Disclaimer:
This fanfic is based off the Neverwinter Nights community module by the name of "A Dance with Rogues" created by Valine. I fell in love with this story and felt compelled to write something that compliments it. This story is rated Mature (NC-17) for explicit content and graphic violence. All characters except Shiloh, Bastian, Rhys, Nicca, Narev and Essex are property of Valine.
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Finding Comfort
She left the warehouse behind and pulled the hood of her cloak up over her head. The rain had slowed to a light drizzle. She stopped on the short pier across from The Swordfish Tavern and looked around for Rhys. When she didn't see him, she headed further down the docks. She spotted him and Ashur. They stood at the end of another short pier. They seemed to be talking quietly amongst themselves while drinking from a shared flask. She skipped over to them, smiling brightly.
"Hey sweetie," Rhys returned her smile until he caught sight of her face. His face darkened dangerously, his eyes flashing angrily. "Who hit you?"
Shiloh lowered her eyes as she closed the distance. "I'd rather not talk about it, Rhys. Can we go somewhere private?"
"Sure, honey," he cocked an eye at Ashur. "Cover for me?"
"Only if you save me some," he guffawed and winked at Shiloh.
"I think that can be arranged," Shiloh replied and turned on her heel. Rhys followed her to the dockhouse and together they made their way down through the trapdoor and into The Wildcat. He led her to the upstairs bedroom he'd taken her to before.
"Talk to me, sweetie. How can I protect you if you don't tell me who has hurt you?" Rhys' brow furrowed with concern as he cupped her face in his hands.
"It was Vico. We got into a fight of sorts. It was stupid. I hate the way the bastard toys with me. One minute he's a rude asshole and the next he has me willing to do anything he wants me to and I can't help but want to do it. He seems to know everything I do and worst yet, he's done everything he can to warn off any other man who is interested in me. He acts like he owns me and it makes me so mad. But the worst thing about it is...." she broke off and began to cry.
"Shhh, honey, let it all out. Rhys will make it all better for you. Just talk to me, my sweet."
Shiloh sobbed until her eyes burned. She hiccupped and wiped her nose then buried her face into Rhys' neck. He tenderly held her, rocking her in his arms. "That's it, sweetness, let it all out."
With tears staining her cheeks, she pulled back and looked him in the eyes. "The worst thing is I can't stay away from him. Part of me craves his touch. I must be crazy. He raped me yet I can't help wanting him to do it again. He has been so cruel to me. The bruises on my ass are all from him. He takes pleasure in spanking me and I'm actually starting to like it. I don't want to like it, but I do. Every time I see him, I want to pull my clothes off and beg him to fuck me. I've tried substituting other guys, but it's not the same, Rhys. You have been the only exception to that. What is wrong with me?"
"Sounds like you both have a mutual obsession stemming from a traumatic experience," he surmised thoughtfully.
Shiloh buried her face into a pillow and screamed into her voice gave out. He gathered her in his arms and held her gently, soothing her softly.
"Sweetie, things will get worse before they get better," he cautioned. "I would love nothing more than to take you away from here and him, but I can not do so without tipping my hat, so to speak. But if you find yourself in need of a place to go, you can come to me. I am here for you."
Shiloh sniffled, drying her eyes on the bed sheet. "Some bald headed guy on the docks today told me you had a wife and a passel of kids tucked away in the western part of the city. Is that true? If so, how can I come to you?"
Rhys chuckled, "She's not my wife. It's a cover, is all. She's an old friend from way back. Her husband used to be my partner. Some Dhorn general caught him snooping around and killed him. Ever since then, I've done all I can to take care of her. She's recovering from losing him and is sweet on Ashur. I wouldn't be surprised if by the end of this investigation that he ends up marrying her."
She let out a sigh of relief. "Then I am relieved to hear that you aren't taken."