Rose with a Thorn

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

We stopped to get wraps for an early lunch and dang, were they ever good! While I went to use the bathroom, Brandon went out to put the tracker on a different vehicle.

I know it hadn’t been long, but the more time I spent with him, the more attractive he gets to me. He’s been really sweet, taking care of me. And he seems to answer all my questions honestly. I wonder where we’re going to end up.

I walked back to the car and noticed Brandon wasn’t there yet. I looked around but didn’t see him anywhere. It's okay, I told myself, he’ll be right back.

I tried not to overthink or panic. I noticed that when my emotions are heightened, I get random visions. The last one I had was the best one. I didn’t get worked up and I didn’t faint. The only difference was who was with me.

I saw Brandon making his way over to me with a lazy smile on his face. The closer he got, I noticed that he was checking me over, head to toe. I could feel the blush heating up my face. I knew I was full tomato by the time his eyes reached mine, humor shining in his as his smile widened.

“I’ll never get used to seeing you, you’re so beautiful.” I rolled my eyes and turned away before my body burst apart in embarrassment. Both of us climbed in, I still couldn’t bring myself to look at him.

“I have an idea...” he said.

“Mhm, what would that be?”

“I think we’re going to change our direction, but I don’t want to go too far. By the time the tracker gets close enough to him and he realizes I’m not bringing you back, I want to be in an environment with security all set up.”

“And what do you suspect is going to happen when he finds the tracker and can’t contact you?”

“He’s going to come looking, of course. He'll drive the entire way to the last known location, and he’ll decide what to do from there.”

“Where are you thinking of heading?”

“I think a smaller town would be best. Easier to manage who is coming and going. Or out in the country, what do you think?”

“Well, to be honest, I can’t really afford more than a hole in the ground. Michael gave me some money but it’s definitely not enough to buy or rent a place.”

“You don’t have to worry about a cent. I have more than enough money to provide everything. You just have to stay healthy and beautiful,” he winked at me. “Maybe I should teach you how to fight.”

I had hoped he was joking, but he probably wasn’t. That would be good though. I needed to learn how to defend myself instead of crying every time something goes wrong. “I’d actually like that.” I said, before looking away from his smile.

“Good. Now I was thinking of heading in the same direction we were originally going for another hour or so, and then turning towards the south. That should throw the trail off and put us out their direct path.”

“I was actually thinking... if we’re trying to avoid them ever finding us, maybe we should go back towards home about an hour and then turn off and find some small town. I doubt Keith would think we would want to be any closer to him...” There was silence for several minutes before I cleared my throat, hoping he didn’t think I was a complete i***t for my suggestion.

“That’s actually a great idea.” He finally said. “We’ll loop around and then veer off. Why don’t you take a nap or something so you’re bright and awake when you pick our spot.”

“I feel like all I've been doing is sleeping and eating. Don't you ever rest?”

“Yeah, I took a few hours nap when you were knocked out this morning.”

“Okay, I guess I can close my eyes for an hour or so. Let me know when you’re ready to start looking.”

I closed my eyes, but I knew I wasn’t going to be able to sleep. I tried to relax and enjoy the music on the radio. Brandon seemed to be a country fan; I could hear him humming along with the songs playing. I reminded myself to ask him who his favorite artist is later.

My mind drifted back to what he said about Rachelle. He has known her a long time and says he never trusted her.

I could see where he was coming from. It was almost like she was trying way too hard to get me to like and trust her. She told me numerous times Michael wanted to tell me about something, and then proceeded to tell me anyways. But it seemed like she always left out certain information, things that Michael would explain to me when she wasn’t around.

I didn’t know why, but I thought it was strange that Keith had come out to visit. Michael said he hadn’t been out there in years, so why would he decide that was a good time to stop by?

I opened my eyes and observed Brandon. He seemed relaxed. He wasn’t speeding or looking around for anyone or anything.

I let myself fully take him in. His dominant jaw and chin, the light waves in his hair. His eyes sparkled when he was happy and get very dark, almost completely black, when he was mad. When he smirked at me, I could feel myself blushing. But when he graces me with a full smile? The feeling in my stomach would drive me crazy. I could see the muscles work in his arms and legs while he was driving, too. His hand flexed on the steering wheel and his veins popped up, all the way to where his shirt met his elbow.

“Stop drooling.” I jerked my head up to look at him before he started laughing at me. How embarrassing!

“You should take a picture so when you crawl in your new bed tonight, you can look at me all you want.” He was so full of himself! I didn’t have words, so I turned away and looked back out the window.

“Come on, my little flower... I'm just teasing you! Don't give me the silent treatment!”

I smiled but continued looking out the window.

“Fine, have it your way.”

Brandon pulled off to the side of the road and jumped out so quickly, I was sitting in shock until he ripped my door open and was standing in front of me. He reached over to undo my seat belt, then grabbed my legs and pulled me so I was sitting directly in front of him.

He didn’t take his eyes off mine as he gently pushed my knees apart to stand between them, reaching behind my neck to grab my hair. I felt his fingers twirl in my hair before he lightly pulled, making me look up at him.

“What are you doing?” I whispered. I was too afraid to move, so I kept my hands balled on my lap.

“If you’re going to watch and drool over me while I'm driving, I'm taking a moment to look at you, my little flower.” he said softly.

The blush was back on my face, and I could feel a puddle starting in my pants again. I tried to look away, embarrassed that he was giving me these feelings, when he gripped my hair tighter.

“Don’t look away from me. This is exactly where I want you.”

Damn him. I gulped. He moved his face closer to mine, until his forehead touched mine.

“Your birthday is in a little over a month, Rose, and then, you’re all mine. You can look at me all you want. Hell, you can even touch me if you want. I promise I won’t go any further than this, unless you tell me I can. But just know, the longer you look at me with lust in your eyes, the worse your punishment is going to be when you are ready.”

I gasped, unable to believe what he had just said to me. He brought his lips closer to mine. Just when I thought he was about to take my first kiss, he pushed away from me, removing his hand and backing away from the car.

“I won’t do any more until you ask me to, I promise. But for the love of God, please don’t make it any more difficult on me.” He walked back around the car and got in. “Close the door and buckle up, Rose. We're almost there.”