Chapter 3: Rising Action
You woke up sometime later to Dutch gently shaking your shoulder, calling your name in a hushed voice. "Hey, darlin'? Time to wake up." You slowly opened your eyes to find yourself lying inside your tent, with Dutch sitting beside you on a wooden stool, a look of concern etched on his weathered face. Javier was also there with a look of concern on his face.
Your head throbbed with a dull ache, but the sight of Dutch made you feel a little safer.
'Careful now, darlin'. You took quite a tumble out there,' Dutch said softly as he placed a gentle hand on your forehead, checking for fever.
You tried to sit up, but Dutch stopped you, his voice firm yet gentle, 'Don't move too fast. Take it easy.'
The memory of what happened came rushing back, causing you to wince.
Dutch's expression darkened as he gently touched your swollen cheek. 'Who did this to you?'
You swallowed hard, remembering the face of the man who had attacked you. 'Micah.'
"Micah said he stopped someone from attacking you," Dutch interjected, trying to ease the tension.
You took a deep breath and looked Dutch in the eye. "He attacked me. I went to pick some raspberries in the woods, he just appeared out of nowhere. He forced himself on me but I managed to get away."
Dutch's expression turned thunderous as you spoke, his eyes glinting with rage. You could see the veins in his neck bulging as he clenched his teeth. The thought that Micah had dared to touch you in such a way infuriated him beyond belief. Dutch was always the protector of the group, and it was clear that he was taking this matter very seriously.
"Where is the son of a bitch now?" Dutch growled asking Javier, his voice low and dangerous.
Javier shook his head, looking just as angry as Dutch. "He disappeared after the ruckus," Javier said through gritted teeth. "We've been looking for him everywhere but can't find hide nor hair of him."
Dutch clenched his fists in frustration. "That traitorous son of a bitch! I'm going to rip him apart piece by piece when I find him."
But at that moment, all Dutch cared about was making sure that you were okay.
He helped you sit up, wrapping a warm blanket around your trembling shoulders. His eyes filled with a fiery determination as he vowed to find Micah and make him pay for what he had done. You could see the gentle side of Dutch as he tenderly tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear.
"Don't worry, darlin'. We'll find him and make sure he pays for what he's done," Dutch said, his voice trembling with anger.
Javier nodded in agreement, his own rage evident on his face.
"Arthur, where's Arthur," you asked your voice barely a whisper. You wanted nothing more than to be in his protective arms right now. Arthur would make everything better, as he always did. But he was out on a job with Charles and Lenny.
Dutch's words snapped you back to reality. "Arthur's back," he said poking his head out of the tent, his tone still laced with anger.
Javier and Dutch left the tent to meet with Arthur before he could enter.
Your heart raced at the news, and you felt a surge of relief wash over you. Arthur would know what to do after hearing about the attack.
You could here them talking to Arthur but you couldn't hear what was being said.
Suddenly Arthur's voice thundered throughout the camp.
They told him.
Your whole body trembled. You had no idea how Arthur would react to this news. You had only ever seen him fiercely protective, but never violent. You could feel the tension and anger rise in the camp as Arthur was brought up to speed on the attack.
Dutch and Javier led a seething Arthur towards your tent, where you were now resting. He looked like a man possessed, his eyes blazing with rage and determination. The wind rustled through the trees as they approached, carrying with it the scent of wood smoke and sagebrush.
As Arthur burst into the tent, he rushed to your side, taking in your disheveled hair and swollen cheek.
Rage coursed through him, his eyes flashing with an intense fire that promised vengeance. You had never seen him like this before, and it scared you even more than Micah's attack had.
"Who did this?" Arthur demanded, his voice low and dangerous. His fists clenched at his sides, every muscle in his body tense with barely contained fury.
"Micah," you said softly, your voice shaking as much as your body.
"He attacked me in the woods. I went out to find some raspberries, and he was there. He tried to..." Your voice trailed off as tears began to stream down your cheeks.
Arthur's jaw clenched at the mention of Micah's name. His eyes flashed with anger, but it wasn't towards you. No, his anger was reserved for Micah and anyone who dared to harm a single hair on your head.
Dutch and Javier exchanged a look that spoke volumes.
They knew that Arthur's anger was not to be taken lightly, and they would do everything in their power to keep him from doing anything rash.
"He's dead," Arthur said with finality, eyes cold and determined. "I'm going to find him and kill him." Arthur's voice was low, lethal, and he meant every word. You could see the rage in his eyes and knew that he was capable of doing anything to protect you. You believed him because you trusted him. And it wasn't just because he was handsome or muscular; it was because of how fiercely loyal and devoted he was towards you. He would do anything to keep you safe from harm.
Dutch put a hand on Arthur's shoulder, trying to calm him down. "We don't know where he is yet," Dutch said.
"But we will find him, and when we do, Micah will pay for what he's done."
Dutch's voice was firm, unyielding. He was a man of action, and if there was one thing that Dutch could do well, it was taking care of business. Javier, on the other hand, was more measured in his approach. He was always the calming force within the group, but today, even Javier looked ready to take Micah down himself.
Arthur nodded. His mind was made up; Micah would die for what he had done.
But before Arthur could storm off to track down Micah, you reached out and placed a hand on his arm. "Please," you whispered, your voice trembling. "Don't leave me here alone."
Arthur looked at you, his anger softening at the sight of your fear. He nodded and took a deep breath, his eyes still blazing with determination. "I'll stay with you," he said, his voice low and soothing.
Dutch and Javier exchanged a look, both relieved that Arthur wasn't going off half-cocked.
They knew that Arthur was fiercely protective of you, and while they respected his desire to keep you safe, they also knew that a man on a rampage was never a good thing.
Javier spoke up, "We'll find him together, mi amigo. But right now, she needs rest." He gestured towards you, and Arthur nodded in agreement.
The camp settled down for the night, with Dutch and Javier promising to keep watch. You lay in Arthur's arms, feeling both safe and loved.
His warmth enveloped you like a cocoon, shielding you from the harsh realities of the outside world. Your eyelids grew heavy as his fingers gently traced lines along your arm, calming the storm of emotions within you.
Despite the danger that had passed, you couldn't shake off the lingering fear of what might have happened. Yet, at the same time, you couldn't help but marvel at the strength of his love for you. It was something that had taken you by surprise, and even now, it continued to grow stronger each day.
You didn't know if it was his rugged good looks or the strength of his character, but you couldn't imagine being without him.
After the chaos of the day, being wrapped in Arthur's arms you finally began to feel your body relax.
Your head was pounding from Micah's attack, but the feeling of Arthur's strong chest against your back and his arms around your waist provided a sense of security that you desperately needed. The warmth from the fire outside crept into the tent and you could hear Dutch and the others' hushed voices as they moved around the camp.
Arthur's steady breathing was soothing and you began to feel yourself drift off.
But suddenly, you found yourself back in the woods, with Micah's looming figure closing in on you. His twisted smile sent a chill down your spine as he reached out to grab you.
You screamed, your voice echoing through the tent and jolting Arthur awake.
"Shhhh, it's alright," he whispered, pulling you closer and kissing your forehead. "It was just a nightmare, baby. You're safe with me."
But the fear and adrenaline coursed through your veins, making it impossible to fall back asleep. Arthur must have sensed this because he began to gently run his fingers through your hair, soothing you as he whispered sweet nothings in your ear.
The tender touch of his fingers on your scalp sent a shiver down your spine, but it was the warmth in his voice that truly ignited a spark within you.
You leaned into him, feeling the strength of his muscles, as his hand drifted down to rest on your hip.
Arthur pulled you closer, pressing his lips against your ear as he whispered, "You're safe with me."
Slowly, you let yourself be enveloped by the feeling of his arms around you, the protection and love that radiated from him in waves. Your body began to relax, but your heart raced as you felt something else entirely.
Without thinking, you turned your head and pressed your lips against his.
The taste of him was intoxicating, and you opened your mouth to deepen the kiss.
With a low growl, Arthur slipped his hand beneath your shirt, skating his fingers up your spine. His touch sent a jolt of electricity through your body, and you arched against him with a moan.
"Baby, I'm so sorry I wasn't here," Arthur murmured. You could see the hurt in his eyes.
"I couldn't protect you," he said softly.
"You'll always protect me," you replied, your voice trembling. You needed him to know that despite the attack, your faith in him hadn't wavered.
His lips met yours again in a hungry kiss, as if trying to quell the fear and uncertainty of what had happened. His hand slid into your hair, pulling it free from its braid and fisting it tightly. Your breath hitched as he tugged gently, leaving tingles along your scalp.
Your body pushed against his, hungry with desire and longing to feel closer. You reached up and slid your hands under his shirt, feeling the coarse hair on his chest and the hardness of his muscles beneath. His abs tensed as you explored, and a growl rumbled in his throat.
He trailed kisses down your neck, his fingers grazing your skin and making you tremble with both pleasure and the memory of danger. You moaned as he took one of your nipples into his mouth, teasing it to a hard peak through the fabric of your blouse.
"Fuck, baby," he growled against your skin. "You're so fucking beautiful."
Arthur slid his hand up your thigh, bunching your dress as he went. When his fingers reached the apex of your thighs, you moaned and spread your legs wider, needing more friction.
"You sure you want this right now?" he asked, his voice thick with desire and concern.
You nodded eagerly, his fingers finding the wetness between your legs, and he groaned with satisfaction. "Damn girl, you're soaked."
"I need you, Arthur," you whispered, your hands gripping his shoulders as if to ground yourself.
"Say it again," he growled, his eyes darkening with lust.
"I need you," you repeated, arching against him.
"Now."
With a slow, deliberate movement, Arthur slid a finger inside of you, making you gasp as he found that spot that made your toes curl. He pressed gently, his eyes locked on yours as he began to move in a slow, agonizing rhythm that had you trembling with pleasure.
"Arthur, please," you begged, your voice tinged with desperation. You needed more, wanted more of him.
You need him to know that you don't blame him for what happened, that your need and love for him has not wavered.
You needed to be as close to him as possible. You needed that closeness, that connection.
And the more he touched you, the more you craved him. The ache inside of you grew and grew until it was an unbearable throb that pulsed with insatiable hunger.
Arthur sensed your urgency and, with a low growl, slid another finger inside of you. You cried out as he found your pleasure spot once again, this time working both fingers in a tantalizing rhythm that had you writhing beneath him.
"Please," you begged, your legs shaking with the effort to stay still.
You were desperate to feel him inside of you, to ease the burning need that had been building inside of you since before the attack.
"Beg for it," Arthur demanded, his fingers never ceasing their movements.
"Fuck, beg me."
You moaned, your hips moving in rhythm with his fingers. "Please, Arthur. I need you."
Your words only fueled his lust. "Say it," He demanded, his green eyes dark as sin. "Tell me what you want."
"I want you inside of me," you panted. "Please." You gasped as Arthur's thumb circled your clit. "I need you."
The desperation in your voice only spurred him on.
"Tell me exactly what you want," he ordered, withdrawing his fingers.
You whimpered at the loss, but knew he wanted to hear you say it. And you wanted to tell him. You needed him to know just how much you craved him, how much you trusted him to erase the fear that had taken root inside of you.
"I want you to fuck me," you whispered. "Right now."
He groaned, pulling at the buttons of your blouse, eager to see what lay beneath. You helped him hastily remove your clothes, your own arousal fueling your desire to be naked in his arms.
His hands roamed over your bare skin, caressing and teasing you into a writhing mess beneath him. Your nipples pebbled under his touch and you arched into him, needing more contact.
Arthur's mouth found yours again as he kicked off his boots and pants, his hard cock springing free.
He kicked his pants to the side and covered your body with his, his thigh spreading yours open wider. His cock rubbed against your clit, making you moan and writhe beneath him.
His words only added to your desire as he positioned himself at your entrance, his eyes burning with a fierce hunger. You gasped as he slowly slid into you, filling you up completely.
"Fuck, baby," he groaned.
"You feel so goddamn good." Arthur grunted, moving slowly in and out of you. His eyes locked onto yours, his gaze never wavering as he thrust deeper and harder.
"Arthur," you moaned, your voice barely audible as you wrapped your legs around his waist, pulling him deeper inside of you.
His rhythm was slow and steady , each thrust sending a shiver down your spine as he hit that spot inside of you that made your toes curl.
You gasped as he leaned down to take one of your hardened nipples into his mouth, swirling his tongue around it before biting down gently.
"Oh god," you cried out, arching your back as a wave of pleasure washed over you.
Arthur's response was a low growl as he continued to thrust into you, his pace gradually quickening.
His eyes locked with yours, keeping the same agonizing yet tantalizing rhythm that had you crying out with pleasure.
"I love you so much, baby," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I will always protect you. You'll always be mine."
Your heart swelled with love and adoration for this ruggedly handsome outlaw. With every thrust, you felt the weight of the day's events slip away, replaced by a deep sense of security and safety in his arms.
"Oh god, Arthur! Don't stop!" you cried out as your orgasm built within you. He increased his pace, sending shudders through your entire body as he reached between your still-quivering legs and circled your clit with his thumb.
"Come for me, baby," he groaned, and you gladly obliged. Your orgasm ripped through your body, causing your muscles to clench around his cock as you moaned incoherently. Arthur didn't let up, his thrusts becoming erratic as he reached the peak of his own pleasure.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck," he chanted as he spilled himself inside of you, burying his face in your neck with a guttural groan.
You wrapped your legs tightly around his waist, holding on to him as the aftershocks of your mutual orgasm rippled through your body.
Arthur collapsed on top of you, still buried deep inside, and you welcomed the weight of him, feeling protected and safe in his arms.
You kissed the side of his face, tasting the salt of his sweat and feeling the rapid beat of his heart against your chest. His breathing was heavy, but he slowly withdrew and lay down beside you, pulling you into a close embrace. Your legs tangled together as your bodies fitted perfectly, like two pieces of a puzzle.
The world outside the tent disappeared as you lost yourself in the comfort of Arthur's arms. It was a feeling that you craved more than the sweetest wine or the most decadent dessert. Here, in this desolate wilderness, under the star-filled sky, you found your safe haven.
As your breathing slowed and heartbeats returned to normal, Arthur gently brushed the hair away from your damp forehead. He leaned forward and whispered soft words of love and adoration, his ruggedly handsome face filled with emotion.
You basked in the warmth of his affection, your heart swelling with love for him. You were his, and he was yours. Together, you could conquer anything.
But, you couldn't help but think about what was to come once Micah was found.
You knew that Arthur was not one to be trifiled with, and if he had set his sights on Micah, then there would be hell to pay.
Yet, as you lay in Arthur's arms, feeling his warmth and breathing in the scent of his skin, you couldn't help but feel safe. It was a feeling that only Arthur could give you - the feeling of being completely and utterly protected from the dangers of the world.
The fire crackled softly outside the tent, casting a warm glow inside and providing some comfort from the chill of the night air.
The wind blew gently, carrying the scent of wood smoke and sagebrush throughout the camp, creating an atmosphere of serene tranquility that existed in stark contrast to the chaos of just hours before.
Despite the tender moment that had just transpired between you and Arthur, your mind couldn't help but drift back to Micah. You knew that the danger had not passed entirely, that he was still out there somewhere, and you couldn't shake the feeling of fear and uncertainty.