My dom, my savior

[AngelofyourNighmares]

Annabella Rose, whom most called Rosie cause of her last name, or Bells or Bella for short, she hated being called Annabella it felt so damn formal, and she definitely wasn't the formal type of girl. She however was sweet, kind, caring and very trusting until her father started drinking and would beat the ever loving hell out of her, her mother left when she was just a young girl and her dad had always taken care of her, that was until he found the bottle, then his sweet little Bella became his punching bag for all of his rage against her mother and against him gambling away his paychecks.

Bella was only 19 and planned on getting out but every time she wanted to leave her father would beg her to stay, tell her he needed her... no what he needed was her paycheck to pay the bills cause his money went to gambling and the damn bottle, and frankly Bella was tired of it.. she wanted to be more than a one time waitress she was smart to smart to hang around and be abused.

She finally got wise one night when she came home from work and her dad was in the living room half a bottle of vodka in front of him. ''Where ya been girl?'' He slurred. ''Work overtime.. someone has to pay the bills.'' She mumbled and headed to the kitchen to start dinner. She hadn't realized her father had followed her into the kitchen, until he grabbed her by the arm, hard and turned her to face him. ''Don't you smart mouth me girl.. if it weren't for me you wouldn't be nothing.'' He slurred not letting up his grasp of her. ''Please let me go so I can start your dinner.'' She pleaded, she still had bruises from the last time he grabbed her and beat her. He then slapped her hard as tears welled in her eyes. ''Don't speak to me in that tone, you little bitch.'' Slapping her again as she yelped and shoved back at him.. ''Get off of me!'' She screamed as he punched her blackening her eyes. ''Please just stop.'' She seen what she dreaded most and that was the belt, he yanked from his jeans.. as she tried to pull away before he started beating her back, causing the already sore welts to open and bleed, she was huddling in a ball by the time he was done with her before he left her laying there and went and passed out in his bedroom. She had enough she could barely move, but she found herself crawling to her room and packing what little she had into two big duffel bags, and grabbing some cash she had stashed away before heading out into the rain storm and ran as fast as she could until she found herself passed out on a pair of steps... many miles from home... she wouldn't know what was coming but she would never trust another man again... until she met him... a handsome older 30 year old dominant, and she was submissive, yet she would not know any of that yet and he would find a hard time getting her to know it and want it.

(looking for a long detailed role play of passion, love, trust, and compassion... something along the lines of the 50 shades of grey relationship but her souls the tortured one...

 

[thesaint79]

Father Smith was startled at his breakfast table by her screams. He rushed to the guest room where his cousin Betsy was already trying comforting the girl they had found last night, passed out on the steps of their cottage. Betsy was having trouble trying to control the situation and this girl had already been through a lot. Father Smith could tell, if not from all the bruises on her body, but from the look in her eyes, he could tell this girl needs help.
"You are safe here", he said in a calm yet commanding voice, startling the girl who hadn't noticed him enter the room, "what is your name, my child?" asked Father Smith of the small and obviously weak girl.
The girl was calm now, but would not respond. In fact she just stared at Father Smith with a glowering look.
"I am Father Smith and this is my cousin Betsy" Father Smith started again, trying to defuse the situation. "We found you at our steps, passed out last night, so we brought you in" his voice kinder as he tried to soften the girl's emotions "we mean no harm. If there is anything you need, let Betsy or I know." Father Smith did not see a change in the girl's expressions, and though best to leave her with Betsy. "I will be at the table Betsy, please let me know if I can help in any way".
As he was finishing his cup of tea, Father Smith couldn't help but wonder who this girl was, and why she looked at him with such anger. It gave him great grief to see the sorrow he saw in her eyes, and the genuine kind-hearted man he was, he wanted to help her.
"She is still resting" said Betsy entering the dining room, "her name is Betsy. That's all I got out of her"
"Hm" Father Smith nodded as he finished his tea.
"Tomorrow let's take her with us to our church and see if she knows anyone" Betsy suggested "even if they don't, she could stay in the convent until we figure this out"
"She stays here" interrupted Father Smith "...for now".
Betsy was surprised, after all Father Smith was a severely private man, and it took him only 9 months to let Betsy stay with him after her parents passed away.
"Are you sure" asked Betsy, surprised, "we don't even know what she is running from or what kind of trouble she's in"
"She stays here for now" came the response, this time sternly, as Father Smith walked away and out of the room.

 

[Pre_Eminant]

It had been a long drive and he'd started to regret not calling up his private jet for what would've been a quick jump between cities. But he rarely got time to himself these days, the cacophony of voices all calling for his attention, demanding his time and more often than not his money, so he’d hired a car and decided to take a few days out to take the drive across the country collecting his thoughts and enjoying the relative anonymity of back roads and routes.

He’d set-up his first business at 16, a simple barrow on a market stall in East London, buying and selling and wheeling and dealing. It built over time and he’d be the first to admit that not all of it was strictly legal, but he did what he had to, to get ahead. Now, here he was 32 and CEO of an international conglomerate that incorporated such diversity as tech holdings, various e-business’s, a property portfolio extending over 3 continents and even a private banking corporation; all whilst maintaining a 51% control of the entire estate.

He was by no means a celebrity entrepreneur, but his face had graced the covers of some financial publications in his native Country of England and even a more salacious gossip magazine had run an article on him being the most eligible bachelor in the UK. All of which had led him to relocating to the US where he could have moments to himself like this one.

He saw the sign for the truck stop ahead of him and rolled his head round his shoulders feeling the crick of sore muscles and tendons and decided to pull in if only to stretch his legs and grab a soda. As he pulled into a parking spot as close to the entrance as he could find he spotted her. Sat looking lonely and forlorn on the floor, cross legged to the side of the entrance way. As he silenced the engine, he rested back into his seat and watched for a moment, wondering why she seemed so invisible to the others that passed one way or another. Yes, the dust of the road hung heavily on her countenance and her hair hung limply over her face as she seemingly intently examined the ground before her. But there was something about her that had made him notice, she didn’t have her hand out, she was not asking for lifts or seeking attention of any kind. Yet she didn’t look beaten either, at least mentally he corrected himself as he noticed the distinct mottle of a fading bruise to her cheek as her hand moved to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. Her other hand resting protectively across two large duffel bags to the side.

His eyes slid across her, noticing her sleek lines along with the high cheekbones that if not bruised would have been the envy of many a budding starlet. He suddenly ached to see her eyes, those eyes that studied the ground so carefully, he guessed they would tell a silent story. He slid his long aching legs from the car and arched his back to get the crinkles of his journey out of it before covering the short distance to the entrance with long strides.

He stood above her for a moment, just looking at her, sensing that this was a moment to take or forever back away from..

“Are you OK ?” His voice was deep and resonant, but he spoke quietly, a slight smile on his face as he waited for her to turn those eyes upwards onto his.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

Anna had been at this rest stop for days, she was grateful that they had a cheap motel locally, considering the fact that she had little money left, what she did have left she spent in small amounts of food and then she would use the rest for A bus ticket far away from there... and she would get a job as a waitress and go from there, she had a plan even if it wasn’t the best plan a girl like her could have. Her bruises were slowly starting to heal yet the welts on her back still showed, luckily they were easy to hide.

She was glad people passed her by and didn’t ask her questions, she was more then grateful for that. It wasn’t as if she were underage she was 19 after all so she didn’t have to answer to anyone, she had her drivers license but no car, maybe she should have stolen her fathers car but the raggedy old thing wouldn’t have driven more then 5 miles And she needed to be as far away from her father as she could. She sighed life would be hard for a while but she knew she was strong enough to make it through and she would one way or another.

She had a plan in place but she didn’t know how this would all work out in the end. She had to try to give herself a better life, she had lost faith in people a long time ago, especially since her mother died and her father turned into pure evil now trusting men was twice as hard for her, now every man that looked at her or even slightly touched her made her shake and tumble inside, this wasn’t the way anyone should have to live but it was her way of life.

She sat crossed legged and wasn’t sure anymore how many days that she had been there, she was losing track of time and that wasn’t completely A bad thing, it made her forget the reality of everything. She was grateful for the distraction of the music on her phone. She knew service would be cut off soon And that was fine as long As she still had her her music. She sighed and kept her head down, no one ever seemed to notice her and that was just fine with her, actually in some ways it was probably the best thing for her at the moment.

She protects her bags with her arms As she sits crossed legged she knew she had nothing worth stealing but this was all that she had and this little bit of stuff was pretty much all that she had left now. She tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear and looked down at the ground so no one would notice her.

She could feel a tall figure above her and for a moment she thought her father found her but slightly glancing up she realized thankfully it wasn’t.

She looked up softly but definitely guarded at the same time. She could only nod her head.

https://images.app.*******/crcPZsXzQKcjym8R6

 

[Pre_Eminant]

He watched as she slightly inclined her head upwards, he thought he saw a fleeting look of alarm or was it fear flash across her eyes as she peered into the sun that sat hot on his back. He shifted his body position to cast his own shadow over her, yet keeping his distance mindful of that flash of fear that he’d felt sure he’d seen. He rested his head to the side, studying her. Not just admiring the unpolished beauty of her form but using his long-honed talent to quickly weigh up the physiognomy of a person by how they carry themselves. Yes, she was dishevelled, yes, she carried the dirt and grind indicative of a hard few days on the road, but he could tell that she had an inner beauty that matched the lines that her body suggested. He found himself musing about how she would look bathed and perfumed, dressed to flatter and enhance the natural beauty of her body with suitable lace or silk beneath. Something to make her feel sexy, knowing through experience that if a woman feels sexy, she will reward her man way beyond the own delight of his eyes.

He shook his head a little to dispel the thoughts that tumbled through his mind, realising that he had been stood watching her in silence since his initial greeting. “You’re hungry” he said, it wasn’t really a question more of a statement and not giving her chance to deny what was obvious, he moved into the truck stop and made his way over to the diner. Buying two breakfast burrito’s wrapped in greased paper, adding a bag of cinnamon rolls and two carry out cups of steaming hot English breakfast tea. Even though he had been in the US for a few years now, he still could not start his day without tea and automatically ordered two. He scooped up little pots of milk and packets of sugar and made his way back outside after paying with the size of bill that made the cashier frown.

He stepped past the girl to her far side and sank down leaving a gap between them of about three feet, close enough to talk but not close enough to spook her. He was interested in her he realised as he made the adjustment automatically, not wanting to crowd her but wanting the opportunity to discover a little of her story, he had no plan beyond that he was just intrigued as to what had brought her to this place and point in her young life.

He reached over and placed one of the teas, the burrito and the bag of cinnamon rolls on the ground equidistant between the two of them. He glanced over at her as he pried off the plastic cap of his tea, blowing on the hot dark liquid before taking a tentative sip, wincing as the hot liquid burnt his lips. He placed the cup down to the side of him and began to unwrap the remaining burrito, before speaking “You’ll keep me company for breakfast”. Again, it wasn’t a question, the timbre of his voice was actually more akin to a command than a statement, he glanced over again as he took a bite of the burrito, cupping his free hand underneath as a chunk of sausage dropped from the side of the tortilla cursing as he missed and it landed onto his crisp light coloured linen pants. “Damn, apologies for my slovenly behaviour” he chuckled as he glanced over towards her.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

She realized her heart was racing thinking that her father had found her, she took a long deep breath at the tall and very handsome man before her. She realized she was biting her lip as she looked At him skeptical, she already didn’t trust him, as no one before him had even given her as much as a hello. She tried to hide the fear that was in her eyes because the last thing she needed was another man that knew that she feared him her father had done that for enough of her life and she refused to let another man run her life the way that her father had. He was about the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on but looks meant nothing to her. Why the hell was he looking at her like that? She didn’t want nor need anyone’s pity. She took a deep breath wondering if she should get up and walk away but she was to tired and to hungry to want to move and then we’re plenty of people around so she was sure this man wouldn’t try anything around a bunch of people. She brushed another strand of her blond hair away from her slim face. She looked away from him he was intimidating but she refused to run. She had done enough running for a lifetime.

She felt weird and off by the way he was staring at her and she hated it she was trying so hard to hide her fear of him. When he told her she was hungry she wanted to reply something snarky but decided against doing so. She wondered why he had stated the obvious but maybe it was just because he didn’t know what to say to her. She was really confused at this point but refused to let him see it as she watched him walk away. All she could think was what the fuck in her head. She noticed him come back out with his hands full.

She looked at him skeptical once more wondering what he was doing sitting down beside her but keeping some distance confusing her even more. She looked over at him with a look on her face that clearly stated she in fact did not trust him.

She watched as he placed what was obviously food for the two of them, He wanted something she thought to herself but she was unsure just what that was cause she had nothing to offer. She watched as he took a drink of his hot beverage. She looked at him incredulously as if he had completely lost his mind, she would never again let a man tell her what to do. “Look I don’t know who you think you are but you don’t tell me what I am going to do.” She was going to storm off but her tummy grumbled but she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of letting him tell her what to do.

 

[Pre_Eminant]

He caught the look of mistrust in her face and as she brushed another stray strand of hair from her face he noticed that the dark smudges under her eyes were not through lack of sleep alone. He felt his body bristle with innate fury at the unknow assailant. Why were so many determined to destroy beauty rather than revel in it he wondered. He was a very private man only a very select few knew about the desires and darkness within him. He had always taken great care to conceal his need for Dominance that extended from his business life into his personal relationships. He was acutely aware that most did not understand the beauty of submission, jumped to conclusions not understanding the difference between use and abuse. It was this philosophy that so angered him when he saw the tell-tale signs of maltreatment on her face, knowing that many would assume ‘his sort’ to be the beaters and indeed there were many who masqueraded their abuse under the guise of Dominance. But he knew the truth that the beauty of submission was in the gift of trust bestowed by a willing partner. Yet his own relationships had been few and far between because of his need for discretion, yet he yearned more and more to be that guiding hand upon a blank canvass.

These thoughts tumbled through his mind as he looked across at her until he was stunned out of his internal monologue by her first spoken words “Look I don’t know who you think you are but you don’t tell me what I am going to do”. He looked stunned at her for a moment almost climbing to his feet and moving back to his car, yet something kept him in position as he thought back to his last thought before the interruption to them. She was certainly a blank canvass, his eyes fleetingly moved down her body appraisingly for a moment, the look of forced defiance in her eyes whilst her bottom lip quivered slightly betraying her efforts to show such defiance. She could also become his most accomplished masterpiece he finished off his thought.

Suddenly he heard the rumble of hunger audibly from her stomach, a long burble and bubble that came involuntary from within her, probably provoked by the appetising smell of fried onions, peppers and sausage inside the burrito. Involuntarily he threw back his head and roared with genuine laughter “Well if you won’t do what I say, do what your stomach tells you to do” he chuckled as he bit into his own burrito again with gusto. His finger moving to flick the piece of errant sausage from his pants and frowning at the greasy mark left at the top of his thigh.

He reached over with a hand to the package of food sat between them and pushed it with an extension of his long nimble index finger, pushing it just half an inch closer to her before withdrawing the arm. “I’m sorry if I offended you” he murmured between bites “I meant no offence; I just hate to eat alone” he continued.

He leaned back against the wall, visibly relaxing his body, but unfolding his legs out from underneath him and stretching them out before him. At 6’2” his feet dangled over the raised walkway in front of the diner and he waggled them like a small boy. He spread his legs wide and arranged the greased paper that the burrito came wrapped in between them, taking his time to smooth it out ready to catch any more delinquent pieces of sausage. Without looking at her this time he spoke “I’m Ryan”.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

She slightly looked at him but the last thing she really didn't want, was for this man to pity her the last thing she wanted, was for anyone to pity her really. She took a deep breath and thought maybe he was really just trying to help her but she learned the hard way a long time ago that most of the time when someone wanted to help you they also wanted something from you. She was thankful that most of her bruises had faded but there were still quite a few there as well. She wasn't sure what just flashed in his eyes but it looked like he was angry for a moment but she didn't dare question him. She looked away from him not wanting him to see the vulnerability in her young eyes. She felt chills go through her, there was something very mysterious about this man and perhaps even dangerous dare she, says she thought to herself. She looked around at the many people around them and knew she was safe that she didn't have anything to worry about for the time being. She didn't believe in people or the goodness of them any longer they always wanted something from you for there kindness and she had nothing to give, not herself, her body nor her heart they were locked away and she was throwing away that key for a long time.

She could tell he was taken aback by her words and for a moment she felt slightly guilty but then she thought of what she had been through and how she had promised herself that she would never let another man step all over her. She was stunned herself that he didn't get up and walk away from her, incredible she thought to herself. She could feel his eyes on her something told her that he wasn't used to people saying no to him or rather speaking to him that way either. Don't trust him Anna she thought to herself. Don't trust anyone, remember that your daddy made sure you knew this she thought to herself, she would never ever let anyone use her ever again.


She had never been more embarrassed than when her grumbling stomach displayed just how hungry she had been, she took a deep breath and her pale skin blushed a deep Scarlett red. She looked at him even more embarrassed when he seemed to be laughing at her or maybe he was just laughing at the situation. She didn't say anything but she knew deep down he was right as much as she did not want to admit that. "Before you wash them put some dawn dish liquid on the grease spot let it sit and then wash them it won't stain that way." She said nonchalantly.


She watched as he pushed the bag closer to her, good god but he was like a Greek god, snap out of it she told herself. His accent, along with his long fingers were all but mesmerizing. She couldn't help but feel grateful at that moment, she shyly grabbed the burrito and really picked at it as she ate it slowly savoring every bite, she put tons of sugar and creamer in her tea that had now cooled down, and at in silence her face a crimson red now.

Good lord and he was tall she thought to herself, thinking of how short she was compared to him at 5'3. "Thank you for this." She said softly, as she blotted her mouth with a napkin... though he could tell she was still very guarded and still very hurt, he couldn't even begin to know the scars left on her back or on her heart for that matter. "I am Annabelle, but Anna or Bella is prefered." She said softly not looking at him.

"I can pay you back for this as soon as I get settled if you want to leave me your adress." She said shyly.

 

[Pre_Eminant]

Ryan smiled to himself as he noticed from the corner of his eye that she finally helped herself to the burrito, picking out each tasty bite like a bird and seemingly savouring every morsel. He finished his own and noisily licked his long nimble fingers clean, the fleshy probe of his tongue lavishly licking his greasy fingers before popping a couple into his mouth and pulling them out with an audible pop. He shrugged noncommittally at her offer of repayment, raising his hand to indicate that that wasn’t necessary, “Your company is more than enough in return” he assured her.

Finally, to all intents and purposes sated, he turned his body slightly, not exactly facing her instead at an angle to avoid any perception of confrontation but to allow him to study her guardedly. He eased his expression into a relaxed smile and tested her name on his lips “Bella…..Ann-A…..Ann-A-Belle…..Anna….Annabelle”. One edge of his lips curled higher as his analytical brain kicked in “Anna from the Latin for Grace and Bella from the French for beauty”, he allowed the other side of his lips to turn into a grin as he continued “The beauty of Grace, how apt” he chuckled quietly.

Dropping his fingers to pull at the grease spot at the top of his muscular thigh “Dish liquid you say” he dropped his eyes to the spot and thought how he’d normally just discard them and pick up a new pair at the next opportunity. But his dark eyes flicked back upwards under his brow “Practical as well as beautiful and graceful” he murmured quietly before continuing at a more normal volume “Thank you, I’ll try that”.

He looked around the small collection of buildings spread around, it couldn’t exactly be described as a community, just the rest stop with diner, a small seedy looking motel to one side and an equally seeding looking bar to the other. A handful of houses that he assumed housed some of the employees or proprietors of these establishments spread just behind and set back slightly. He could tell from the dust of the road and her protective hand across the two duffels to the far side of her that she wasn’t local “Where you headed?” He asked.

He knew he should leave, just get back into his car and hit the road, but there was something about her. She was attractive even in the state of disrepair, probably damaged way beyond the fading bruises he could see on her face and arms. But if anything, that only increased his interest in her, he had spent his life taking on the impossible and proving people wrong. Even early in is his life his own surly docker father had told him to go and get a proper job, borrowing money from shady back alley lenders for his first company to the consternation of his mother. Acquisition of the wrong kind of stock or a company that could not be saved according to various advisors and so-called experts. But he had consistently proved them all wrong, it was something he enjoyed more than the wealth it had created for him. He prided himself on seeing the potential in all things and he could see the grim determination in her face that yes, she was down, but no she was not beaten.

The little devil on his shoulder told him that his interest was not only altruistic and internally he admitted that he was attracted to this young woman. But he reassured himself that this moment was only fleeting, he had noticed her, he had made the tiniest of connections marking that as a little victory in his day. Yet he knew if he left now he would spend the rest of the day and he suspected a much longer period wondering about her, he wanted to know how she fared and challenged himself to find out a little more about her, just enough to maintain a connection even if it were from afar.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

Part of her was shy to eat in front of him and part of her was eating this way because she didn't want him to know just how hungry she really was. Did he have to do that she thought to herself it was very distracting considering it was also very hot, sure she was a virgin but that didn't mean that she didn't have desires or couldn't appreciate a very attractive older man. She blushed at his comment that her company was more then enough. "I insist." She said softly as she turned her head and looked at him gently.

She watched his every move very closely as if she expected him to strike at any moment but this time she would be ready and she would never let another man abuse her ever again she knew in her stance it showed how nervous and even maybe a little scared she was. The way he seemed to test her name out on his lips sent shivers up and down her spine and caused goosebumps to form along her skin. She looked at him confused as if he were in his own world having his own private joke.

She shrugged when he mentioned the dish soap. "Old hack my mom taught me when I was a child she was a excellent cook, but not very coordinated. She was stunned at his next words there was nothing beautiful about her she thought to herself.

She watched as he looked around, and she thought a man of his stature would never normally be caught dead in a place like this. "Not used to these surroundings are you? " She states more then a comment then a. Question. "I honestly don't know, the farthest place from here. The third place the greyhound stops is where my new start will begin. " She stated softly.

"How about you? " She asked softly.

 

[Pre_Eminant]

He sensed she had let her guard down slightly, not enough to not easily provoke her skittering off at the merest wrong move, but he was committed now. He had set himself a challenge to know more of her and he wasn't about to give up now a little progress had been made. That little seed planted that he wasn't just out to force himself on her or worse, he had achieved that little about turn from stolid indifference to actually getting her to interact and even asks questions of her own.

He smiled as he looked around the surroundings and nodded “I once knew places like this, but yeah I’m a little more fortunate now”. He paused, not only did he not want to be seen to boast, but he was also acutely aware of people who befriended him with nothing more than the aim of sharing in it or even ridding him of as much of it as they could. “I grew from places like this, but I worked hard and I made my own way in life”. He studied her again, thinking about her last words “New starts don’t depend on the place they depend on the person”

He hesitated again, he could see that she was broken, but underneath he could also see a gritty determination, this was what interested him the most, he could see great potential in her. He cautioned himself not to become fixated, but he knew he wanted to see how far she could go, he wanted to help her become the best version of herself she could. At this point the little voice of conscience popped its unwelcome head up once more to remind him that he also wanted the best version of her for his own purposes. He poked it back down again with the justification that achieving both would be the best result all round.

He did a quick calculation in his head, he knew they were a few miles north of Columbia, South Carolina. He didn’t know how far three stops on the grey hound would be, but he was guessing not overly far and he sensed she was interested in miles rather than a specific destination. He was planning on heading through and making Atlanta, Georgia to stretch his legs and then making New Orleans before night fall or staying somewhere just before like Mobile or Biloxi. He intended to stay a couple of days in New Orleans to enjoy himself anonymously, he deliberately hadn’t told his staff of his travel plans and his PA had been given strict orders not to disturb him for the next 72 hours. He’d relax and enjoy himself in anonymity, he could book any overnight he liked, but he intended to forgo the trappings of extreme wealth and stay comfortably. He eyed the seedy motel off to the side and shuddered, anonymity was great but he had some standards still.

“I can drop you in Columbia or Atlanta” he spoke idly as if in passing “Or if you’re willing to share the driving load all the way to New Orleans..?”. He deliberately offered her the opportunity to contribute to the journey, knowing from her insistence to repay him for the food that she would not take kindly to any perception of charity. “That is to say if you’re willing to contribute to the driving load and you’re any good at I-Spy” he added with a care free laugh, his face lighting up and his eyes sparking with genuine humor as he waited to see if she could be tempted into giving him the opportunity of a full day to tease more information from her.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

She wanted to flee but something about being near him felt almost right, and she wasn't sure why that was... she knew the last thing she needed was to trust someone she knew trust didn't mean anything but heartache and pain. She bit her lip slightly a habit she had when shy, embarrassed, or worried about something or even when she was thinking. She took a deep breath don't fall for this Anna but part of her wanted to believe that there were still good people in the world.


She half-smiled at his comment about once knowing places like this, she wondered if that were true a man that looked that good, and that wore the clothing he wore didn't show signs of ever being in places like this. Anna wasn't the type that liked people for there stature or what they could give her, she had fought tooth and nail for what little she had and she respected people who did the same and he was kind-hearted or perhaps she was reading him wrong, she thought her father kind too and look how that turned out for her. She looked over at him and nodded her head in understanding maybe he wasn't so bad after all, but she wouldn't let him get close enough either to find out.


She noticed the way he was looking at her as if she were a puzzle that he was trying to figure out, that's how it had been since she was 16, someone was always trying to figure her out. She bit her lip once more she wasn't some charity case, and she wouldn't ever let herself be hurt by another man again, that and the fact she was a virgin and he had to be about 15 years her senior. She sighed and studied him in her own way, he wanted something from her someone always wanted something from her, what did her daddy always say.. you don't get anything for nothing. She shook her head her father really had done a number on her mentally and physically and she wasn't sure if she would ever fully recover.


She didn't know what to talk about with Tyler, she wanted to know more about him and at the same time, she wanted to know nothing about him. She wanted away from here, so far away that no one from this town would even remember her name, she was leaving a few friends behind and when she got settled she would call them and let them know she was safe but for now, it wasn't safe to contact anyone then she wondered would her father even look for her? Yes for her paycheck and her housekeeping he most definitely would and that was the last thing she wanted. She wondered where he was headed or where he actually lived, but she felt it was too personal to ask him these things or that perhaps it wasn't even her business. Deep breaths Anna she told herself she wasn't being nosy she was making conversation and there wasn't anything wrong with that. She looked over and smiled at him. "Thank you again for breakfast that was very kind of you." She said softly. She didn't want to overstep her bounds after all.


She was stunned and taken aback, even more, when he offered to have her along on his journey. "How do I know you aren't a serial killer or a kidnapper?" She said matter of factly. She couldn't help but crack a smile at the mention of i-spy she knew he was trying to put her at ease and maybe get her to trust him but he had no idea what she had actually been through.

 

[Pre_Eminant]

He smiled good naturedly “Aha, and there in lies the conundrum Annabella” he shifted his body slightly closer to her, just closing the gap between them by a very small margin. A subliminal indication that they were building a connection now, conversing rather than him just imposing himself on her, still at a respectful distance as he could tell that she was still only a hairs breath from running.

“To achieve in life you need to take risks every now and again” he paused for a moment wondering if he had selected the wrong word, sensing that she was at a stage in her life when risk probably meant more about putting herself in physical danger than losing an each way bet to better her situation.

“What I mean” he hastily added “is that new starts and success do not lay in chance. You can head North on the greyhound, South on the greyhound or help me out by sharing the driving”. Again, he deliberately emphasised that he was looking for a favour and camaraderie rather than anything sinister in his suggestion for her to accompany her. “Any of the three could result in a new start or a failed start or in Jason Vorhees” He chuckled and smiled at the last option hoping that the cultural reference didn’t go over her head.

“I don’t subscribe to fate” he finished with, not only because he intuitively knew that she was at the point where she wanted to make things happen rather than wait for them to do so. He had lived pretty much his whole life under that philosophy, success was indeed not down to fate or luck or anything quite so esoteric. Success was taking calculated risks, recognising and rewarding people that can help but also those that obstruct. A willingness to fail and a determination to keep going when you do.

He could see all these traits and plenty more in her, it was part of the reason that his interest was now morphing into something solid and tangible. His need for a few days peace and quiet to recharge his batteries in solitude was turning into a need to understand and explore her further. He was attracted to her, especially the way she chewed her bottom lip nervously and he was distracted for a moment with thought of chewing it similarly and how her lips would taste. But now at this moment, he was just resolved to his challenge of knowing her more, fascinated by the obvious inner turmoil juxtaposed with a calm serenity that seemed right there yet also just out of reach.

He shook his head to get back to his internal challenge of getting her to commit to a day to allow him access to her mine. Dreaming of getting her to willing submit her body and soul to his could wait for the moment.

“Don’t toss a coin Annabella”, he finally continued “weigh up the chances, the opportunities, the differing paths”. He stood up slowly, dusting down his legs, turning to the side his hands patting the tight round of his ass cheeks to rid of the specks of dust and dirt that clung from the sidewalk, his eyes peeking slightly to see if she was watching. Finally, he reached into his pockets and dangled the keys to the Grand Cherokee Jeep he’d hired to look not too ostentatious.

His eyebrow raising in question “You can drive can’t you ?” he asked trying to tease her into relenting

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

No-one else called her Annabella and she wasn't sure if she liked the way her natural name sounded on his lips or if she wanted him to go by what she prefers people to call her. For the time being she would leave it alone it was a name and she had more pressing things to think of right now then what a stranger called her.

She had to admit he made a good point to a extent anyway, there was something about him that she sensed he wouldn't hurt her but at the same the one man she trusted to always protect her turned out to be the man that had hurt her the worst.

She couldn't help but smile at his reference to Jason considering he had made a very valid point the matter of facts was that he was kind of accurate considering a serial killer could very well be on the bus talking her anywhere but there.

She weighed her options. Driving with him would be more comfortable and he seemed kind enough but she didn't know that for a fact. He seemed nice, but so does alot of people that aren't. She was going through a eternal struggle with her options stay out go... She decided in the end she needed and wanted to go.

He stayed silent for a few moments more, seemingly letting her go over all of her options one by one not pressuring her but wanting to assure her that she would be safe with him and yet she wasn't sure she was safe with anyone anymore.

She looked at him softly, she felt it deep down that she could trust him, and she hoped like hell for once in her life she wasn't wrong.

"Okay." Was all she said softly. "Yes I can drive. " She said with a smile.

https://images.app.*******/5UdnQTKaeyKyLHD86

 

[Pre_Eminant]

He couldn’t help it his face broke into a wide grin and he tossed the key towards her and it’s advertising chunk of a key-ring over to her, watching as she caught it comfortably, her hand snaking up from her lap and plucking it out of the air like a baseball catcher.

Inside he called the strike, acknowledging the little victory he had scored even though the innings was still very much in the balance let alone the game. She had become a project to him now and he took pleasure in the victory, he had taken her from invisible urchin, to quiet and reserved conversation, now to driving buddy at least for the day. He took as much pleasure in this small triumph as he did in any acquisition that soared or investment that trebled. The thrill of the chase had always been more important to him than the reward of the profit and all that it gave him. Yet he knew that there were many more successes to carve out of this tenuous and burgeoning relationship before she knelt at his feet and offered the gift of her submission. He blushed slightly as he admonished himself for harbouring such thoughts, acknowledging that this was about much more than his own needs and desires. Regardless of his own desires for her, he wanted to see what she was capable of.

His mind spun with possibilities, considering his next step, weighing up the benefits of this strategy and that, musing and planning with the sharp and calculating brain that he applied to all things in life.

He pulled out the notes he’d pushed into his pocket from his earlier purchases and waved them into the air “We need candy and sodas to keep us going, it’s a long drive ahead”. He started past her, one stride of his long legs bringing him to her side, closer than he had ever been to her. His eyes looking down and capturing her own to them, hesitating as her looked into the beautiful pools, his grin softening into a gentle smile ‘wow, she really was impossibly pretty’ he thought to himself, as once again she chewed her lip and he had to hold himself from lowering to his haunches and applying his own teeth to the soft dark pink of her lip. “There’s room in the trunk for your bags and can you get that air conditioning on before I get back” he asked as his legs took another long stride back into the diner and adjoining store.

He’s deliberately decided to empower her to go to the car on her own, guessing that she’d refuse the help with her bags anyway. She’d carried them this far, however, this far was regardless of the fact that he could see she was trying desperately to be independent. He guessed that someone close to her had hurt her, someone that should protect and not harm her. That had turned her against the world, made her determined to let anyone else close in case they betrayed her. He bridled again at whoever the mystery destroyer of souls was and resolved to help her get vengeance, whether that was by rebuilding her and unleashing her potential or whether by more direct return of what was dealt to her.

It never entered his head that she might just take the car and leave him there until he entered the store, he hesitated for only a fraction of a second before with supreme confidence in his own ability to judge a character he continued without even looking around to see what she was doing. He judiciously avoided any angle or view of the car park as he selected candy's and soda's, he didn’t want her to see him looking at her, to give her the impression that he didn’t trust her. He did this he realised not solely because he wanted her to think he trusted her, but because he did.

He paid for his purchases and managed to open the door with combination of a crooked finger and his foot, his head down balancing far too much for just the two of them in his hands and arms as they cradled everything before him. Once out he looked up towards the car.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

She was a little more then stunned when he threw the keys to her,he was trusting her strange he didn't know her either she could peel wheels with his jeep and leave him stranded there not that she ever would do something like that she wasn't that type of person.

She half smiles at him still guarded but more then grateful that he was willing to get her the hell out of this town if he only knew what escaping here meant for her he would completely understand why she appreciated this more then he would ever know. She just hoped she could really trust him she was scared enough she didn't need anymore reasons to believe the world had failed her. She would be okay eventually she told herself she had to believe there were good people in this world still. This nice good looking man wanted to help her and he wasn't looking for anything in return or so she hope that was the case. She sighed to herself trying to get herself together. She looked at him gently wiping the dirt from her jeans when she stood up.

She could tell he might just have as much on his mind as she did to but she was never the type to pry, she respected people's privacy and that would never change.

She almost giggles at the mention of candy, making her think of a man trying to lure a kid into his white van. "You just need a van now. " She said with a grin unable to help herself wondering if he'd understand. She didn't jump back when he neared her but you could see her tense up. "Sounds good, thank you. " She said softly.

She tossed her bags in the trunk and started the jeep but waiting for him to come back so she could help him. "Let me take something." She said softly.

 

[Pre_Eminant]

His eyes lifted as he edged his way out of the store and he smiled broadly to see her half in and half out of the jeep, a quick scan of where they were sat and he saw that she must have stored her bags in the trunk and his smile broadened more widely. He had a partner for his day trip at least, the next step was to work out if he could keep her in his life for a couple of days in New Orleans. If he could achieve that, he would be more confident that he could achieve so much more with her, dare he even dream to make her his.

He bit the inside of his mouth, chuckling as he hoped she missed the slight similarity to her own affliction and stepped out towards her as he buried his own needs to one side. He smiled as she stepped out from the car to meet him as he approached. It was the first time he’d properly seen her not cross legged on the floor. He quickly scanned her body and liked what he saw. He was used to being taller than most, let alone the female of the species, but he was probably about a full foot taller than her slight body. He once again had to push thoughts out of his mind about how he could manipulate and throw her body around as he eased his mouth back to a gentler smile “Thanks” he managed as she stepped closer.

She reached out as they neared each other and his heart skipped a beat as he saw a genuine smile on her lips, a shy almost apologetic one, but definitely a smile. His arms were fully loaded with far too much stuff as she closed in. Packets and cans tumbled to his feet and they both automatically sank to their haunches to try and gather them up. They were both close and bumped heads as they dipped to retrieve the lost sweet treats. Both straightening still on their haunches as their hands rubbed the top of their heads in unison. He finally had her eyes directly on his and he beamed happily to see that she was also smiling this time unguarded as they laughed and apologised both still mirroring the other.

As he lifted himself to a standing position, he reached out and took her wrist, wrapping his long fingers around, as if capturing her for a moment before he used a firm but gentle grip to lift her to her own feet. His fingers then sliding slowly down her hand to momentarily hold the fingertips in his. It was only for the briefest of times, but if anyone had caught sight of them in that second, they would’ve have thought lovers. But then the light in her eyes seem to come down like a shutter and she snatched her hand back, holding it to her body like a wounded bird.

“Sorry” he muttered as he lowered back down to pick up the errant packages “I’ll grab these, you go get that air-con on”.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

She wasn't sure if she was doing the right thing or not everything in her body told her she should not be traveling with his man but everything in her heart told her he was not there to hurt her that he was genuinely trying and wanting to help her. She took a long deep breath she wasn't sure what to do nor say anymore or really how to act she was scared of everything and she hated feeling that way. She bit her lip again badass habit she thought to herself.

He was in deep thought as she was, though she was sure his thoughts weren't the same as her own after all a man of his stature had nothing to be scared about she was sure. She looked at him softly as she stood and waited for him to come to the vehicle. She noticed the way he looked at her but she didn't think much of it. She didn't really notice just how tall he was compared to her and now she felt a little more intimidated then she had before. She smiled as he gave her a soft thanks as she came closer to try and help him.


She found herself smiling in spite of herself, she wasn't used to this type of kindness aside from the few friends that she had. She knew he had a bit too much to carry and she wished he would have asked her to go with him so that she could have better assisted him. Shit, she thought to herself when one of the bags busted as things scattered everywhere. As they bent to help one another grab the packages up they clanged heads against one another, ouch she thought to herself. She rubbed her head and couldn't help but snicker just a little. She was a bit red over the situation and they both laughed and apologized to one another.


She felt a strange spark of electricity shoot through her entire body when his long nimble fingers wrapped around her wrist to help her up. She had lost her composure for a second and for a moment did not want him to let go of her and then she realized he had all the power over her. She took a deep breath and quickly averted her eyes from his own beautiful eyes. She felt bad for the way she pulled her hand back but the fear struck her all at once, would she ever get over what her father had put her through.


"No, I'm sorry Ryan it's not you." She said softly but did as he asked her and turned the ac on but didn't start the car right away her back still ached and she was sure she would forever have scars and the last thing she wanted to be was for him to find that out about her.

 

[Pre_Eminant]

He detected a softening edge in her apology as he made his way back and forth to the car to stow the provisions he’d bought. He thought that maybe she’d shocked herself a little with the way she’d yanked her hand back from his touch. An automatic reaction to the mental screen she obviously used to divide what she wanted the world to know about her and who she really was.

He brought his fingers-tips to his face, he could still feel them tingling at the touch of her soft skin, he pursed his lips and blew out a low stream of air over the soft pads at the ends as he waggled them before his face. Trying to dispel that tingling sensation as if he had been burnt, not that he wanted to forget the memory of the sensation as he touched her, he just wanted to calm the building urge within him to take her into his arms and feel her skin against his.

He pulled himself together wondering if she noticed the look on his face and made his last trip back to vehicle, sliding into the passenger sheet. Bending forward immediately to adjust the seat and push it back to allow his long legs to lay straight down into the foot well. He sunk back into the plush leather interior and smiled as he felt the cooling jets from the AC “That feels good” he sighed as his eyes closed momentarily and he allowed his body to relax after the energy that had flowed through his body at her touch. He opened his eyes and looked over at her, really looked at her this time as she sat with her hands on the wheel, her long tousled blonde hair framing her pretty face as she peered shyly at him. ‘Damn she looks good’ he thought to himself as he imagined her bathed, perfumed and dressed in silk, he shook his head to dispel the mental image and acknowledged that she didn’t actually need any embellishment, that there was no need to gild this lily.

His eyes flicked back and forth between her eyes and the starter and eventually he laughed, “Are we going to sit here all day or are we going to hit the road” his eyebrow raised in question, one side of his lips curled into a sardonic smile as he reached over to press the starter button and he felt the engine rumble into life beneath them like a beast.

He’d spent the previous afternoon driving from Washington DC where he’d spent time with the president, gritting his teeth as he refused overtures to allow access to research from one of his tech companies that had been looking into data profiling. The pressure had been enormous, starting from ridiculous incentives to have a ‘seat at the table’ and gradually moving to not so veiled threats of ‘National Security’. He resisted them all, as a UK citizen he knew it was easier for him to refuse, the fact that his companies in the US contributed massively in taxation and other disbursements also kept him calm in his refusal. Inside he was seething and this was what had provoked the decision to take a few days out, driving first from Washington to Charlotte. They were now on the I-77 just outside the town of Blythewood.

“South on the I-77” he spoke as his eyes fixed on her again, he saw a loose curl of hair across her face and resisted the urge to reach and tuck it back behind the curl of her ear. “Unless you know a better way?” he asked “I’m not in a massive hurry if you aren’t”. He captured her eyes to his as he saw her turn towards him “I prefer to lead, but I can make exceptions” his tone dropped to a slightly deeper timbre as he spoke enigmatically, his dark eyes sparkling with veiled meaning. His own shutters that hid his dark hunger inside briefly opened, his dark iris’s almost bleeding into the black of his pupils, like staring into the abyss. Suddenly the shutters crashed closed, his eyes seemed to lighten and his voice softened once more as he gently probed “are you from around here, do you know these roads?”

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

She watched him as he placed everything into the car she had felt bad for her reaction to his touch surely he had meant no harm but that didn't mean it didn't startle her at the same time. She took a deep breath he probably thinks I am a lunatic she thought. She bit her lip and momentarily looked away from him a little out of embarrassment.


She couldn't deny the magnetism of this man before her and how attractive he was and kind or at least he portrayed kindness no one really knew anyone until they got to know them, she thought she knew her father and look at how that turned out. She took a long deep breath again trying to get herself and her thoughts under control and her feelings as well, she really was all over the place and she was 50 shades of fucked up at the same time.

She looked over at him gently wondering why the hell he would trust her to drive his vehicle he knew nothing about her, but then again she knew nothing about him hell they could both be serial killers now that she thought about it. She watched him damn but he was tall, she had always loved tall men, something about the way they moved, no she cannot be attracted to him, she didn't need any men in her life. She sensed that he was tired. "How long have you been traveling?" She asked just wanting to make small talk. She took a deep breath wondering why he was looking at her that way, probably wondering about her fading bruises or so she assumed. She turned the ac up a little more sensing that he was hot, she was normally cold but she just made sure her vent was off and turned towards him.


She jumped at his words startling her from her own thoughts, she was in a whole other world it seemed, and he had snapped her back to reality. "Um yes, I'm sorry I zoned off there for a moment." She smiled at him when he started the jeep up it was a rather comfortable jeep but she hoped the long drive wouldn't hurt her back after a while, she had to stand after so long or consistently lay on her back as she slept she still was not completely healed from the belt.


She wondered more about the enigma of the man that she was driving with still stunned that he had allowed her to drive his vehicle, but she shrugged it off maybe he was just glad to be able to relax for a bit. She thought back to the week before, everything she had gone through scared for her life that her father would find her, and this time he would kill her for sure. She could feel her hands tighten on the steering wheel was this what PTSD felt like, moments of fear out of nowhere. She sighed to herself hoping that Ryan would not notice her tight grip on the steering wheel and how red her fingers were becoming from the said grip. She noticed the I-77 and knew now her father wouldn't be able to track her down at least for the time being anyway.


She nodded her head at the mention of what way to take, not taking her eyes off of the rode but able to catch a glance of him and she gave a soft sincere smile. "I'd rather take a long way if that's okay with you." She needed to get her new start but she had time to sort her life out, go to college after getting a new job, find a small one-room apartment, she had a plan and she would follow through with it. She stopped for a moment and looked at him with a shy smile. "I'll follow your lead I know the roads, but it's nice to have a personal GPS." She said with a giggle.

 

[Pre_Eminant]

His eyes danced with delight at her words “I’ll follow your lead”, feeling a pulse of energy rippling through his body as he chose to take this is as a first tentative step towards her submission to him. He liked the thought of being her GPS, his hand and his will guiding and controlling her to become the best version of herself. An image flashed before him of her on her knee’s, her eyes looking up at him, her head slightly to one side as they pleaded silently for his collar. Unconsciously his lips parted and the tip of his tongue reached to touch the center of his lip as he buried the image hoping that it was a premonition rather than a fantasy.

He also took note of her desire to take the long way and wondered if he could push what he detected was her need for time to gather her thoughts to his own need to prolong the contact he had with her. He slipped his smartphone from his pocket and brought up the GPS doing a quick scan of the most expedient route to see what options were open to him.

“We’ll take the scenic route” he spoke with an authoritative tone wanting her to know not only was he prepared to lead, but that it was his place to lead and that she should acquiesce to his decisions. He tuned his face to her, so that she could see the easy smile on his face as he spoke, whilst his tone demanded she follow he wanted to her to know that the decision was hers as to whether she did or not. It would always be her decision, he ached already for her to willingly and eagerly submit to his demands, it was important that she want to please him rather than buckling to his command and from what little he could see behind those haunted eyes he knew more than ever that this was going to be important if she could be coaxed along this path.

He glanced up at the road as she drove, scanning the junctions as they skirted Columbia on the I-20 “Take the 378 towards Lake Murray” he commanded in the same insistent tone as he saw an impending turnoff announcement. He settled back into his seat and started typing a message to his PA, until satisfied he hit send and turned back to look at her allowing his eyes to roam freely up and down her body as she concentrated on the road.

“I’ve been on the road since yesterday afternoon” he answered her earlier question, acknowledging that he should give some part of himself before he could hope to get anything from her. “I had a meeting in Washington in the morning that didn’t really go as I’d planned” he chuckled sardonically thinking how that was a severe understatement as the president had ended up ranting and raving about executive orders to get what he wanted. “So, I decided to take a few days out to enjoy the America that we British don’t tend to see a lot of. I stayed in Charlotte last night and intend to take a few days to get back to my house just outside Houston”. He didn’t mind giving true details out about himself, it would be rare for anyone back in his homeland to recognize him, let alone here in the US, even though according to Forbes he was the 15th richest person in the world.

“How about you Anna-bell-a” He paused slightly as he rolled the name across his tongue liking the taste and feel of it as it played across his lips, certain that she would taste even better on his lips. “Are you from the Carolina’s?” He asked probing a little “Friends, Family” he continued, watching her eyes and face intently for any indication of what or who it was she was trying to escape.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

She noticed something flash in his eyes but she decided not to think anything of it... clearly though taking the lead was something that he was more then used to and for the drive at least she was willing to allow him to take it. She chewed on her lip as she drove with ease, it felt more then right getting out of this town. She had so many thoughts in her mind and they were starting to give her a headache she wondered if she would ever feel normal again. She stared straight ahead focusing on the road rather then Ryan himself for the time being.

She has no problem with taking the long way she wanted and needed nothing more then to get far away from here and she was sure the long drive would help her clear her mind at least for a little while. She glanced over at him watching as he set the gps up and she smiled slightly at him once more.

“Sounds good to me.” She said softly once again allowing him for the time being to take the lead all she really wanted was to get out of this town as fast as she could. He had a amazing smile, stern yet sexy and mysterious all at the same time. Stop it she reminded herself this is just a ride out of here, he is much older then you powerful, intense, hot as hell..: what the hell was wrong with her, get it together kid she told herself as she brought herself back down to earth.

She did as he said and was grateful they were finally out of the place she once called home and the one place at one time she loved more then anything, sorry momma she said mentally, I just can’t do it anymore he’s my dad but I won’t let him hurt me anymore, she fought back tears and looked ahead focusing on the road to block out her invading thoughts.

She listened to him as he spoke with ease. “What business are you in?” She asked softly and then understood his accent that was a complete turn on as well she shivered a little and looked over out her window for A moment gaining her composure once more. “You’ve had a long trip why don’t you get
Some rest and put the gps on where I can hear it” She said with a smile as she looked over at him gently.

“Anna” She responded lightly. “I am from there yes, I have a few friends... My mother passed on a while ago, me and my just need some space from one another, so as of right now no family.” It was the truth for the most part she thought to herself.

 

[Pre_Eminant]

He watched her eyes carefully as she explained that her father and she needed space, coupled with her statement that as of now she had no family they gave him all he needed. Her own father gave her those bruises, he felt a wave of anger brush through him, though he had no children of his own, he doted on his nephew’s and niece’s. He could not understand why anyone would lay their fists on such beauty he could not comprehend how any father could beat his own daughter. He sensed that now was not the time to push this any further, she needed time and distance before he could probe deeper, but he resolved to find out more, she had become his project and he was a stickler for detail.

It was then that he noticed her shift and wince in her seat, thinking back since the moment he had seen her to this point, he was ashamed at missing the signs, more bruises or worse lay on her back. He almost bellowed his rage, instead his nostrils flared as he sucked oxygen sharply through his nose and silently counted to ten to compose himself. He painted a smile back to his face and turned to look at her once more, his smile becoming genuine as he caught the sunlight glinting through her long tresses.

His mind quickly spun wheels, judging how much of the truth to tell her about his work “I have my own business” he started with, he actually had a multitude, but they were all under one holding company so it just wasn’t the whole truth. “I guess as CEO, I talk on the phone, I meet people and smile a lot and surround myself with people who do all the real work”. Again, this was just a deviation from the truth, he did spend a lot of time on the phone and he did attend a lot of meetings, too many meetings he thought wistfully. But he was undoubtedly the captain of the ship, he took pride in involving himself in everything and whilst he did surround himself with the best people he could find, they all knew that he supported and encouraged them in all that they did and rewarded them handsomely for it too.

He chuckled affably “Being your own boss means you can take a few days to yourself every now and again”. Present situation aside, this was the first personal time he’d allowed himself in several years, but he trusted all those that would be running things in his absence and as he looked at her he thought how maybe he should take a little more personal time more often if this was the result.

He frowned at her correction to her name “Annabella is a lovely name why shorten it, graceful beauty” he reminded her of the meaning of the name and smiled easily “maybe you’d prefer if I called you that?”. He chuckled good naturedly and pointed up at a sign as they travelled on the minor road, he’d directed her to take. “Lake Murray should take us another hour”. He glanced at his watch “Just in time for lunch, we’ll stop there” his voice dropped an octave into a commanding tone, this time not asking or suggesting, testing the water with undisguised authority in his voice.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

She bit her lip hoping like hell he would be settled enough with the answer she gave him about her family, cause it wasn't all a complete lie, but as she admitted it all the pain kept flooding back. She took a deep breath hoping he wouldn't notice the slight change in her demeanor. She wondered about him, did he have kids or a wife she would ask him soon enough, they were conversating and getting to know one another and there was nothing wrong with that. She looked over at him and gave him a gentle smile.


She shifted slightly trying to get a bit more comfortable but trying to show any signs that she had been uncomfortable. He suddenly seemed a little different she thought to herself but she figured that maybe it was just fatigue that plagued him. She couldn't deny his perfect smile and teeth was there anything about him that was flawed she wondered to herself.

She sensed that he was a little uncomfortable talking about his business she was sure he had been burned by woman and friends before only spending time with him for money but she was nothing like that she enjoyed people for themselves and not what they had to offer. She smiled went she knew there was more to what he did for a living but she wasn't going to pry if he wanted to tell her more he would just as if she wanted to tell him more she would. She shook her head shaking herself out of her own thoughts and views of the man beside her. She took a deep breath yes he was a puzzle piece just as she was, though she didn't have time to put the pieces together.. even if she wanted to.


She smiled at him gently she had plenty of time to take for herself considering she had to figure out all of her next moves she was sure grateful she had saved the money she had to get her where she needed to go. "Well I am glad you get some time to yourself, I am sure you deserve it." She said kindly.


She giggled at him comment no uncomfortable by it but a blush did creep to her face and she hoped he would not notice it. "It's just something I never really went by I suppose it brings back memories of the past... but if you prefer it I guess I can make a slight exception." She said with a light laugh. Lunch sounded good she thought to herself as she smiled over at him. "So Ryan how about you, are you married, any children?"

 

[Pre_Eminant]

He acknowledged the acceptance for the preference of her full name with a laugh, scanning his eyes across her blatantly this time “Well you are undoubtedly beautiful and you seem to carry yourself with a grace that adds to that beauty”. He spoke with calm confidence, flattering as the words were his tone conveyed sincerity rather than merely to ingratiate with soft words “So Annabella you will be” he finished again with a tone of authority, he noticed how she didn’t balk at his instruction for lunch and again slipped into an authoritative tone to quietly brook no further argument on the subject.

“I have 3 nephews and a niece” he tells her “And they are 4 of the most important things in my life” he smiled warmly as he takes a moment to think of them and his two sisters “The soul is healed when spending time with children and I value every moment I spend with them”. He sighed a happy smile before continuing “but I’m a little old fashioned in that I think a wife should come first and unless you’re applying for the position, I do not see any in my future just yet” he finished with a wink. He slid his head to one side to study her carefully his voice back to a serious and factual tone “If you’re applying for the position you should know there’s a rigorous and thorough selection process”. His eyes stayed on hers for a moment boring into her, before suddenly his lips curled into a smile and he laughed good-naturedly.

He pointed to a road sign, indicating an approaching turn towards Lake Murray Resort and Marina “Take the next right” he directed “Lunch is calling”. He sat back into his seat and watched the countryside pass by for a moment, glancing at her every now and again as she concentrated on the smaller unfamiliar roads, watching as she astutely concentrated on the task in hand. Her dainty fingers caressing the wheel her soft blue grey eyes studying the road with care.

He kicked off his shoes and stretched out in the seat beside her, wriggling his toes as he did “We’ll have a little break here” he spoke in a casual manner, but it was clearly made as a statement rather than a question. “As neither of us are in a hurry we can have something to eat and enjoy a little of the water” he paused before continuing, easing his body back to a relaxed position, his eyes ostensibly in the road, but making sure he could watch her face from the corner of his eyes. “I want to know all about you Annabella, where are you going and what are you looking for”. His voice was softer this time trying to emphasise that he was merely interested in her hopes and dreams rather than an address or a zip code.

She drew the car to a stop just outside a turning into the marina and resort, they could see the sparkle of blue water twinkling between an array of boats of all shapes and sizes to one side. A large hotel and restaurant to the other, it was the height of summer and there were plenty of people around. Families and couples making their way towards the shore or lined up waiting in a lazy snaking queue awaiting a pleasure tour along the lake. He had never been here before but had used his smartphone to find somewhere that would be busy, somewhere she wouldn’t feel threatened or isolated with a man who was still a stranger to her. They were still hedging around each other, very much in the discovery phase. However, the invisible girl curled in a ball on the step of a truck stop was beginning to materialize now, he could see there was still along way to go, but he thought she was beginning to trust him, may be even like him.

He nodded and inclined his head towards the entrance “Find a parking spot please Annabella” he commanded in a compelling tone.