Redemption(70)

I loved her.

Driving into Tyler’s driveway, I put the car in park and turned off the ignition. Before I got out of the car, I looked at Tara, squeezed her hand gently, and walked around to her side of the car. She was already getting out, clutching onto her side.

“Tara, wait. Let me help you.”

Suddenly, Tyler flung open her front door and came rushing out. Her eyes watered as she gazed upon her friend, gently placing a hand on Tara’s cheek. “What kind of a person does this to another human being?” Tyler looked over at me. Although there was nothing said, I understood every word.

Tara placed her hand on Tyler’s arm, pulling her gaze back to her. “I’m fine. It looks worse than it is.”

“Come inside, Tara. We need to get you cleaned up and comfortable.”

With my arm around her, we rushed inside. Once the door was shut, I helped Tara sit on the sofa and pulled her sandals off. I pulled her feet around so she could lay down and Tyler appeared with two tablets and a glass of water.

“For the pain and swelling.”

Tara nodded and took the tablets, sighed, and closed her eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

I was about to say something, but Tyler beat me to it. “Don’t you dare apologize, Tara. We love and care for you and would do anything for you. Don’t you ever apologize for that. And don’t ever apologize for what that arsehole did to you.” Tyler suddenly turned to me. “Tara is okay with me. I will take care of her, Jimmy. I promise. You go do what you have to do.” She placed a hand on my arm and squeezed with a nod. Reading the message loud and clear, I nodded.

I turned back to Tara and cupped her face in my hands. “I need to go now, but when I get back, we’re going to have a little chat, okay? I need to hold you in my arms and tell you something—something that you need to know.”

She smiled and nodded. “Where are you going, and when will you be back?”

I sighed. I hated leaving her, but she had to see that I was doing this for her. I was doing this for any woman who was unfortunate enough to come across a man like that.

“I’m going to make sure he doesn’t hurt you ever again. I’m going to make sure you’re safe. I’m not sure how long I’ll be, but just relax and concentrate on getting better.” I looked deep into her eyes, trying to convey my message.

She searched my eyes for a moment, then nodded. “I’ll be waiting for you.”

I breathed a huge sigh of relief and smiled at her, then kissed her head and got up. Tyler smiled and nodded, as I made my way out the door, Tyler following. Once I was outside, I turned to her.

“I’ll put Tara in the bedroom to the right of the bathroom. When you’re done, come back and stay in there with her. Dean has my keys. Just make sure you two do come back, okay?” She grabbed my hand and squeezed.

I smiled and nodded. “Don’t worry. We will. Dean’s lucky to have you.”

Tyler smiled. “And Tara’s lucky to have you.” She pulled on my hand and wrapped her arms around me. “Please be careful.”

I nodded, pulled away, and squeezed her hand one more time. “Don’t worry. It may take a while, but we’ll be back before Jeremy gets up for his pancakes in the morning.”

Tyler laughed, then saw me look back at the house. “Don’t worry. She’ll be fine. I’ll take good care of her until you get back.”

I smiled. “I know. I don’t want to leave her, but I have to do—”

“I know,” she interrupted. “I know you do. Just make sure you both come back.”

I let go of her hand and nodded. I was halfway to the car when Tyler spoke, “Tell Dean I’ll be waiting for him, too.”

I looked back and nodded. Then she turned and went back into the house. I knew that she was now fussing over Tara. I just wished it were me.

I shook my head and got into the car. Taking care of Tara would have to come later. First, I had to deal with an inconvenience. Something that shouldn’t even be breathing the same air as Tara.

I got back to the house within twenty minutes. Once Dean opened the door, he led me into the room he kept the scumbag in. He was tied, gagged, and out cold. It also looked as though Dean had beaten him a few times. He was already bleeding and bruised.

“What did you do to him?” I looked at Dean and he smiled.

“Well, every time he woke up, I just put him back to sleep again. I think he needs to be asleep for this part because he needs all the strength he can get for later.” He winked at me, then his smile disappeared. “How’s Tara?”

“Not good, but she’ll heal. Tyler’s looking after her.” Dean smiled affectionately at the mention of her name. “Tyler’s a great girl.”