Chapter 160 Helping Luka
Rain's P.O.V.
After Dakota leaves, I look up at Luka. He looks better than he did a few hours ago. I feel so ashamed to be caught in bed with him. I'm supposed to be helping him through his withdrawals, not sleeping. When I woke up wrapped in his arms, I allowed myself to believe for just a minute that we were a couple and that he would hold me every night. I know that will never happen. Luka doesn't want someone like me. I'm too damaged.
"What are you thinking?" He asks while kissing my forehead. I look down at my hands.
"Why do you want me to sleep in here? I can sleep on the couch or even the floor. Anything is better than the cell or the street." His hold on me tightens.
"You'll sleep in my bed, where I can hold you. I'm not expecting anything else from you, Rain. I would never force you to do anything like Yegor or the other men did." I close my eyes and take a deep breath.
"What about later? If I begin to feel better, are you going to send me away?" He pulls away, but I keep my eyes closed.
"Look at me," he says softly. I slowly open my eyes and look into his.
"I'm never going to send you away. I'm going to kick myself for saying this if it scares you, but I want to tell you the truth." As much as I want to, I can't look away. No man has ever treated me like this or made me feel so safe.
"Tell me what?" I whisper.
"I'm falling in love with you. I know we just met today, but I knew you were different from the minute you walked into my room. I felt a connection with you that I've never felt with anyone else. I want to show you what it means to be loved and protected. Please don't let this scare you away." I stare at him, expecting him to start laughing or tell me it's a joke. No one has ever loved me or wanted to protect me. My tears run down my cheeks, and he gently wipes them away.
"How do you know that's how you feel about me, and it's not just the withdrawal?" He kisses my forehead and then my cheeks. The tenderness is almost too much for me. He takes my hand and places it on his heart.
"I know it because you're in my heart. While you were sleeping, I was thinking of everything I wanted to do with you. One day, I want to show you the world, but right now, I just want to keep you safe. You don't have to say anything, and if you don't feel the same for me now or ever, that's okay. I'm not going to force you to be with me." I hesitantly reach up and place my hand on his rough cheek.
"When I woke up, I pretended that we were a couple and that I was going to wake up next to you every morning. I'm not going anywhere, Luka. You're the only person who has ever made me feel safe and wanted." I can't say the words because I don't know how to love yet, but I'm sure I will one day. Luka leans down to kiss my forehead, but I raise my face so our lips meet. He kisses me softly, and my heart feels like it's going to beat out of my chest.
"I will always want you and keep you safe. Do you want to go downstairs and get something to eat? I want to get up and walk." My stomach growls, and I realize it's been over a day since I've eaten.
"Yeah." I stand up and hold his hand to help him. He's much taller than I thought, but that just makes me feel safer next to him.
"When we come back up, I'll give you something more comfortable to sleep in." He's not shaking, but we still walk slowly toward the door. Luka keeps his arm around my shoulders as we go.
"Can I take a shower?" I ask as we reach the stairs.
"Of course. I'd like to take one, too," he replies as we make our way down the steps.
"I can help you if you're worried about falling. The sight of a naked man doesn't scare me. Especially not you." I look up at him, and he smiles.
"Okay, but only if you're sure." I tighten my arm around his waist.
"I'm sure." When we reach the kitchen, Shea and Tyler are sitting at the table with a bunch of paperwork. They look at us in surprise.
"How are you feeling, Luka?" Tyler asks him.
"I'm better now. We want to get something to eat." His legs shake slightly, so I help him sit down in a chair. I don't know what to do.
"I'll help you. You're Rain, right?" Shea asks as she stands, and I follow her into the kitchen.
"Yes. Thank you for coming to the bar today." She smiles as she opens the refrigerator. I can't believe there's so much food inside. This is a big house with a lot of people, so I guess they need lots of food.
"I'm glad we were able to get you out of there. Is there anything you're allergic to?" I shake my head and watch as she begins to prepare something. I've never learned to cook, so I only know how to use a microwave. My mouth waters as I watch her cook cut-up chicken pieces and put noodles into a boiling pot of water. She then microwaves a bag of broccoli. It takes her no time at all, and after mixing the chicken, broccoli, and noodles, she puts Alfredo sauce over everything.
"It's not as good as Courtney's cooking, but it should fill you up." Shea smiles as she pulls four plates out and loads them with food. I give a plate to Luka and one to Tyler. When Shea and I join them, I take a bite and close my eyes. I can't remember the last time I didn't eat something that wasn't frozen or someone else's garbage.
"This is delicious," I tell her.
"Is there enough for me?" We all turn, and Jamie walks into the room.