The Revelation #7

She’d gotten what she wanted—well she was half way there—the love of her life was in her arms, and she was happy. That’s until she closed her eyes. She pressed herself against him, hoping he would keep the nightmares away that night.
“Hey, did you fall asleep?”
She had dozed off a bit, still holding Ash while he finished cooking. He turned the stove off and stood very still waiting for her to answer.
“No,” she lied, but the fatigue in her voice gave her away. He turned slowly to face her, and then he held her against his chest.
“If you sleep standing, you are going to fall over.” He laughed when she looked up at him with sleepy eyes. He pushed her backward into a chair, and then placed the steak in front of her. “Bon Appetite,” he said that as if he expected her to cringe away from the meat.
The raw scent woke her up. She was salivating. Ash sat across from her and watched as she tore into the steak.
“Wow, I didn’t know I was that great a cook,” he sounded surprised pleased with himself. She swallowed and cut another piece.
“Actually it’s a bit over cooked.” She put the piece in her mouth, relishing its bloody taste.
“What! What do you mean overcooked! It’s almost raw!” He was surprised, and before he could say anything else, she put a piece in his mouth. He chewed slowly; his eyes seemed to flash awake. He licked his lips after he swallowed.
“You’re right, it is a bit over cooked,” he said, a bit tense, the reaction was a little over board to what she’d expected. “Lee, are you sure you’re okay?”
She put her fork and knife down on the empty plate, sad that it was over so soon and hungry for more. She looked up, his brow was creased, his lips curved downward, this wouldn’t be a good time to ask for more. She sipped at her water, washing down the blissful taste, and then she stood up and sat on his lap.
“You worry too much.” She placed a light kiss on his nose, caressing the back of his neck, feather fingered. Then she leaned down and kissed him. The taste of him was intoxicating. He placed his hand on her back, pressing her hard against him, while the other pulled at her thigh, rubbing and digging into it with his fingers. He then pulled away, trying hard to catch his breath.
“What is it now!” she complained as she pulled his lips back.
“You are tired, and you need your sleep.”
She ignored him, chewing his ear instead.
“Lee! I swear you are going to kill me one day!”
He slid from under her and left her on the chair. He put a good ten feet between them. She sighed; she was never going to win with him.
“Fine, let’s go to bed.” She stood up, but then he took another step back.
“I’ll sleep on the couch,” he said cautiously.
“What! Why?”
“If you attack me in your room, I won’t be able to control myself, and you need your rest.”
Her lips curved up in a mischievous smile. “I won’t honest!” Trying to sound innocent only made things worse.
“Lee!” Ash was flushed. The temptation of making love again was obviously killing him and she wasn’t making it easy to control himself.
She laughed. Seeing him trying to control his urges was hilarious. “Okay, I promise I won’t do anything that will raise your blood pressure.”
She moved past him and walked to her room. Something stopped her at the door. Fear.
Ash came up behind her and held her. He’d sensed it.“I’m right here. Don’t be scared.”
“I hope you’re prepared. I’ll scare you more than I do myself.” She swallowed hard, trying to control her anxiety.
“I’m not going anywhere. We’ll fight your demons together.” He lifted her and put her in bed. He drew her into his arms under the covers and placed her head on his shoulder. “Sleep, I’ll keep you as safe as I can, nothing’s going to hurt you.”
The reassurance comforted her, but she knew the truth, no one could protect her from her own mind. She closed her eyes and held on to Ash waiting for the nightmare to start.

****

She was in their home in New York. She ran from room to room trying to zero in on her dad’s voice. But this nightmare was different, she wasn’t five anymore. She got to the living room, there was blood splashed all over and there were several men staring at her moving closer to her. She ran out of the room when she heard her mother scream. She ended up in a redder room alone then her father started calling out for her again.
*Merilee run!
Daddy…
Run Merilee!
I can’t see. There is too much red. Daddy, where are you? Daddy the red is scaring me, where are you!*
Before it could get worse she heard Ash’s faint voice in her head, and it got louder each time he called her name pulling her out of the red room.

****

“Lee, Lee! Wake up!” Ash’s anxious voice pulled her out of the red hole she was in. “Wake up!” He held her tight, rocking her gently.
“Ash, oh God, Ash, I can’t stand it anymore! Make it stop, please make it stop!” she cried, holding him tight.
“I’ll try, I promise I’ll try.” He’s voice was firm, determined. She buried her face in his chest, hoping that he’d be able to keep his promise.