. No one’s ever bought me a gift, much less a pet. What’s his name?” I
said.

“He doesn’t have
one yet. I left that honor to you,” he said. I picked up the puppy and looked
at him. He had eyes the color of a deep plum, almost like mine.

“What should we
name you, fella?” I asked. The puppy just wagged his tale and barked.

“I think he loves
you, pretty girl,” he said.

“What do you think
I should name him?” I asked.

“Switching the
question on me?” he playfully asked.

“It was worth a
shot,” I replied.

“Pick a name,
Rebel. He’s patiently waiting to hear it,” he chuckled. If my body didn’t hurt
so much I would have picked up a pillow and hit him with it.

“He’s black as
midnight with eyes of blue. He has the cutest bark and he’s happy with his
wagging tail. Umm…I think I wanna name him Blue. What do you think, fella?” I
asked him and he barked and wagged his tail.

“Sounds to me he
likes the name,” he said.

“Yeah, I think so
too. Can he sleep with us?” I asked. Wyatt pouts and said, “See I do something
nice for you and you traded me in for a scruffy fur ball.”

“I did not, you big
baby,” I playfully said. Blue must have liked the idea of sleeping with us
because he settled down next to my head and placed a tiny paw on my cheek.

“I hope you know
he’s not sleeping with us every night,” he said.

“Why not?” I asked.

“I won’t be able to
have my wicked ways with you if the fur ball is in attendance,” he stated. I
giggled at his admission.

“You think that’s
funny? I’m dead serious,” he said and settled both of us in bed. He gently put
his arm around my waist and kissed me on the check.

“Get some sleep,
baby. I love you,” he whispered tenderly

“Good night, honey.
I love you too,” I said before I let sleep take me.

S
LEEP DIDN’T COME easy for me. I had too many
emotions churning inside me. I was one lucky bastard because had it been any
other girl I would be given a swift kick in the ass before I was shoved out the
door. I brought her home from the hospital then I left her when she needed me,
but I was fucking angry. I was angry that my girl was attacked and injured. I
originally intended to go for a walk until I calmed down, but I let my temper
get the best of me. I was livid with my neighbor. He must have been watching
through the window for signs of her because the minute the elevator door open
so did his door. He stepped out as if he had every right to look at her. Then
my anger sky rocketed when Rebel said she would be working closely with the
douche bag that lived in apartment 17. I didn't know the asshole, but the way
his eyes drank her in when he saw her made my blood boil. He was devouring her
with his eyes and if she wasn't in my arms I would have beat him within an inch
of his life. I acted like an insensitive bastard. She was hurt and in need of
comfort, so instead of staying to take care of her I stormed out of my
apartment. I had to go get the puppy, which was sound asleep in the car, but
first I knocked on Oswald’s door and give him an incentive to keep his hands
off my girl.

The door opened and
surprise lit his face, “What can I do for you, neighbor.” I stared at him, not
knowing why I knocked, but knew I had to say my peace before I could move on.

“Stay away from
Rebel,” I warned.

“Look, man I know she’s
your girl, but don’t you think that’s her decision?” he asked.

“I didn’t like you
from the minute you taped a note to me door, but know I know I highly dislike
you. Consider this a warning and take it however you want, stay the fuck away
from Rebel!” I growled and walked away.

“Warning received,”
his said laughing. The echo of his laughter vibrated through the hallway grated
on my nerves. I knew he wasn’t going to back down.

“Son of a
motherfucking douchebag”, I mumbled quickly in a hissing breath. I knew trying
to reason with that clown was a big waste of my breath and words. It was
obvious he was going to pursue her. God, I must be crazy, but I saw the want in
his eyes. Well, he can try, but I can damn guarantee he is not getting my girl!

I got in my car and
drove to the nearest supermarket for puppy food. I figured this would do until
I was able to get Rebel the necessary items for her new friend. With the pup in
hand I got what I needed and headed back home. When I walked through the door
and saw Rebel passed out in an awkward position I felt like the biggest and
dumbest ass in the world. I should have put her to bed and seen to her comfort.
I never should have left her alone…period. I gently picked her up and quickly
raced up the stairs. I placed on her on the bed and removed her shoes, socks
and jeans. I had to take a scissor to her bloodied shirt to remove it. The cast
on her hand hindered from being removed normally. I peppered her soft skin with
tiny kisses. I deeply inhaled her unique aroma, she always smelled like lemons
and sunshine. She was my ray of light in my dark and dreary world.

I heard her moan
and I didn’t know if it was out of pain or a dream, but I instantly shifted and
kissed her shoulder.

“Mmm…,” she moaned.

“Hey, pretty girl
you weren’t supposed to feel that. You’re supposed to be asleep,” I murmured.

“Hmm, why wasn’t I
supposed to feel your lips on my shoulder,” she mumbled.

“Because those are
my secret kisses that I bestow upon you when you’re sound asleep,” I whispered
against her shoulder.

“Do you do that
often?” she asked.

“Every single night
when we’re together,” I answered.

“Wow, you always
know what to say to take my breath away,” she said.

“Well, that makes
two of us, because every time I see you, I stop breathing for a second,” I
said.

She tried to shift
and winced in pain. I brushed her hair off her face, kissed her lips and said,
“I guess it’s time for you to take the medication the doctor prescribed for the
pain.”

“I don’t want to
take them. They make me groggy. I much rather stare at you,” she said.

“Baby, staring at
me is not going to take the pain away,” I said.

“Yes, but when I
look at you I love the reflection of me in your eyes,” she whispered.

“Why is that,
baby?” I whispered back.

“Because in those
innocent eyes…those kissable lips…your great smile…your soothing
voice…absolutely fills me with your love, something I never had and that babe,
takes my pain away,” she whispered.

“You cannot say
things like that to me when you’re hurt,” I groaned.

She chuckled and
said, “Why.”

“Because I’m beside
you, but I would much rather be inside you and we can’t,” I grumbled. I felt
something crawl up my leg. I looked down and Blue was wagging his tail looking
smug that he put a halt to my ever growing arousal for Rebel.

“I think our little
friend here needs to go out. I’ll get your meds before I take him out,” I said.
She puckered her lips in a naughty pout. I couldn’t resist and leaned down and
kissed her tenderly. I hopped out of bed grabbed my jeans off the floor and put
them on.

“Umm…, Wyatt I have
to go to the bathroom,” she said. I smiled at her before I delicately picked
her up and carried her to the bathroom. I slowly lowered her to the floor and
told her, “Hold on to my shoulders so I can lower your panties.” I eased her
slowly onto the toilet and leaned against the wall.

“Can I have some
privacy,” she said.

“Sure,” I said and
turned around giving her my back.

“Wyatt, get out. I’ll
call you when I’m done,” she laughed.

“Are you sure? I
don’t mind,” I was joking of course, but she’s adorable when she’s embarrassed.

“Wyatt!” she
screeched. I chuckled as I exited the bathroom. I went and sat next to Blue on
the bed, who was patiently waiting his turn for relief. I stroked his soft fur
while he licked my hands. I heard the toilet flush and made my way back into
the bathroom. I slipped her undies back on and lifted her into my arms. I took
her back to bed and then I made my way to the kitchen for a glass of water. I
snatched the pills of the counter and made my way back to her. I handed her the
glass and pills. I leaned down and kissed her on the forehead.

“I’ll be back as
soon as I can. Get some rest,” I said.

“What time is it?”
she asked.

“It’s barely after
six,” I said as I lifted Blue off the bed.

W
HEN I GOT back with Blue she was sound asleep. I
placed the pup next to her and he snuggled close to her. I undressed and
climbed in next to them.

I woke several
hours later. I found myself in a conundrum. I had several clients lined up for
today, but I needed to be here with her. I thought it was ironic that before I
met Rebel, my shop was my first priority, but now she’s my number one priority.
I might be selfish. I might be greedy but I want to spend every minute with her
and not have to share her with anyone else. For the first time in my life I’ve
found someone I hate leaving. I’ve found someone that I can’t get enough of. She
accepts me for who I am, a tattooed pierced hooligan and she hasn’t run off yet
or asked me to change.

“Ugh, my body
hurts,” she said.

“Do you need
something for the pain?” I asked.

“Negative, I need
to get to work,” she said.

“You’re not going
to work today. Linda knows. I called her last night and she said for you to
take the rest of the week off,” I replied.

“You called my
boss?” she asked.

“Yes, I did. You’re
hurt, Rebel. You need to rest and let your body heal,” I said.

“That was my call
to make Wyatt, not yours,” she adamantly said.

“I know it’s your
choice, but I also knew you will be stubborn and try to go in to work. I did
what I thought was best for you. I’m sorry, but taking care of you is my
responsibility now,” I said. I saw the fight die within her and something else
took. Her eyes got dark and smoky. Her breathing became labored. She whispered,
“I really want to kiss you right now.” I groaned at the silky seductiveness of
her voice. I leaned into her and placed my lips on hers and gently bit down on
them, sucking them into my mouth before uniting our tongues. I pulled back from
the kiss and murmured against her lips, “Your voice is my favorite sound. I
love every moment when you’re in my arms. You, Rebel are my reason to smile.”

“I didn’t want to
need you, but I do. When I took one look at you, Wyatt I knew there was no
turning back for me. Take my hand, take all of me, but I can’t help falling more
in love with you each and every day,” she said.

I caressed her
cheek and looked deeply into her pretty eyes and said, “Baby, you have no idea
how fast my heart is beating right now for you. For every passing moment, I
find a thousand new reasons to love you completely and totally…only
you…forever.” I can’t explain how and why I fell completely head over heels in
love with her in such a short period of time, but that’s just how I feel. If
this isn’t love I wish someone would point me in the right direction and
explain what I’m feeling, because I never felt this way before her.

“I want you,” she
whispered.

“I don’t think we
should. I want you, trust me I do, but you’re hurt and I don’t want to hurt you
more,” I said.