Saving Dallas Forever (Saving Dallas 3)

“Dallas.” This time I heard the remorse, but it was too late. He had stripped me of all my dignity as I lay in shambles across my desk. Luke was right. There was no cuddling or feelings of butterflies, only a whole lot of pain and discomfort.

“Just leave,” I whispered through my hair, which was splayed over my face, blocking the view of my surroundings. I didn’t expect him to follow my wishes, but he did. I stayed in the position he had left me in until I was sure he was gone then I stood, wobbling slightly on my weak legs. I lifted my feet out of my heels and headed to my private bathroom to survey the damage. I gasped when I shut the door and my behind came into view in the full-length mirror that hung on the back of it. It was not pink and rosy, but welted with deep red stripes that were beginning to purple around the edges. I sank to my knees and cried harder into my hands. How could anyone do this? How could I ever get past it? I wished Luke had told Regg, I would rather have suffered death at his hands than be subjected to Luke spanking me with his belt, an idea that I had once found appealing. I heard my office door being opened and silenced my tears, not wanting Joanna and Kylie to be the least bit aware of what had just taken place. I pulled myself up, using the sink for support and removed my panties from around my ankles. I grabbed the hem of my skirt, easing it down over my ass, wincing as the material made contact. I did my best to fix my make-up, and smoothed my hair back into place. If they asked, I would just say I was having a bad day. I opened the bathroom door to find an expressionless Luke propped up against the edge of my desk.

“You can’t imagine what I have been through today. All I knew was that you had boarded Charlie’s plane, but were back in Hattiesburg safe and sound. I knew you were not hurt, but just the thought of you seeing him did something to me. Dallas, he is not your friend. He is not someone you can confide in or trust. But, I would be lying if I said he wasn’t different with you. I don’t know what happened when he had you for those two days, but whatever it was gave him hope. He wants you, Dallas. He is drawn to you and will do anything to have you. A man like his is used to getting what he wants. I can’t let that happen.” I stared at Luke, wondering where he was getting this information. Charlie wanted me? That wasn’t possible.

“Maybe he is my friend,” I said weakly, my voice still hoarse and unfamiliar to me.

“Charlie doesn’t have friends. He has people he hates and people he employs, but with you there is more. He likes you. I’ve never seen him look at anyone, woman or not, the way he looks at you. It’s as if he thinks he has some connection with you. You can’t give a man like Charlie false hope.” I walked past Luke, and winced as I leaned down to grab my purse, struggling as I stood, then remembered my heels. I contemplated leaving them there, but Luke reached down and grabbed them before placing his hand on the small of my back, and guiding me toward the door. I should have resisted. I should have told him to just leave me alone, but I didn’t. I couldn’t. As much as I hated him at this moment, I loved him a hundred times more. I had missed him, and having him here reminded me that I did not need Charlie in my life. Maybe what Luke had said was true, and Charlie really was infatuated with me. I didn’t need him thinking I had feelings for him, or that I needed him. Not only did it give him false hope, but it gave him the wrong impression. We met a wide-eyed Joanna and a drooling Kylie at the door, and before I could speak, Luke handled the situation. “Dallas fell. I think she sprained her ankle so I’m taking her home.” The girls didn’t answer, only gaped and nodded their heads as Luke graced them with his smile. My limp was not exaggerated as Luke led me to the passenger side of the car, and opened the door for me to get in. I just looked at him, wondering if maybe he had lost his fucking mind. I would rather walk home than ride on my ass. He leaned in, whispering in my ear and I could hear the regret in his voice. “Crawl in and lie on your side, babe. Let the seat back first.” He pulled away, acknowledging the girls still on the sidewalk with a flick of his eyes. I reclined the seat back and slid in, hissing through my teeth as the fabric of my skirt stretched across my ass, and rubbed roughly against the sensitive flesh. Luke gracefully seated himself next to me and sped off, being extra careful to not sling me around too much. I couldn’t look at him. I didn’t want to, and I damned sure didn’t want him to see my agony. Although if it made him feel worse, then he deserved it. I turned over, tears pricking the back of my eyes as I did, but I would be damned if I shed a single fucking salty tear in front of him. I leaned the seat back more, finding myself lying almost flat in the most comfortable position possible.