A short while later, the stranger returned with a bag of peas covered by a tea towel. “Here,” he spoke softly, placing the frozen bag gently on her face. His voice soothed her, Cara revelled in the coldness, the heat and pain dissipated slowly and she closed her eyes to enjoy the sensation.
The pitter-patter of padded feet entered the room, a golden tail swished and snaked around the stranger’s legs.
“Oh hello! And who are you?!” The stranger cooed at the dog. Taking the dogs face in his hands and making baby noises whilst the dog covered him in wet licks.
“Diesel,” Cara muttered to him.
“Well Diesel, what do you say to a little walk?” He continued cooing at the dog. The stranger smiled up at Cara, “keep the ice on, I’ll be back in a bit.” He winked before leading the golden fluff ball out.
Cara walked towards the window, the throbbing in her head still evident as she held the frozen bag to it. She gazed out at the splendid view of the river that glistened and reflected the lights that bordered the grassy bank. The quaint village that lined the river, sparkled exquisitely against the backdrop of the town a few miles away. Her place overlooked the tarnished wooden canoes, tidily moored up to the east side of the river. And to the west, the large, stone bridge, hugged its way over the bend, as if it was holding its precious child. It was a beautiful view when the sun rose and the morning dew settled.
Cara smiled to herself, the apartment she had was close to the city, it was a forty-five minute drive to work nonetheless it was a drive she enjoyed more and more, the longer Rich had been staying.
How had she got herself into this mess? The events of the previous night and that morning soon caught up with Cara, laying back on the bed, she allowed exhaustion to claim her as her eyes fluttered shut.
The soft clicking sound of the door closing, stirred Cara from her sleep, she felt the mattress dip beside her and a finger traced her jawline. Her eyelids flickered open and she was met with deep pools of chocolate. His eyes were hooded as he gazed at her under his long dark eyelashes.
“How are you feeling?” He asked with a sweet smile.
“Better thanks,” Cara answered, raising herself up to lean against the headboard. The stranger watched her carefully, observing her petite features. Her blue eyes glistened but were still clouded with darkness. She could see the sympathy in his eyes as he watched her.
“It wasn’t always like that,” she began to explain. The stranger made no sound, he only allowed her to continue. “He’s been going through a rough patch, he lost his job last year and I felt guilty about the whole thing. I offered him to live with me and I guess he had no plan on leaving anytime soon.”
“That doesn’t excuse him for hurting you though,” he gestured to her ribs.
“I know,” she looked into her hands, allowing her fingers to tangle themselves in her lap. “I think the love disappeared a long time ago. I just never had the courage to end it.” She shrugged at him, tears began to fall from her face, unable to stop the dam that had burst. The stranger sat watching her, placing a hand on her leg as an offer of comfort. She chuckled to herself as she realised that despite the night they spent together, they hadn’t even exchanged names.
“What’s so funny?” He asked, noticing the smile parting her lips.
“I’ve just realised, I don’t even know your name.” He looked taken aback by the comment. Obviously, in the heat of the moment, they hadn’t properly introduced themselves.
“Archer.” He said, taking her hand to shake it.
“Cara,” She replied, accepting his introduction.
Cara’s phone began to ring, making her jump.
“Did you go home with Zach Maddox?!” Jessica squealed down the phone before Cara had chance to speak.
“What? No!” Cara replied, shocked at the accusation. She was still trying to control the tears that were falling from her face.
“Cars? Is everything okay?” Jessica asked, immediately sensing the sadness in her voice, ready to drop everything for her best friend.
“Yes,” Cara responded quickly.
“Is it Dick?” she asked, snorting as she muttered his nickname.
“Yes,”
“Need me to come over?”
“No,”
“You sure?” Jessica confirmed for the last time, knowing her best friend was too stubborn to admit.
“Yes, I don't think he’s not coming back.”
“That’s a good thing right?”
Cara paused, “Right.” She confirmed, glancing at Archer as he stroked her dog lovingly.
“Love you,” Jessica smiled down the phone.
“Love you,” Cara croaked before clicking off. Cara rested her head against the headboard as she sighed with relief.
“Breakfast?” Archer asked.
“Sure,” Cara replied, she agreed she definitely needed some food in her. Archer left the room and Diesel followed behind. Taking the hint, she followed them into the kitchen.
Archer got to work making an omelette with what little food she had in the fridge. Finally plating it up, she dug straight in. The omelette was heavenly, she closed her eyes savouring the taste as her mouth did all the work, tasting the ham and cheese that Archer had managed to find. She let out a faint moan as she swallowed the delicious bite.
“Nice?” Archer chuckled, raising an eyebrow in her direction. He was still holding the spatula, a towel draped over one shoulder.
Cara giggled back, “it’s delicious!” she exclaimed. Admitting she could easily have another. Archer came and sat beside her, a smile etched on his face as he watched the gorgeous woman enjoy her plateful. He pulled his phone out, placing it in front of Cara. She froze as she watched him tap his finger beside it, gesturing for her to enter her number.
“Just in case,” he winked at her.
“In case what?” She questioned, her stare was blank.
“In case you need me to rescue you again.” He laughed, “Although he won't be coming back anytime soon, if he knows what's good for him.”
“What makes you say that?” Cara asked suspiciously. She had seen how he had handled himself with Rich but what she didn’t see was what happened before he left.
“I told him not to,” he nudged her. “I can be very persuasive."
“Thank you,” Cara replied, hoping she wouldn’t have to encounter Rich again. The only thing putting her on edge was the fact that his stuff was still there. She entered her number into his phone, before placing it back on the table.
“Don’t worry about his stuff either,” Archer interjected her thoughts. He stroked his finger against her cheek, the bruising was coming through and he hoped it would heal quickly. A hiss left Cara’s lips as he ran his finger past the blue lump forming. “I’m afraid that’s going to be a nasty bruise.” He noted to her. She nodded in acknowledgement before continuing eating.
“How are the ribs?” He asked her softly, pressing his fingers gently against her blouse.
“Hmm... sore.” She rolled her eyes at him.
“Can I?” He gestured for her to lift her top to take a better look. Cara put her fork down and carefully lifted her top. Archer traced his fingers over the area, examining it with intricacy. “Does it hurt to breathe?” He asked. She inhaled slowly before she felt a slight pinch in her chest.
“A little,” she answered, wincing at the pain as she exhaled.
“I can take you to a doctor.” He offered. Cara raised her hand in defiance.
“No, I’ll be fine.” She responded. She stood up from the kitchen table, “I’m just going to get a shower.” She explained as he rose from the table with her. Archer took the plate from her and walked over to the sink, allowing Cara to go and refresh herself.
Archer sat down on the sofa in Cara’s living room, the position faced a floor to ceiling high window that had the perfect view of the river that ran by the apartment building. Diesel sat on the floor between his legs, allowing Archer to pet him fondly. It had been fifteen minutes before Cara emerged from the shower, her damp blonde hair cascaded in waves over her shoulders complimenting her tanned skin. She had a white towel wrapped around her torso and white fluffy slippers that made Archer chuckle at the cute look. “Feel better?” He asked her. “Much,” she smiled, wincing at the lump on her face. She combed her hair out with her fingers and Archer gazed at her beauty as it enveloped her. “Fancy going for a walk?” He asked her, he enjoyed the outdoors and he was pretty sure that Cara could use the fresh air. “I'd love to, ’ll go get dressed.” She said beaming at him. She returned a little while later in a white summer dress that hugged
Archer pushed through the door to Cara’s apartment, scooping her up in his arms. Cara wrapped her legs around his waist as he pulled her to him urgently. His hand supported the base of her neck, drawing her into a passionate kiss. His hand tugged at her hair, pulling her head to the side to expose the sensitive spot on her neck. He traced his lips up and down her soft skin, inhaling her sweet vanilla scent. He listened attentively as both of their breathing increased hastily. Sparks lapped against their connection and you could almost smell the desire. Archer walked them to her bedroom effortlessly like a feather in his arms. He laid her gently down on the soft cotton sheets before pulling away to take in her beauty. Cara’s breathing hitched as he took in the sight below him. His hot breath swept across her face and Cara absorbed the heat, allowing it to bring a hot flush to her cheeks. He trailed febrile kisses along her neck and down her collar bone, whilst his hand dragged feveri
Cara rolled through her soft sheets, sighing at pleasant ache that rolled like a wave through her body. She stretched her arm out expecting to meet another body, her hand met emptiness. She lifted her head and sighed in disappointment. Cara wrapped the bed sheet around her body, noting the time on the bedside table. It was five o’clock, she had been asleep for at least 4 hours. She felt refreshed and satiated all at once. Cara stepped out into the leaving room, the tv was on and she could see a pair of slender feet sticking out from the side of the sofa. She tiptoed over, gazing at the adorable view in front of her. Archer was laid on his back, his legs crossed over with Diesel resting on top of him. He had one arm draped over the dog, whilst the other supported his head. The biceps on his arm contracted sharply, as his head rested on top. She noted the toned muscles, the tattoos that hugged them as they told their story. His eyes were closed and she was unsure how long he h
The following morning came far too quickly, Archer woke up facing the angel that he shared a bed with. Her hair covered her face like a curtain. His hand stroked past her face, pulling the golden strands away to admire her beauty further. Archer noticed the bruise was at its peak now. The sight provoked a fire in his stomach. If he ever saw that man again it would be the last time, he thought to himself. She quivered under his touch, her eyes sparkling as they opened. The sunlight was beaming through the curtains, casting shadows over their bodies. She murmured something under her breath as she tried to wake. “Good morning Angel,” Archer beamed at her. Dropping a kiss on her cheek. He wasn’t sure what had come over him the last couple of days but he had found himself becoming a soppy mess around Cara. She had a strange effect on him, bringing out a softer sid
The door to Archer’s study flung open, interrupting her memory. “Cara?” He called to her, he could hear sniffling coming from the kitchen. Heading towards the sound, he found her holding a piece of paper in her hands. Her eyes were red and puffy, her face etched in pain and confusion. “Cara? Whats wrong?” He walked towards her, an arm outstretched. “Don’t come near me!” She shouted, flinching away from his reach. She looked scared but that only urged Archer to walk closer to her, to shield her from whatever was hurting her. “Talk to me! What’s going on?” He pleaded, edging forward again. “You do not get to touch me!” She screamed. Archer froze, staring at her in shock. He didn’t understand what was going on and she refused to explain. “Cara please.” He almost whispered, his voice shaking. “Let me help!” Cara stormed out the kitchen, instantly grabbing her things from around Archer's bedroom and aggressively stuffing them into her bag. She stumbled and
Jessica and Cara talked through the night. Jessica tried to console Cara as much as possible but she could see her friend's hurt was more than just skin deep. Jessica had witnessed first hand the pain Zach had inflicted on Cara throughout their school years. Whilst he may never have laid a hand on her, it was all his doing, explicitly or not. Cara had received her fair share of bullies and to fall for another was on the invisible list of what not to do. As midnight crept in, Cara took herself to bed, hoping she would get some sleep. The tears had dried a while ago but she could still feel the dryness sting her cheeks. She was angry for allowing herself to be fooled by Zach, his good looks and charm had blinded her and she had fallen for it. She inhaled deeply, resting her head on the plush pillow. The darkness enveloped her and she begged the shadows to take the pain away. Closing her eyes, she tried to imagine a simpler life but she didn’t know what that was. It had been a
There were no words to describe the rollercoaster she was travelling on. Cara would lay in bed at night allowing her thoughts to invade her mind, it was like heartbreak. Archer had filled her with an array of emotions only to shatter her heart into a million pieces. When she finally gave in and allowed the dam to burst, Jessica would rush in wrapping her in her arms and console her. But the arms weren’t the ones she needed. He had betrayed her trust and yet she found herself pining for someone unworthy of her. A few days had passed since the event and Cara had ridden the waves of pain and grief. Archer’s calls and texts had stopped and she welcomed the silence. The distance that followed helped a little but the dullness that ensued brought with it a new ache. As the middle of the week approached, the effects of Archer’s deception had subsided. She had managed to convince herself that it was just bad luck and good timing. Without Rich in her life, she had newfound freedom; sh
“Archer!” A hand slapped him on the back, forcing the coffee in his hands to spill over the table. “Johnson.” Archer said choking on his drink, “How’re you doing?” Johnson sat next to him at the conference table, the room was situated in the middle of a large concrete building. The walls were greyed, accommodating a few blacked-out windows that let the tiniest slice of light through. The dimly lit room was overlooked by the battered hanging bars of light that had seen better days. The smell of coffee and men’s musk suffocated the atmosphere, whilst the sound of male ego filled the expanse. Archer was struggling with the lack of communication with Cara. The week had dragged while signal limited his access to speak to her. He had left her a message but he was unable to see if she had tried to get back in contact. It was one of the drawbacks of the job, and it frustrated him that it caused so much silence and distance between them. Archer had struggled w