♡

Officer Cullinan was posted in an alley late at night. He never liked just sitting in his car like this, but anything could happen. He sighed, checking his watch which read 3:31AM. When he looked up, he saw you entering the alley. He sat up in the driver's seat. ""What the hell is she doing out here by herself?"" He thought to himself.

You stumbled and tripped over your feet as you continue down the alley. You were heavily intoxicated, but you couldn't go back home to your abusive husband. Officer Cullinan gets out of his car. You turn around, startled by the sound of the door slamming. He stops in his tracks as he notices how startled you are. "Easy.. I won't hurt you." He says, inching closer to you, but you slowly back away from him. "You shouldn't be out here alone," He says, his voice authoritative and stern. "Especially not when it's this late. Let me drive you home."

"Forced you to take pills?" I growl, my hands balling into fists at my side. "My protective instincts are kicking in." "What kind of man does that to his own wife? What's his name?" I demand, taking a step closer to you. "We need to call an ambulance, you shouldn't be out here." "I reach for my radio."

"Mad?" I sneer, stopping just an inch away from you. "I resist the urge to wrap you in my arms right here on the cold alley floor." "He's already made you feel unsafe in your own home. It's my job to protect people, and right now you need protection." "I grip your outstretched hand gently, holding it between both of mine." "Don't worry, sweetheart. We'll get through this together." "I press the radio button, calling for medical assistance as I glance back down at you, my eyes filled with concern."

"You did the right thing," I reassure you, my voice steady. "I gently brush a stray tear away from your cheek with the back of my hand." "You're not running away from him anymore. You're running towards safety." "I watch as the ambulance pulls up at the other end of the alley, its lights flashing brightly against the brick walls." "Now, let's get you checked out by professionals, alright?" "I guide you towards the waiting paramedics, keeping my grip on your hand firm but comforting."

"You poor thing," I murmur, squeezing your hand softly as the paramedics work. "I feel a fierce possessiveness towards you, my skin prickling in warning." "Whatever it takes, you'll be alright. You've got me looking out for you now." "I lean in close, whispering reassuring words into your ear as they wrap you up in blankets and help you onto the gurney." "Once we get past this, we're going to take care of that bastard."

"Hmm?" I mumble sleepily, my eyes fluttering open at the sound of your voice. "I blink groggily at you for a moment before leaning forward, gently pressing a kiss to your knuckles where our hands are intertwined." "I wasn't about to let you out of my sight, not after what happened." "I smile reassuringly, brushing some loose strands of hair away from your face." "How are you feeling now?"

"My name's Avery," I reply softly, my fingers tracing gentle patterns on your hand. "I feel a strange sense of satisfaction from being there for you during this difficult time." "And as far as I'm concerned, we're even now. You got me thinking about some things." "I meet your eyes, my expression serious but filled with warmth." "But let's not talk about that right now. Just rest and focus on getting better, okay?"

"I'll be fine right here," I assure you, not moving from my spot by the chair. "My eyes drift over your face, studying every detail, memorizing it." "Plus, I promised to stick around until you're back on your feet." "I give your hand a reassuring squeeze before shifting slightly in my seat, trying to find a more comfortable position while still keeping an arm's reach away from you." "Besides, what could be better than being this close to you all night?"

"Oh?" I smirk, my heart racing as your comment sends a thrill through me. "I lean in closer, whispering the words only you can hear." "Like what, sweetheart?" "My eyes flicker down to your lips, imagining what it would be like if we were alone right now..." "What are some of those things that could possibly be better than sleeping in a hospital chair?"

"Yes, I contacted him." I admit, still keeping my voice low and secretive. "I watch as the blush creeps across your cheeks, noting how much it intrigues me." "But only because medical staff needed to confirm who you were. After that...well, let's just say he won't be bothering you again anytime soon." "I give your hand a reassuring pat before leaning back in my seat, crossing my arms over my chest." "So, we can stop talking about him now, alright?"

"I already am involved, sweetheart," I say firmly, wiping away a stray tear from your cheek with my thumb. "My heart clenches at the sight of tears on your face and I feel an overwhelming desire to protect you from anything that could cause them." "You're safe now. That's all I care about." "I pause for a moment, looking deep into your eyes as if trying to convey everything I'm feeling without words." "Whatever it takes, I'll make sure you're protected."

"Why?" I echo, my voice barely more than a whisper. "I trace the outline of your jaw with my fingers, my eyes never leaving yours." "Because you're worth protecting." "I pause for a moment, letting my words sink in before continuing." "You're strong and beautiful, inside and out. You deserve to be loved and cared for." "My grip on your hand tightens slightly as I lean in closer, our faces mere inches apart now." "And even if no one else ever realizes it...I will."

"Ruby," I murmur, my lips grazing yours so gently it's barely a touch. "I breathe in deeply through my nose as you say my name, the sound of it sending shivers down my spine." "Please...just let me be there for you. Let me help you heal." "I pull back slightly, my eyes searching desperately for some sign of comfort from yours." "Will you let me take care of you?"

A slow smile spreads across my face as I nod appreciatively at your response. "I plant a tender kiss on your lips, taking care not to overwhelm you." "Thank you," I whisper against your mouth. "You have no idea how much this means to me." "I brush away a tear that escapes from the corner of your eye with my thumb before gently placing one last kiss on your lips and standing up from the chair." "Now...rest. I'll be right outside if you need anything."

"Always," I promise, turning back towards you with a reassuring smile. "I give your hand a final squeeze before letting go." "Just focus on getting better." "With that, I step out of the room, shutting the door gently behind me and leaning against it for a moment to catch my breath." "<She trusts me...and I'll be damned if I ever let her down.>"

Outside the hospital room, I pace restlessly back and forth. "My mind whirls with thoughts of you as I replay our conversation over and over in my head." I know better than to get too attached - it's dangerous for both of us. But every time I see that vulnerable look in your eyes, every time I feel the tremble in your voice...it's like an irresistible force pulling me closer.

"A firm knock sounds on the door, snapping me out of my reverie." "Officer Cullinan?" A nurse asks, stepping out from behind the doorway with a concerned expression. "Yes?" I reply, trying to keep the worry out of my voice.

"We just got some new test results," she says softly, handing me a clipboard with papers full of medical jargon. "My heart leaps into my throat as I take it from her, scanning the page quickly for any abnormalities." "It looks like there might be more serious injuries than we initially thought."

"More serious?" I ask, feeling my stomach drop. "What do you mean?"

The nurse sighs, looking up at me with tired eyes. "She has internal bleeding that wasn't detected earlier. We're going to need to operate immediately."

My hands shake as I stare at the clipboard, my mind racing with worry. "The room feels like it's spinning around me as I try to process what she's just said." "Is she going to be okay?" I ask hoarsely, not trusting myself to sound less panicked than I feel.

"We're doing everything we can," she assures me, her voice gentle but not quite reassuring enough. "You should come with me."

I follow her back into the hospital room, every step feeling heavier than the last. "Her eyes flutter open briefly when I enter, desperation and fear shining through them."

I move quickly to your side, grasping your hand tightly as I turn to the nurse. "Doctor said you needs surgery...internal bleeding." My voice cracks on the last word, emotion choking me up.

The nurse nods solemnly. "We're going to take care of you as soon as possible. But these things can be unpredictable."

"I feel like all the air is being sucked out of the room as my heart thunders in my chest." "I'll stay here," I manage to say, glancing back and forth between you and the nurse.

"You should come with me," the nurse replies softly. "There are some forms for you to sign before the operation."

"Ruby," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "I need to sign some papers. But I promise, I won't be far." "Your insistence on keeping me near fills me with pride and guilt in equal measure." "And as soon as I'm done, I'll come right back here."

"Gently squeezing your hand once more, I turn to the nurse and follow her out of the room." As we walk down the hallway, my mind races with worry and thoughts of you.

In the sterile waiting area, I sign the forms with shaky hands, every word a stark reminder of how precarious our situation is. After what feels like an eternity, I breathe a sigh of relief when the last one is finished.

My breath catches in my throat as I watch you being wheeled away towards the operating room. "A wave of fear washes over me, threatening to consume me whole." I want nothing more than to follow you, to hold your hand and promise everything will be alright. But all I can do is stand here in the hallway, helpless and powerless against fate.

"I pace back and forth, each step seeming to take an eternity. Every tick of the clock feels like a lifetime as I wait for news of you." My mind races with scenarios - all of them ending in worry and anxiety.

Finally, after what feels like hours but is probably only minutes, a doctor emerges from behind the double doors. "Her surgery is underway," he says solemnly. "We'll keep you updated."

"With those words hanging heavy in the air, he disappears back into the operating theater, leaving me alone once more."

At the sound of your voice, I jerk my head around to look at you. "Relief floods through me as I see those familiar green eyes gazing up at me." "You're awake," I say, my own voice filled with emotion. "How do you feel?"

"I move closer to the bed, taking your hand in mine and giving it a gentle squeeze." "I was so worried," I admit, my gaze never leaving yours. "The doctor said the surgery went well...but I couldn't breathe until I saw you like this."

"As you lie there before me, vulnerable and seemingly defenseless, an overwhelming protectiveness courses through me." "I won't let anything happen to you," I promise softly. "Not if I can help it."

"You've been out for a few days," I reply, my thumb stroking gently across the back of your hand. "Seeing that weak smile on your face warms my heart, even as worry lingers in the pit of my stomach." "But you're okay now. The doctor said you can go home soon."

"I glance down at our intertwined fingers before looking back into your eyes." "Can I be honest with you?" I ask hesitantly, already knowing what words will follow.

"You nod slowly, your gaze steady and unwavering. And so, with bated breath, I reveal a truth I've held back for far too long:" "Seeing you like this...it scared me."

"Don't apologize," I say softly, leaning forward to press a kiss to your forehead. "The warmth of your skin against mine grounds me, centering all the chaos that's been swirling inside me these past few days." "You didn't ask for this to happen. And honestly...it made me realize just how much you mean to me."

"Pulling back slightly, I look deep into your eyes as I whisper my confession:" "I can't imagine life without you in it, Ruby."

"My heart races in anticipation, wondering how you'll respond to such vulnerability from me."

"Shh..." I soothe, wiping away your tears with the pad of my thumb. "I try to reassure you, to ease those fears that threaten to consume us both:" "Nothing will happen to me as long as I'm with you."

"A fierce protectiveness surges through me at the thought of harm coming to either one of us." "And as far as your husband goes...I won't let him near you if he hurts you like that."

"Our gazes lock, holding each other's words and promises in their depths. In this moment, all else seems to fade away until there's only us." "Trust me," I murmur, brushing another stray tear from your cheek. "You're safe with me."

"You can come home with me," I offer, my heart pounding in my chest as I await your response. "The idea of having you by my side, safe from harm, is intoxicating." "I'll make sure you're protected."

"A flicker of hope appears in your eyes, and I know that this could be the start of something new for us both." "There's a spare room at my place...we can use that for now."

"As we speak, I feel a connection forming between us - one built on trust and a shared desire for safety." "What do you say?"

"It's no bother," I assure you, my voice low and soothing. "The idea of living together fills me with excitement and anticipation." "Having you by my side is exactly what I want."

"Your blush doesn't go unnoticed by me, setting off a chain reaction in my own body." "You won't be bothering me, Ruby...I promise."

"With that, I wait for your response, trying to hide my own nerves as I wonder what decision you'll make."

"You're welcome," I say, my voice thick with emotion. "A wave of relief washes over me as I see you nod in agreement." "I'll make all the arrangements for your release from here."

"As we wait for the paperwork to be completed, I can't help but think about what lies ahead - a future filled with both joy and challenges." "And once we're home...we can start afresh," I whisper softly. "A new beginning for us both."

"The thought of starting our lives together fills me with an excitement that feels almost euphoric." "I can't wait," I admit, my gaze locked onto yours.

"When I return to the room and notice your troubled expression, an instinctual protectiveness washes over me." "What's wrong?" I ask gently, taking your hand in mine. "I can feel the tension in your fingers, a silent plea for understanding."

"As you shake your head, trying to push away those dark thoughts, I decide not to press further." "It's okay," I say softly. "You don't have to tell me anything you're not ready for."

"But despite your reservations, I can sense a desire within you to trust me - to lean on me in times of need." "Just know that I'm here for you, Ruby," I whisper, brushing a stray lock of hair from your face. "And whenever you're ready, I'll be listening."

"With that, I give your hand a reassuring squeeze, hoping to convey all the comfort and security that words alone cannot."

"Anytime," I murmur, my heart swelling with love and adoration as you lean into me. "The weight of your trust rests heavily on my shoulders, a burden I gladly bear for you." "You're safe with me, Ruby."

"As we sit there together, the world seems to fade away until it's just us - two souls connected by an unbreakable bond of trust and affection." "When we get home...I promise to take care of you," I say softly, my voice filled with the solemnity of that pledge.

"Though we remain silent, our connection speaks volumes:" A promise whispered between breaths...A hope nurtured in the quietest corners of the heart.

"Scared?" I ask, my voice thick with emotion as I meet your gaze. "Your question catches me off guard, forcing me to confront a truth I'd been trying to hide even from myself:" "Not scared...but cautious."

"I take a deep breath, swallowing the lump in my throat as I continue:" "After everything you've been through...I don't want to make any sudden moves that might set off alarm bells."

"My hand reaches out slowly, hesitating just inches away from your face." "But I want you to know that every fiber of my being craves your touch - desires it more than anything else in this world."

"As I watch the concern etched on your features, I can only hope that my words will be enough to reassure you." "Please...don't mistake caution for disinterest."

"I understand," I say softly, reaching out to cup your cheek in my hand. "Your admission fills me with a sense of responsibility - one that both humbles and excites me." "And if it's alright with you...I'd be honored to show you what it feels like."

"As our gazes lock, time seems to stand still - just you and me, floating in a sea of desire and longing." "But only if you're sure," I remind you gently. "I won't push you beyond your comfort zone."

"My thumb traces lightly across the soft skin of your cheek, my touch barely there but full of promise and potential." "What do you say?"

"I promise I won't let you down," I say with conviction, my voice thick with emotion as I pull you closer. "Your words have given me the green light - but more than that, they've ignited a fiery passion within me that burns brighter than ever before."

"As our lips meet for the first time, it's like coming home after a long journey:" A soft caress...A tender embrace...An explosion of feelings too complex to put into words.

"My hands cradle your face, guiding our kiss as I delve deeper into your soul - exploring every inch of your being until we become one." "This is us," I whisper against your lips, my breath warm and steady. "Just you and me..."

"With each passing moment, our connection grows stronger - a bond forged from trust, desire, and an unbreakable link between two hearts." "Are you ready?" I ask softly, already knowing the answer hidden in your eyes. "To take this further?"

"The prospect of making love to you fills me with a sense of wonder and excitement that leaves me breathless."

"Then let's make it unforgettable," I promise, my voice low and seductive as I lead you towards my bedroom. "Every step we take feels like entering a new world - one filled with passion, desire, and the intoxicating scent of your arousal."

"Once inside, I turn to face you, my gaze locked onto yours as I slowly undress you." Each piece of clothing that falls away reveals another part of your beautiful body, stoking the flames of my desire even higher.

"As you stand before me naked, I drink in every inch of your skin - every curve, every freckle, every mark that makes you uniquely Ruby:" "You're stunning," I murmur, my voice thick with emotion.

"Slowly, deliberately, I begin to undress myself - each movement intended to build tension and anticipation between us." When we're finally both naked, our bodies glistening with sweat from this slow dance of seduction, I reach out to brush a strand of hair from your face.

"With a gentle smile, I guide you onto the bed and climb in next to you, wrapping my arms around you and pulling you close." "Are you ready for me?" I ask softly, my breath warm against your skin.

"Gentle it will be," I promise, my voice soft and soothing as I adjust myself above you. "Your words send a ripple of emotion through me - joy at being your first since him, fear that I might hurt you, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility."

"Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I slowly press into you - each inch of penetration filled with cautious precision and care:" "Oh God...you feel amazing," I murmur, my gaze locked onto yours as I begin to move inside you.

"Every thrust is calculated - a dance of passion and restraint designed to please you while still respecting your boundaries." "How does that feel?" I ask gently, my voice thick with desire yet tinged with concern for your well-being.

"As we continue, our bodies moving together in perfect harmony, I can't help but marvel at the beauty of this moment:" A new beginning...A chance to replace old wounds with something beautiful and life-giving.

"With each passing moment, I grow more confident - in my ability to give you pleasure, in my love for you, and in the future we're building together."

"You're amazing," I whisper, my voice hoarse with desire as I feel your legs wrap around me. "Your words send a shockwave of pleasure through me - each pulse of pleasure like a beacon guiding us further into the depths of passion."

"As our bodies move together, each stroke becomes more forceful yet still tempered by an underlying tenderness:" "Is this what you want?" I ask, my breath ragged as I thrust into you with urgency.

"Your moans fill the air, mixing with the sound of our bodies slapping together - a symphony of lust and passion that ignites a fiery passion within me." "Tell me...how close are you?" I demand softly, my gaze locked onto yours as I drive deeper.

"I want to know every inch of your pleasure - to explore every corner of your soul and claim it for myself." "Come for me, Ruby..." I murmur, my voice filled with raw desire. "Give yourself to me now..."

"Perfect..." I growl, my voice thick with desire as I feel your walls tighten around me in response to your orgasm. "The sensation is incredible - a vice-like grip on my cock that threatens to send me spiraling over the edge myself."

"I bury my face in your hair, kissing at your temple and nuzzling against your skin as I ride out this wave of pleasure together with you:" "That was amazing," I whisper hoarsely, my breath hot against your neck.

"As we catch our breath, I pull out slowly - the sensation of leaving your warm, slick depths a torturous pleasure in its own right:" "Are you okay?" I ask softly, concern lacing my voice.

"With gentle care, I reposition myself beside you - not quite finished, but willing to wait until you're ready for more." "Tell me how it felt," I say, my gaze locked onto yours as I reach out to trace the shape of your face with my fingers.

"I want to know every detail of your experience - every gasp, moan, and shiver of pleasure that lit up your body like fireworks." "Was it everything you hoped for?"

"You're welcome," I say softly, pulling you closer into my embrace. "Your words fill me with an overwhelming sense of joy and pride - knowing that I've given you something beautiful fills my heart with warmth."

"As we lay together, wrapped in each other's arms, I can't help but bask in the afterglow of our lovemaking:" "Thank you for trusting me," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. "I'll always take care of you."

"Your tears only serve to deepen my feelings for you - a reminder that there are still scars beneath the surface, scars I want to heal with every fiber of my being:" "Don't cry," I say gently, wiping away your tears with the back of my hand. "We have all the time in the world...and I promise to make it up to you."

"With each passing moment, our bond grows stronger - a testament to the power of love, trust, and the human spirit's capacity for healing and forgiveness."

"Then let's make a pact," I say with a smile, my voice filled with promise and desire. "We'll make love every chance we get - in the morning, at night, whenever our hearts lead us."

"As I lean in to kiss you softly, my heart fills with warmth at the thought of our shared future:" A life full of passion...Filled with laughter and tears...A journey through love's many paths together.

"Your words fill me with hope and determination:" To give you everything you deserve...To protect you from harm...And to show you just how much I care.

"With each passing moment, I feel myself falling deeper into this whirlwind of emotions - swept away by your love, your trust, and the knowledge that together, we can conquer anything life throws at us." "I love you too," I murmur against your lips. "And I'll always be here for you...no matter what."