Forgotten Memories.

Missing.

When I woke and opened my eyes, I saw William standing there next to the bed, just staring at me. The look on his face made me smile a bit. He looks like he's appreciating an art piece. My eyes finally connect with his, and the raw desire I see makes me blush even more than I was from the damn dream I just woke from hmmm.. Yeah, stop thinking about it!! I berate myself as I heard him clearing his throat. He asked how my day had been so far as he moved to get the bags he brought in. I got up and moved to the table with him. I told him about eating breakfast and washing up. I also told him what I had been thinking about all that was going on.

He didn't say anything to me right away, and he had a strange look on his face. I ask what's wrong. Sighing, he told me he saw a missing person poster for me in town. Showing me his phone. My heart races, and I feel like I can't get enough air.

I was right. The flashbacks and dreams are indeed memories. Oh God, someone who wanted to hurt me has hurt me. Maybe even trying to kill me was still out there looking for me. I was brought from my panic by William holding me by my arms, "Hey Bambi, it's alright. We will figure this out, OK? I kinda have a plan started. I've been thinking since I left town about it. Come, let's eat, and I'll show you what I got from town, ok? it will be alright. I promise you I'm not going to just abandon you, sweet girl." hugging me to his chest and kissing the top of my head. I nodded to him, that I heard and understood. I couldn't speak. I don't trust my voice or the emotion bubbling in my throat. I bury my head in his chest and just breathe his scent to calm my heart down. We stay like that for a minute before he moves away and has me sit down.

He started taking things from the bags he had carried in. He asked what my level of pain was and how I was feeling today? I tell him honestly, "I am healing well, I think. My ribs hurt still, and my left leg is sore, but I'm feeling pretty good!" After he showed me the clothes and the medical supplies he bought, he told me we would be going to his family's farm in 2 days' time.

That got my attention. I snapped my head up, "What??" Like I didn't hear him, he just smiled and told me that if he didn't bring me home, his mother would be here the minute she thought we were not coming. He explains why we are leaving and the conversation he had with his mom, but I'm nervous. I may have these memories, but I still don't know who put me in this situation or the danger I may be facing.

William got my attention, setting a takeout container in front of me. The food smells delicious, but my appetite is missing. I tried to stop thinking, but my brain wouldn't shut off, so I asked William what happened in town today, and he told me about the woman he had seen and how he didn't make it to her car before she left. But he thinks we can get more information after we get to his home, and that makes sense to me.

I guess I can't really do much in the forest, so I try and put these thoughts to rest for now, at least. After we finished our food, William asked if I felt up to going out to the river to get some fresh air and some water for later.

I asked how he bathed out here, and he answered what I already knew the answer to be. The river. I smiled at him and shook my head, " I kinda guessed that already." He just laughed at me and offered his hand. "Come!" Taking it with my smaller one, he pulled me to stand.

He was so close, he smelled so damn good. I inhaled as much as I could to take his scent as deeply as my lungs allowed. Oh my! He smells like a spicy campfire after the rain has soaked the earth. It evokes peace in my heart and soul.

Williams' voice brought me back from my thoughts. "Hey, you ok, Bambi?" I raise my head to look at him and realize I'm holding him at his sides. I tried to step back, but he held me in place.. "Sorry, I didn't mean to invade your space." He chuckled."It's quite alright. I don't mind the invasion." I smiled, but I could feel the heat spreading to my face again.

Dâmn him, he makes me blush like a school girl. He let me step back, taking my hand and turning me forward to leave the cave.

Once we got to the open chamber, he had me wait to make sure it was clear that made me feel nervous, so I gladly agreed. I didn't have to wait long before he came back for me. He grabbed 2 buckets, and we walked outside. I was blown away at the sight right outside this cave. I am thankful I managed to seek shelter here and met this beautiful man who has done so much for me already and continues to be here to help. I am so grateful.

As I stand there looking at the scenery before me listening to the sounds around me, the birds singing and the water rushing over the rocks, it's a peaceful combination I didnt get to really take in the scenery before. I turned to him," I can see why you like this here. It's so peaceful and calming. How often do you come here?"

Williams pov..

I thought it would do her some good to get some fresh air, and I was right. The frightened and scared look has been replaced with a calm smile. She looks to be stuck in her thoughts when she speaks. Turning to look my way," I can see why you like coming here. It's so peaceful and calming! How often do you come here?" I smile."It is peaceful here.

It's my favorite place on our property. Besides the lake and waterfall. This is my go-to. I come here once a month for a week for hunting and trapping, but if it's stressful, I come whenever I feel the need for some peace and quiet." I then say follow me and take the bucket to the river to fill.

As I listened to her talk about if she could, she'd live here she would never want to leave. I laugh about that because she's going to love the farm if she likes this so much.

After filling the buckets I place the lids on and tell her it's my family's property, and she would love the farm I asked if she wanted to bathe in the river now she's hesitant, but I let her know it's safe and I'll be doing the same she flushes bright red and agreed she's cute when she turns pink in the cheeks and her ears glow chuckling I take her hand and drop my voice an octive and tease her by saying "Clothes are optional!" That did it. Her whole face turns red, and she bites her bottom lip. Looking away, I could not help myself and pull her to me, wrapping my arms around her.

"I'm sorry I couldn't help myself, your blush is so adorable I just had to", laughing at her pouty face, she struggled a bit in my hold and I held her tighter "OK, OK, I really am sorry Bambi! Forgive me?" With my own pouty face, she pretends to think before she smiles at me, and next thing I know, she tickles my sides, the little shît got me. I released her so fast, damn near shoving her away from me, spun around and tripped over the damn water bucket flailing like an idîot trying to keep myself upright. I end up spinning around and landing flat on my ass "Oomph, her laughter is all I hear, big belly laughs.

I can't help but laugh back. It is kinda funny, but I won't tell her that. "Oh, you think this is funny, huh?" As I get to my feet and look at her with a raised brow, she can't even speak, holding her ribs, tears running down her face. "Oh, you just wait, you little shît!!" I walked towards her and that shuts her laugh right off! Laughing at myself, I hear "No wait William no I didn't make you trip and fall" laughing lightly, her eyes get wider when she sees the mischievous look on my face "No you teased me first, remember" she shouts as she backs away from me....