Free Loose Ends (Magnolia Series Book 1) by Taylor Dawn Page B

phone and online use and he did things…” She trailed off and turned away, not wanting him to see her relive the horror her ex had put her through. She’d shoved all of that to the back of her mind when she’d bought that bus ticket two years ago.
    However, Luke surprised her by coming up behind her, wrapping his warm arms around her. “Tell me, please?” His voice held genuine concern.
    Ava stayed silent for a few moments, willing the tears to go away. “Every time we had sex, he would roll over and light a cigarette. And with that cigarette, he would burn me,” she admitted.
    Feeling Luke tense up behind her and squeeze her just a fraction tighter, Ava tried to break free of his hold.
    “Don’t,” he held her. “Don’t try to run away, Ava.”
    “I shouldn’t have said anything,” She shook her head while tears streamed down her face.
    It felt like Luke held his breath while he contemplated what she was telling him. “How long did this go on?”
    “Only the last two months we were together. I always made excuses why I couldn’t sleep with him. I tried to keep it from happening.”
    “How many times did he do it?” It sounded like Luke was interrogating her.
    “Eight times. I made sure we weren’t together more than once a week.”
    Luke spun her around. “Thank you.” He looked into her eyes. “Thank you for telling me.” She nodded. “Are you working tomorrow?” he asked, throwing her for a loop.
    “No. I closed the shop this weekend because of the Founders’ Day Parade, why?” She cocked her head to the side in curiosity—feeling like an inquisitive puppy as she did so.
    “I’m not taking you back to your car tonight,” Luke stated matter-of-factly. “You’re staying the night with me.” He intertwined his fingers in hers. “I’m taking you upstairs. I want to touch every inch of you while you’re laid out on my bed.”
    Ava sucked in a breath, her faded arousal sparking to life abruptly. Every response and argument died on her tongue as Luke all but pulled her through the house. When they reached the grand staircase he shocked her once more by sweeping her into his arms. Her head immediately rested on his shoulder as she let out a sigh of contentment. Feeling safe wasn’t something normally assimilated into her daily life. She always had an eye on everything and one foot out the door. It was pure survival—an instinct she’d developed over the past two years. But right now, feeling Luke’s arms under her, feeling his heart beating a thick staccato in his chest; she felt safer then she had in a very long time.
    Luke held her secure as he carried her up the staircase and down the hall to the left. It was dimly lit but she could see urgency shading his handsome face; coincidently, she felt the same way. His bare feet patted the hardwood floor and soon they were in front of a door. Luke toed it open to reveal a room that stunned her. This is his bedroom? Ava thought. Luke softly put her on her feet as she looked around.
    “This room is amazing.” She spun around, taking in the splendor before her. Against one wall rested a massive antique bed, its intricately carved four posts reaching high, almost touching the even higher ceiling. The furniture was all original, dating back to the same era as the home itself.
    “Doesn’t look like much of a guy’s room does it?” Luke looked unsure of himself for the first time since they’d met.
    “No. But I love it.” Ava smiled. It was cute how he was leaning against the wall looking like he was waiting for her approval. Maybe it was time she surprised him for a change. She slid off her shoes and walked barefoot to where he was standing. His gaze raked over her body, making her feel the weight of his stare.
    He raised an eyebrow. “What are you doing?”
    “Just coming over here to see you.”
    “What if I don’t want you right here? What if I want you over there,” he pointed to the bed, “in my bed?”
    Ava felt sure and