One hour passed. Then another. Then another.
Slowly, ever so slowly, time seemed to press down on Tanner's conscience. Jo still had not awoken, her lithe frame spread out across his bed before him. A familiar feeling washed over him as he stared at the woman. Raw emotion, one that was both insistent and hesitant, rippled. Tanner shook his head of his insane thoughts. She was his guest, and he would act the part of a gracious host.
He made his way to the bedroom door. "Jethro," he addressed the man waiting on the other side. "Send for some meds for our guest. Bring it to the kitchen, please. I'm sure she will be famished when he awakens." The mountain of a man nodded and bowed before leaving to do as he was bidden.
Tanner closed the door, making his way back over to his seat beside the bed. Snaking one hand across the silken sheets, he gripped the woman's hand gently. Such a delicate flower, stuck in a rut of life. And it was his fault for dragging her into this world of darkness and fear. It was his fault she was targeted: His fault she was hurt in the resulting encounter. He raised her thin hand to his lips, placing a chaste kiss against the knuckles. A deep sigh escaped his lips. "I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me, little one." His words whispered against her skin like a prayer. All that could be done now was to wait for her to rise.
Jo awoke with a start.
Where am I?
Searing pain lanced through her head as she struggled to sit up. In defeat, she lay back down, placing a hand against her temple to alleviate some of the pain. What's this? She raised her arm up to get a better look.
She wasn't in the clothes from the night before. Instead of her jeans and dark T-shirt, he wore a very thin nightgown. The level of exposure and the inability to piece the night before together made Jo shudder in fear.
What happened to me?
Memories assaulted her senses, sending her bolting upright in the luxurious bed. Ghosts of hands roamed the bare skin of her arms and throat. Phantom pains shot through her lower back as if her attacker's knife was still pressed against her skin. Jo curled her legs up to her chest and closed her eyes.
Deep breaths; Just take deep breaths.
In. One, two.
Out. One two.
Repeat, Remember what happened after. Remember what happened after...
Her eyes shot open as one face stuck in her mind. Exceedingly handsome, vibrant green eyes, tons of golden curls, and a radiant smile that could light up an entire room even in the darkest of nights.
Tanner...
Where was he?
Uncurling her legs from her chest, Jo set her bare feet to the floor, resisting the urge to recoil from the chilled marble. Glancing about the room for the first time gave away little to her host's whereabouts. Neither was there anyone else present in the room. The only thing that betrayed the idea that she had been alone was a long, silken robe, presumably for her, resting against the chair closest to the bed. Wrapping the robe around her waist, Jo set out in search of any other human being. Through every winding staircase and seemingly endless hallway, Jo feared she was going to become lost. That is, until she turned right at the next corner and was assaulted with one of the most delicious scents she had ever encountered. Her stomach grumbled unbidden, as if urging its master to investigate.
Step by step, Jo followed the hearty aroma, soon finding herself in a kitchen. She took a hesitant step forward before leaping back. A shadow crossed the floor before her and slight movement to her side caught her attention. Stealthily, Jo pressed herself closer to the hallway's wall, praying that the minimal shadows would offer cover if she needed it.
"It's no use hiding, y'know." A soft chuckle rang out above the sound of the crackling hearth's fire. "I knew you were here long before you even set foot in the room."
Jo released a breath at the familiar Southern drawl. "Tanner," his name lilted off her tongue softly. "I...I..." He motioned his head over to the empty table and chairs. "Have a seat. I'll have the stew up in a jiffy, 'kay? Then we can chit-chat." Jo mustered up a small nod before following his instructions.
"I hope you like gumbo. Geez, I really should have asked first before I started making it." The man rubbed the back of his neck nervously, his eyes sheepishly hiding behind his hair. "I can make something else if you like." She shook her head. "Gumbo is perfect...thank you..." Jo chuckled lightly, watching his fluid movements through the kitchen. Tanner grabbed a bundle of parsley, curling it gently into itself as he began to cut it into fine pieces. It was as if the knife was an extension of his own arm; never missing a beat in a dance only he could understand. After dicing the herb finely, he lifted the cutting board towards the pot, sweeping the lot into the pot with the knife. A small smile formed at the corners of his mouth as he stirred the mixture before ladling out a healthy portion into a large bowl. He set the bowl and a spoon down before Jo. "Go ahead and dig in." he said, taking a seat across from the girl. She managed another word of thanks before tucking in.
Holy crap!
Jo couldn't suppress her smile. "I'm glad you like it, little lady. It's something my ma used to cook for me when I was feeling down. So I assumed it would do the trick for you too." His smile widened as he watched Jo devour most of her meal.
"Now then, onto business. Go ahead and ask me anything you wish. Personal or not, I'm sure you have many questions." His smile faltered for a split second, as if he was reconsidering his statement, before returning to grace his features, something missed by his guest. Jo swallowed her last mouthful of gumbo before beginning her questioning.
"What...What happened last night? I mean, why were those guys after me?" A soft tremble took up residence in her fingers, which she hid beneath the table.
