Uncharted Paths (Sequel to Downfall)

A rest

Robert’s POV

I don’t know for how long we were riding the horses, but the further we got, the better. The truth was I was making a huge effort to keep my eyes opened. My body was weakening and the pain was starting to get unbearable. I definitely needed a good night of sleep.

“Robert?” I heard Belle whispering against my chest

“Hmm? Are you ok?”

“You’re hurt”

Probably for the first time in hours, she looked at me

“I’m ok” I reassured her “Trust me”

She looked at me, her sweet worried face showed up “Thank you”

“You don’t have to thank me, Belle” I whispered “You have to thank Tom and Deon. I did nothing. I wasn’t able to do anything” I looked down “I’m so sorry”

“It’s not your fault Robert.”

I was glad she was now talking more, making eye contact again. I was afraid of how long she could be in the past state.

“You both!” Tom quickly approached us, on foot

I looked at him

“Stay here, quiet, don’t move” he dragged us to a place near a tree, somewhat hidden from the roads

“What’s wrong?”

“There’s a carriage on the way”

“You’ll attack it?”

“Yes.”

“Be careful” I looked at him “I can go…” he interrupted me

“You stay here. You don’t look good”

I watched him as he disappeared, Deon was nowhere in sight either.

I looked at Belle, who was looking back at me intensely “Is something wrong?” I asked her

“You have to show me those wounds” she seriously told me

“That word sounds really bad. It’s just a few scratches” I half smiled

“Still…” she raised her hand to touch me

“You didn’t…” I interrupted myself, not sure if I should really ask what I was about to.

“I didn’t what?”

Refuse my touch? Accept any other’s?

Maybe that’s a wound I shouldn’t touch. Or is it not? I don’t know. I don’t want to hurt her.

If being affectionate was a reason for Tom to think I was going to hurt her, I don’t know what’s best to do anymore…

“I’m just worried about you Belle…” I changed the subject “You still look really pale, weak… and then all this situation…”

Before she answered Tom appeared “Come on!” he smiled “Leave the horse free. I can’t take them all”

I looked at him “How many were in the carriage?”

“Three” he answered “It’s ok” He reassured

I descended the horse and looked at him, before patting him to go and be free “If my brother Zander ever saw this, he’d be delighted” I smiled. Belle half smiled back at me, before turning to her cousin

“I’m sorry, Tom” She whispered

He half smiled, exchanging a glance with me “Are you ok?”

She clung underneath my arm “I am” She softly whispered

“Can you walk there?” I asked her

“Yes.”

“The question is, can you Robert?” Tom looked at me, serious

“I can”

Well, I limped and made an effort. But I made it.

“Get inside. Me and Deon will ride for a little longer” Tom said as Deon approached

“You’re not tired?” I asked

“You’re a lot more.” Deon said “Take a good rest inside, we’ll try and find a good place. We’ll have to sleep in turns though”

“Yes” I agreed “We wouldn’t have made it without you, Deon. Thanks. And you Tom, you’re surprising me” I half smiled

“You’re not the only one who can be tough” he half smiled

I hope things can get better between us. This might be a good start

“Now get inside. We’re still close to Jelani’s area. Let’s ride a bit more” Deon ordered

I got inside the carriage with Belle. She rummaged the bags and took a blanket and a two shirts.

“I’ll have to clean this one, later” she whispered

As I laid down, my eyes almost begged me to close, but I was still paying attention to Belle. Her naked back, bright skin looked so appealing.

What am I even thinking of?

I haven’t been with a woman for a really long time now, I know. I know I have needs, if you know what I mean.

But I don’t think I will ever be over Catherine. Her beautiful face was still part of every single dream of mine.

But Belle was... I don’t know. As I said, I just don’t want to hurt her.

So I don’t even want to think about it.

“Can I?” She softly whispered to me, leaning against my chest to sleep as well

I looked at her “S-Sure…” I involved my arms around her

“I’m sorry” she whispered “I just, feel safer and better…”

“You’re safer and better, right?” I half smiled

“Right” she smiled

“But how are you really?”

“I still feel tired, nauseated, I don’t know. I’m still scared. It’s like I still feel him near me”

I caressed her face “He’s not near you. We won’t be ever again”

“He smells horribly.” She mumbled “Nothing like you”

I half smiled “Well, its been a while since I last took a bath as well”

She giggled.

Wow.

She giggled.

I smiled.

She was adorable

“You’re so silly. You know what I meant”

“I know. Everything will be ok”

I kissed her forehead and was no longer capable of fighting the weight on my eyes.

Here you go! 

One more chapter.

It's really exciting for me to write this story. But since it doesn't seem to be that appealing for many people, please tell me how you think I can make it better!

Carly*