Battling Destiny

Chapter 12

James knocked softly on Destiny’s door as he juggled the tray laden with food and a pitcher of water. She’d seen the doctor two days ago and had been diagnosed as her system going into shock from loss of blood and lack of food but that she would make a full recovery as long as she took good care of herself.

When he received no answer to his knock, he let himself in and found she was still sleeping. James had let Rover run the ship while he had made it his priority to ensure she was very well taken care of. He knew how much he had enjoyed her sitting with him when he’d been ill so he had sat with her non stop for the two days watching her sleep. The only times he had left her was to fetch sustenance or to give her privacy when she wanted to bathe.

He was careful to rub her shoulder with the salve every four hours and it was already looking infinitely better. He was supremely confident in his agreement with the doctor’s analysis. Her color had returned, her eyes had cleared up and she had even given him a couple of smiles when she woke.

The smiles hit him deep in his very soul. James had a lot of time to think while he was sitting with her and had come to the difficult realization that somewhere along the way he had fallen completely in love with Destiny. She was warm, caring, giving, quick witted and beautiful.

He made his way across the room quietly to put the tray down before he reached for her witch hazel and salve. He had really managed to luck out so far and she had always remained asleep during the process of cleaning the wound.

James pulled the sleeve that was covering her shoulder over to the side and saw the wound looked even better today. He poured the witch hazel on a towel and pressed it to the gash before he lathered on the salve and began to work it into her soft skin.

Restricting his touch was most certainly the hardest part of tending her. Once his hand came in contact with her warm flesh it took all his willpower to concentrate on his task at hand and not rouse her to slake his rapidly building hunger.

He was born and raised a gentlemen but he didn’t know how long he would be able to stay that way. Every time he touched her she unconsciously moved closer and made soft sounds appreciation; they were damn near his undoing.

James cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably as he twisted the salve lid back on and wiped his hand on a clean towel, debating if he should wake her and make her eat something. But when he turned he found her violet blue eyes watching him, smiling.

“Hello.” He said through a stomach flutter and moved his hand to cup her cheek.

Destiny turned her head, basking in his warmth, and kissed his palm. “Hello yourself.”

“How are you feeling?” James asked.

“I feel much better but like I’ve been sleeping too long. What day is it?”

“Tuesday.”

“So I’ve been back two days?” Destiny inquired with a languid stretch before sitting up.

James nodded before pointing at the tray of food sitting on the end of the table. “Hungry?” He asked.

“Famished actually. Thank you.” She answered and moved to the table.

Destiny lifted the lid of the tray and found roasted chicken, crusty bread with some butter and an assortment of fruit. She made up a plate and passed it to James and made a second one for herself. She knew he had not taken very good care of himself over the past couple of days; he’d been too worried about seeing to her needs rather than to taking care of his own.

They ate in a heavy, pressing silence that had Destiny wondering just what James was thinking about. He seemed tortured and frustrated, she hadn’t felt those emotions from him since the night Elizabeth had ruined his promotion ceremony and she knew he was over that.

“You seem down. What is it?” She asked as soon as they had finished dinner.

“It’s nothing. Why don’t you lie down and relax.” He said and moved to clean up.

Destiny stood and planted her hands on her hips as she searched his face then stilled his hands. “I think we need to talk.”

“We do need to talk but I want to wait until you’re feeling better.” James agreed.

“I feel wonderful. Let’s talk now.” She insisted.

“Destiny…” He protested.

“Please talk to me James. I can help.” Destiny reassured.

“You’re the cause.” He said and turned his back on her.

“Me? What have I done?” She asked.

“I’m so sorry I didn’t believe in you; so many of our issues could have been avoided if only I had trusted you. You would never have been hurt if I had just believed in you.” James said miserably.

“Ahh.” Destiny said finally understanding, guilt. “Listen to me James, the only thing that matters is what’s happening right now. Do you trust me now?”

“Implicitly.” He said, turning to face her.

“Then that’s all I need.” She replied with a smile.

“Destiny, sweet Destiny, I have come to care for you so deeply over this journey. You’re a vital part of my life now. You drove me to the brink of insanity when we first met but now you drive me to the brink for an entirely different reason. I don’t think there’s any use fighting it anymore.” He whispered.

“So don’t. Stop fighting it James. I’ve known it was you from the first moment we met and all I want to do is love you. Please love me.” She said softly as she moved toward him.

James stood his ground as she advanced on him. Terrified yet exhilarated as what she was asking sank in. There was no denying he wanted her with every fiber of his being but he knew it would change everything.

“Kiss me James.” She breathed.

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What could go wrong now!?