Telyn/Gage

Another starting.

She sat silently, waiting for the man to speak. Her wrists throbbed from being bound to the chair for the past three hours. Her tears had finally dried, but the taste of salt still lingered on her lips. He hadn’t spoken to her in over an hour—just paced around her living room, occasionally stopping to fiddle with her possessions. The room was dimly lit by a single lamp in the corner, casting long shadows across the hardwood floor. Outside, the wind rustled the trees, their branches tapping against the window like impatient fingers.



“What do you want with me?” she managed to choke out, her throat dry and cracking. The muscular man turned to her, his deep blue eyes surprisingly sympathetic.



“Honestly, ma’am. It’s not you we want. It’s your brother. He owes a man a lot of money, and we know we can get to him through you.”



She wanted to believe him. He hadn’t hurt her or raised his voice. Even when he tied her to the chair, he’d been gentle.



“Well then, why do I have to be tied to this chair? I could really use a glass of water.” She squirmed slightly, trying to ease the numbness in her legs. Her bum had fallen asleep twenty minutes after being forced to sit.



He walked into the kitchen, the sound of his boots echoing against the tile. He rummaged through the cupboards until he found the one with glasses, then opened the fridge and poured her a glass of water. Returning, he held the clear glass in front of her, his expression expectant.



“How am I supposed to drink it? I’m tied to the chair.”



His face shifted into a crooked smile. He placed the glass on the end table to her right and moved behind her, undoing the restraints.



With her hands free, she rubbed her wrists, trying to soothe the pain. Slowly, she reached for the water. “Thank you,” she said, a tear forming in her eye.



“No problem, ma’am. But if you try to run, I’ll have to tie you back up.” His expression said it all—he was serious, but she could tell he didn’t want to hurt her.



“So... what’s your name?” she asked quietly, still unsure if she wanted to know anything about this rugged, handsome intruder.



He glanced at her sideways, puzzled by her attempt at small talk.



“My name is Gage,” he said softly, not wanting to frighten her. He was saddened by the way they’d met. She was gorgeous—long, dark brown hair with soft curls, one falling perfectly over her striking light blue eyes.



“I’m Telyn.”



“Who are you telling?” he replied briskly.



To his surprise, she giggled—a sweet, light-hearted laugh. “My name is Te-lyn.”



“Oh. Well, that’s actually a very beautiful name. My apologies.” He felt embarrassed by his reaction and turned away quickly, hoping his compliment hadn’t come off awkward. He tried not to study her figure, but she was making it difficult. Gage hoped this wouldn’t take much longer—the sight of her stirred feelings he hadn’t felt in years.



“How long have you been in the hostage business?” Her question snapped him out of his thoughts.



“Oh, well... this is actually the first time I’ve had to do this. Normally I just show up at the guy’s work and he forks over the cash. I prefer that, honestly.” Gage began pacing the living room, hoping she couldn’t tell how uneasy she made him feel.



“Are my questions bothering you? You seem nervous now.”



Oh shit, he thought. Should I tell her the truth or just say I’m tired?



“Well, honestly... I am a little nervous.” He blushed again and turned his back to her.



“Why do you keep turning away?” She stood slowly and took a step toward him, baffled by the thoughts running through her head.



He turned to face her and was struck by awe. She wore a light pink nightgown, partially sheer. Her long legs and curvy hips made his mouth water.



“Are you checking me out?” Her question sliced through his thoughts, leaving him speechless.



“Uh... I... I’m sorry, ma’am.” He looked down, his posture like that of an embarrassed schoolboy. “You’re a very attractive woman, and I wish I didn’t have to meet you under these circumstances.” He surprised himself with his honesty.



Another time and place, he thought. Seconds passed like hours. He silently hoped she wasn’t offended.



Then she sighed. “I was thinking the same thing.” Her voice was soft, soothing his nerves. Gage raised his head slowly. She was standing inches away. Their eyes locked, and he swore he heard bells and the fluttering of dove wings in his head. He sensed she felt it too.



He gently raised his hand and grazed her cheek, cautious. To his surprise, she nestled into his palm. A soft groan escaped her lips. His mind reeled with thoughts of how he could bring her pleasure again and again.



He leaned in, inch by inch, wondering what she tasted like, if her lips were as soft as they looked. He stopped just millimeters away.



“Should I kiss you?” Telyn barely registered the words. Her heart raced, her body trembled with anticipation.



Oh God, yes, she thought. Did she say it aloud?



She couldn’t stop herself. She leaned in and closed the gap. Time froze. Red-hot passion surged through her veins. Every inch of her pressed against him. Gage swept her into his arms and carried her toward the bedroom.



Her fears crept in. Did she really want this? What if he planned to kill her? She broke the kiss and looked into Gage’s eyes. He wore the same expression—doubt and desire.



He started to speak, but she raised a finger to his lips. “I know,” she whispered.



His face softened. She leaned in to continue their kiss.



Gage stood still, amazed at how she seemed to understand him. He continued down the hall, trying to remember which door was hers. Last one on the left, he recalled.



He reached the doorway, Telyn still in his arms. He stepped into the room and gently laid her on the bed.



She looked up at him with burning passion. He gazed down and began to undo his shirt, watching her eyes for any sign—slow down or go faster. He didn’t know this woman, but he knew he wanted to make love to her. It felt destined.



Her expression shifted slightly. Gage paused at the last button.



“You feel it too, don’t you?” she asked, amazed by her own bluntness.



He nodded slowly, undid the final button, and opened his shirt to her.