The Journey Ch. 03

*Thank you all for your comments, they are very helpful. If there is anything else you wish to know feel free to ask and I'll do my best to help :) Thank you for following this story!*

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The next afternoon Brian was waiting outside the club. He was leaning against the wall by the door almost casually with his arms crossed over his chest.

The door burst open and the Dom that Katarina had experienced marched out. Brian grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and hauled him back.

"What the hell?! Get your hands off me!!!" He cried as Brian pulled him back inside.

Brian shoved him against a wall and pinned him there, anger blazing in his eyes.

"What the hell man?!" The Dom cried.

"You know." Brian growled dangerously. "That girl you brought here weeks ago, you've damaged her and I'm here to pay you back."

"She knew what she was getting into." The other man growled. "She wanted it."

"But you didn't even explain the safe word system, or what you would be doing to her. She had told you fantasies, mere fantasies! Could you not see the true fear in her eyes? Or did you choose to ignore it you sick bastard." Then Brian slapped him.

The man counteracted with a left hook to Brian's right cheek bone. Brian inhaled sharply at the pain and kicked the man's legs out from under him then kicked him hard in the side. Then he placed his knee in the center of the man's chest and wrapped his hand around the man's throat.

"Today was your last day here. You are kicked out of the club for not following its rules and causing harm to a woman under your care. You violated your title as a Master. Now get out."

Brian let him up; the man quickly lashed out with his foot and caught him in the ribs. The breath was knocked out of Brian but two bouncers stepped in and grabbed the man.

"Get him out." Brian growled.

Brian caught his breath. The easy part of his task was over, now the hard part began. He gingerly walked to his car and went to see Katarina.

....

He arrived at Katarina's bringing supper. She was happy to see him and smiled warmly. But her smile faded when she saw a bruise on his cheek.

"Brian what happened?" She asked as she reached up to touch his face.

Brian flinched back from her touch. He took her hand and kissed it.

"A small fight, nothing to worry about."

"I see." Katarina said, deciding to drop the matter. She turned to get the supper ready then turned back and accidently bumped into him. Brian hissed in air through his teeth and held on to the counter for support.

Katarina gasped. "Oh no I'm sorry! You are hurt!"

"Just badly bruised, I will be fine."

She took his hand and led him to the couch. She then retrieved two ice packs and returned to him. She gently removed his shirt and had him lie down with his head in her lap. Then she placed the ice against his ribs and held the other to his cheek.

"Why were you fighting someone? You don't look well."

"Oh he looks worse." Brian muttered then cleared his throat. "The man I fought...was the Dom that harmed you."

He felt her stiffen and he took hold of her hand.

"It's over; he's been kicked out of the club and will not harm you. I made sure of that."

He sat up so he could look her in the eye. He could see her think what he said through, then she visibly relaxed and met his gaze. He cupped her cheek in his hand, then slowly drew closer. Then he kissed her gently, tenderly, but full of emotion. She gasped a little then returned the kiss. Brian sighed and rested his forehead against hers, their noses touching. He had no words to say.

She broke the silence for him.

"You should stay here for the night to rest so you can drive home safe."

He nodded, his hand was still on her cheek. He cleared his throat and took his hand away.

"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea...thank you."

She smiled. "No problem. I'll uh, get some blankets and a pillow for you then."

Thoughts whirled through Brian's head as she went to get the pillow and blankets. What was it he was feeling, did he love her? She was so sweet and kind, and he was beginning to see the woman she had been before her ordeal. He wanted to be with her, he would gladly give up his position at the club for her. He didn't want only the physical aspect with her; he wanted to be with her because of the person she was. She came back then and he was startled from his thoughts.

"You were thinking hard there." She teased.

"Indeed I was." He smiled at her then stretched. Then immediately regretted that as he stretched his abused ribcage. "Ah, not such a good idea."

She handed him some water and ibuprofen. "That should help and the ice will numb the pain too. If you need anything you know where to find me." She yawned sleepily.

Brian squeezed her hand. "I'll be fine; I'm a man I can take it." He winked. "Go to sleep, you need it just as much as I do."

Katarina smiled then left for her room. She paced the length of her room for a while going over her own thoughts about Brian. She sighed then finally lay down. Sleep was slow in coming, but for once she went to sleep thinking about something other than the horror she had been through.

....

Brian woke the next morning still sore but feeling much better. He quietly crept into Katarina's room and went to her side. He gently eased into bed beside her and wrapped his arms around her. Katarina sighed and slowly woke up, blinking up at him.

"Good morning beautiful." He said softly and kissed her forehead. "I...I have something I would like to tell you." He stroked her cheek with his thumb. "I can't deny it any longer that I care for you deeply. I don't really know what it is I feel, but I feel it quite prominently. I...I don't know how you feel but...I needed to tell you." He heaved in a deep breath and rested his forehead against hers, closing his eyes and awaited her response.

Katarina had snapped to full awareness and she lay with her mouth slightly open in surprise. What he had said reflected what she felt for him, and she hadn't expected him to tell her those things. She remembered to breathe and quickly drew a breath. Then she snuggled closer to him and sighed in content. Brian opened his eyes and held her close, a bit perplexed but knowing that she was gathering herself to speak.

"I don't really what to say." Katarina said at last. She moved from their embrace so she could look him in the eyes. "All I can say is that I...feel...well I don't really know but I care about you too." She smiled and oh how that smile lit up her eyes and made her that much more beautiful to him. "I was thinking a lot about this last night."

"Me too." Brian said with a small laugh. Then he kissed her. "I need to go." He whispered against her lips. "I'll come back soon though ok? I promise." He smiled and disengaged himself from the comfort of her embrace. He still had hold of her hand and he gave it one last squeeze before turning to leave.