I AM…
With a sense of sheer horror, Thane made his way to the other side only to realize he was not only blind but completely paralyzed. The strange paralysis was cruel, because he could feel everything, yet was unable to react to stimuli.
He quickly concluded this was little better than the Hell he had just come from—except for two things. Although he had no control over his consciousness, when he was aware he could hear Brie clearly when she spoke.
More importantly—he could feel her touch.
She could not know how that anchored him in this terrifying new reality.
In this different version of Hell, he was a part of the world but could neither move nor respond to it.
Unwilling to give up, each time he regained consciousness, Thane forced himself to try to move every part of his body. He started with his fingers, trying to ball his hand into a fist, then he tried to move his wrists, and then his arms, trying to curl the muscle. From his neck all the way down to his toes, Thane concentrated on every muscle group, commanding them to move.
What he had learned about the brain in college, gave him hope now. The human brain was capable of making new connections when neural pathways died. It was truly miraculous, and gave Thane confidence that if he remained committed, he could retrain his body to respond.
The day that Brie leaned over and kissed his forehead, telling him she knew he was there and that she missed him, Thane wanted to shout to the rooftops and kiss her back.
Her gentle hands begin to caress his skin as she slowly and sensually bathed him with a sponge soaked with warm water.
To feel her intimate touch was sensually arousing—reviving a part of himself he had lost in the battle.
She began with his feet, making sure to give every toe individual care and attention. When she was finished, he felt the warm of her mouth as she lightly sucked and then bit down on his big toe. “That’s right, husband. I’m going to make slow, delicious love to your body as I bathe you…”
Even paralyzed, his body reacted to her sensual touch. He could feel the familiar ache begin to build in anticipation, as warm water cascaded down the calf of his leg when she gently sponged the length of it.
He would have groaned with pleasure if he could have made a sound.
After cleaning around his right leg which was covered in a cast, she began rubbing moisturizer into his skin. Her touch became like that of a masseuse as she stimulated his muscles, pushing hard while her hands glided over both his legs, inching ever closer to his upper thighs.
“You do know where I’m headed, don’t you?” she growled lustfully, lifting his gown to expose his shaft.
She continued to work his leg muscles, grazing the crease between his leg and groin, but never blatantly touching the sensitive area. He felt the rush of blood as his body attempted to prepare itself to please her.
How unfortunate he could not.
Before she finished cleaning his pubic area, he felt the electricity of her lips on the head of his cock as she lightly kissed it.
Oh, what he wouldn’t give to command her to continue.
Alas, he felt her lower his gown to continue his bath.
Thane appreciated the softness of her skin as she lifted his hand to her cheek. “I’ve always admired your manly arms, Sir. They contain such strength and demand so much of my body, and yet…your touch can also be gentle.”
She placed his hand back down on the bed and purred in his ear, “I really love these hands.”
Brie untied his gown and carefully lowered the material to run the wet sponge over his chest. He felt her trace the scar of the lowercase “t” with her finger. He was moved by the gesture, remembering the branding ceremony they had shared together.
“Condors forever,” she whispered.
Brie then surprised him by taking his hand and tracing his finger over her own branding scar.
“Yours, Sir, until the end of time.”
I love you, babygirl.
Brie leaned over and placed her warm lips against the brand on his chest.
“Now for your handsome face…”
She ran her hand over the stubble on his jaw. “As much as I love your facial hair, Sir, I need to give you a shave so you don’t look quite so unruly.”
Brie’s soft laughter lifted his spirits.
With gentle hands, she spread a thin layer of shaving cream over his jaw. She had no idea how much he craved such simple stimulation.
The feel of the razor grazing his skin under her skilled hands, gave him pleasant chills. When she finished, she leaned over and left tiny kisses all over his newly shaven jaw. “So smooth and kissable…”
The last luxury Brie indulged him with was washing his hair. “You are a very lucky man, Sir, getting the full body treatment from a beautiful woman. Some men pay big bucks for this.”
I would not only pay it—but tip you a thousand.
“Don’t you love how it tingles? That’s what you do to me whenever you run your fingers through my hair. My whole body gets the chills. It’s heavenly.”
He felt her warm breath as she whispered in his ear, “I need you to fight through the fog that consumes you. Follow my voice, Thane…come back to me.” She kissed his cheek and went back to work.
I’m here, babygirl.
After his hair was washed, combed, and styled, Brie told him, “You’re one devilishly handsome man, Thane Davis.”
She moved away, and he soon heard the sound of his father’s haunting violin filling his ears. Then Brie lowered the bedrail and joined him on the bed, snuggling up against him while sighing in contentment.
Thane mentally groaned with pleasure. Even though he was stuck in this terrifying world between life and death, she had gifted him this moment of love and intimacy.
I will find my way back to you…
Brie was unwaveringly persistent in her mission to stimulate and encourage him in his recovery. She never stopped trying, day after day. The Dominant in him wanted her to rest and live her life outside this prison he was stuck in, but the man in him coveted her presence.
A few days after the sensual bath, she treated him to the latest entry in her fantasy journal. “Do you remember when you told me to write this, Sir? You didn’t get the chance to read it, so I thought I would read it out loud to you now.”
She caressed the page before beginning. “Just so you know, I was inspired by our Fiji experience…
“I lay naked before him as he gazes shamelessly over my body. Spreading my legs, he positions himself between my thighs. I turn away, not wanting to witness my descent into depravity, but he turns my head back, making it clear I’m to watch.
“His thick white member pushes into my darkness. For a moment, I cannot breathe as his fullness takes over my reality.
“I cry out as he takes hold of my hips and pushes in farther. He grabs my wrists and begins to thrust. Chills overtake my body, making my nipples hard and tight.
“The ghost is inside me.
“I stare up into his blue eyes, surrendering my soul to him—my descent complete.”
He heard Brie stand up and walk over to the bed, pressing her soft lips against his. She whispered softly afterward, “Wake up, my ghost.”
Oh, how he wanted to tell her he was awake and aware. That all he wanted to do was reach up and pull her to him, kiss her deeply, and let his hands express how much he wanted her.
“Hello, Brianna.”
Thane was shocked to hear that voice and howled silently.
Lilly.
Brie was clearly surprised, as well, the pitch of her voice rising when she answered, “Sir ordered you never to come around us again.”
The woman ignored Brie, moving in closer. “I hear congratulations are in order, Mrs. Davis. It appears both you and I will be having a child of Thane’s.”
Thane silently yelled for Brie to run as he berated himself for never telling Brie about Lilly’s blackmail attempt. He could only imagine the shock Brie was experiencing after hearing Lilly’s accusation.
To her credit, Brie stated, “I don’t believe you.”
“The proof’s right in front of your face. You and I both know what happened that night in China.”
The bed shook as Brie gripped the railing.
Kick her out. Protect yourself!
Lilly’s smooth voice filled the air with her lies. “I didn’t come here for myself, Brianna. I’m here to protect the rights of my child—Thane’s child. The honorable thing for you to do is to accept the financial responsibility you owe this baby.”
Brie snarled in disgust. “I still don’t believe you.”
But Thane could hear the quaver of doubt creeping into her voice.
No, babygirl. Don’t listen to her lies.
Lilly let out a condescending laugh. “Well, I’ve had a paternity test done. There is no question who the father is.”
Thane knew Lilly had hit home with her lies when Brie did not respond immediately.
He raged within himself, furious that the bitch had successfully planted a seed of doubt in Brie’s heart.
“I only expect half…”
And there is was. The only reason Lilly had come.
Brie, she’s blackmailing you. Get her out of here. Run away, if you must.
“Half of what?”
“Half of whatever he leaves you in the will.”
“Thane’s not dead!”
Lilly answered with indifference. “He will be as soon as you turn off the ventilator. Serves him right for what he did to my mother—and me.”
“Thane wouldn’t—”
Trust that I would never do such a thing.
A chill like death enveloped Thane when Lilly whispered in his ear, “I’m back, Thane. What you did is unforgivable, and something you will pay dearly for.”
Get the fuck away.
As if Brie could hear his thoughts, she ordered, “You need to leave. Now!”
“I give you two weeks to buy my silence, Brianna—after that, it’s a free-for-all. It’s the exact same offer I made Thane.”
“What are you talking about?”
“He knows about the baby. But, apparently, he didn’t tell you. Interesting… Why do you think that is?”
Thane felt his world fall away.
In wanting to protect Brie from Lilly’s insanity, he’d left her unprepared for this attack, giving Lilly the opportunity to tear them apart.
After she left, Thane felt a distinct change in Brie. She wasn’t with him anymore—not emotionally. He understood that she was now questioning everything she knew about him and their relationship—contemplating the possibility that he was as evil as his mother, and Lilly.
Not only had his half-sister effectively struck Brie down, but she had driven a stake through his own heart.
He heard Brie fall to the floor as he lay there like a statue, unable to help her.
This…this was hell.
Thane drifted in and out of consciousness. Without Brie’s presence, there was nothing for him to hold onto. It would be easy for him to lose connection, drifting further and further away from reality without her.
Brie and the baby were his life.
I need you to come back, he called out, hoping she would hear the heartfelt plea of his spirit.
Time passed in the dark, unrelenting silence.
Then, like a miracle, he felt her touch again.
She took his hand and told him, “Seeing Lilly pregnant with a child she claims is yours has me questioning everything, Sir. Both Master Anderson and Mr. Thompson have advised me to keep my sights on what I know to be true. I am trying, Sir. I’m trying with all of my heart.”
Brie then made a personal plea. “But…I need a sign from you. Something. Anything to let me know you’re here with me now.”
I am here, Brie.
He fought hard, commanding his body to move, begging it to move, and finally cussing at it, but…nothing happened—not even a twitch.
Brie let go of his hand, obviously disappointed.
Don’t leave me, babygirl.
This was a do or die moment. He concentrated all his energy and thoughts into one powerful and simple command.
Open.
His eyelids obeyed, but he still found himself surrounded by darkness. Had he just imagined it? Thane cried out to Brie in desperation:
I.
Am.
Here.
His heartfelt cry was followed by cold silence.
Had he failed?
Suddenly, Brie’s warm voice filled the room. “Sir!”
She was by his side again, clutching his hand and crying.
“Sir, can you see me?”
More silence followed when she realized he could not. To his profound relief, he felt a kiss as warm tears fell on his cheek.
“You opened your eyes for me!”
She then began kissing him all over, murmuring with joy, “You’re here with me.”
I am…