Cinderella's Guardian Read online

  "Robyn and Barbara at the salon. They say it about me—or to me—regularly."

  He was infuriated for her that she had to live with such abuse. He'd also begun to question what else the women did to Tina, aside from verbal insults.

  "Oh, Tina baby. That's on them, not you. Their insults only show how insecure and childish they are. It's not anything to do with who you are."

  With a slight shake of her head, Tina changed the topic of conversation. "You haven't asked how I got in the chair. It's normally the first thing people ask."

  "What put you in the chair is in the past. I'm much more concerned with you now. And I know you'll tell me when you're ready. I'm in no rush."

  "But the past makes us who we are now. You can't possibly know me now without knowing what happened."

  Conner understood she wanted to talk about her accident. To be honest, if she told him, it would make life easier as he wouldn't have to pretend he didn't know anymore.

  "You can tell me about it anytime you want. I'm not going to pressure you about it."

  She began playing with a button on his shirt, tickling the flesh beneath as she told him about the accident he'd already seen in their dream.

  "So, you'll be out of the chair one day?"

  "Hmm, with rehab maybe. But I'm not getting it. Robyn is supposed to do the exercises with me, but she doesn't lift a finger. She thinks I don't see what she's about, but I see her clear as day."

  "What do you mean? Why wouldn't she help you with your rehab?"

  "Robyn likes my dad. My mother stole him out from under her in high school. From what I understand, Dad has never really noticed Robyn. He's always been all about Mum. Crazy man. Anyway, I'm pretty sure Robyn took on being my caretaker to get in good with my dad. She knows if I get better that's all over."

  His grip tightened on her. That bitch! Her light caress over his clenched jaw drew his attention from his fury, "I can only guess that is why she's keeping you away too. I mean, if I had a boyfriend who was willing to help me, she wouldn't be needed."

  His whole body was tense with rage and frustration. He wanted to tell her he was willing—more than willing—to care for her. To keep her safe forever with him, but Conner knew he couldn't talk like that yet. He'd scare her.

  "Why don't you leave? I mean, she's not helping you recover. Wouldn't you be better off on your own?"

  Her gaze dropped away from him, and she twisted her hands together in her lap. Damn, he shouldn't have voiced the questions. But they'd slipped from his mouth before he'd really thought them through.

  "Where would I go? How would I get a place to live? What would I do? I have no money, no skills that would help me gain employment."

  "I could—"

  She cut him off by pressing two fingers against his lips, "We've only just met, Conner. I don't know you well enough to run away with you. No matter how much I'm tempted."

  Needing to release at least some of the emotions running around his mind, he kissed her fingers before gently peeling them away from his mouth. He palmed her face, tilted it up to his and lowered his lips to hers. He sipped at her lips. Light tender kisses to convey his deep feelings for her. He felt her hands grip his head as she deepened the kiss with a small moan. He was lost to the taste of her, tangy citrus filling his senses. Her tongue stroked against his, and Conner groaned as he hardened further against her soft bottom. She was driving him insane with lust. He pulled back from her mouth, panting. With closed eyes, he rested his forehead against hers. Her finger, cool from the night air, traced his lips.

  "You are an amazing kisser."

  "Really? Because I've never done it before."

  The words left his mouth before his desire soaked brain could stop them. He silently cursed as he felt her body stiffen.

  "You can't expect me to believe a guy that looks as good as you do has never kissed a girl before."

  "Looks aren't everything, baby doll. And I've never wanted to kiss anyone before you, so I haven't."

  "Well, you can kiss me any time you like."

  "Hmmm, is that so?" He pressed against her mouth again to have another taste. He would never get enough of her. She pulled back this time, stroked his face as she did.

  "I'd best be getting back inside before Robyn figures out what we're up to."

  "Can I come back tomorrow night? I'll wait back here for you. I promise she won't see me or my car."

  "That sounds divine. Thank you, Conner."

  "It's my pleasure, Tina."

  He reluctantly rose from the swing and settled her in her chair before he wheeled her over to the ramp. He bent and kissed her neck before whispering in her ear, "Happy birthday, baby doll. Sweet dreams." He rose and strode away, jumping the fence and jogging back to his car, all the while trying to work out a way to get Tina away from Robyn's care.

  ~ * ~

  In a daze, Tina made her way to her room. Glancing out the window, she was just in time to see Conner's car quietly roll down the street. With fingers brushing her lips, she smiled. Sparks of happiness zinged through her body as she stripped and hauled herself into bed. Usually she'd be in tears of frustration, after struggling to get through her nightly routine. Not tonight. Tonight she was giddy with excitement.

  Conner White was as beautiful in real life as he'd been in her dream. She hoped she would dream of him again tonight. She felt a frown form. She would have to keep him hidden from Robyn. Tina didn't want to think about what the crazy bitch would do if she found out about their little late night get together. Her worry washed away as she thought about the fact he'd be waiting for her again tomorrow night.

  Conner couldn't have known what it had meant to be able to sit on her swing. Memories of her as a small child filled her mind, her daddy pushing her higher as she squealed in delight. Back before her training had taken up all her time. Before her mother took over her life. The more time she had to reflect on her childhood and career, the more she resented her mother. With little to no consideration for Tina, she had pushed and forced her so hard. Even when she won awards and accolades—it was never enough. Perfection was her mother's requirement of her, at all times, in all things. Her father was different though. His love was unconditional and simple. Pure. As a parent's love should be.

  In their bonding time after her accident, he'd told her how sorry he was that he hadn't fought for her. He'd thought she was happy with her gymnastics, so he went along with Gloria's plans. She'd seen the pain in his eyes. Tina had tried to tell him it wasn't his fault, but he wouldn't hear it. She half believed her dad had taken the long job away in an attempt to escape his misguided guilt regarding her. She sighed. When he found out how Robyn had been treating her, he'd feel even worse. But she couldn't tell him. Especially now he'd told her this is the last time he'd leave her for so long. She wouldn't jeopardize his returning to her simply so she could vent her frustrations. Besides, she had Conner to focus on now. He'd allow her to keep a bubble around her mind. So long as she thought about Conner, Robyn's shit couldn't penetrate into her psyche to take effect.

  Rolling over and curling up, she nuzzled into her pillow, wishing it were Conner's chest, as she allowed herself to drift off to sleep.

  Curling her toes into the sand, she grinned. The feeling of freedom to be able to move without limitation was the best sensation. Taking off, she sprinted across the sand. She executed a perfect cartwheel followed by a somersault; she laughed with pure joy as she finished with a pirouette. Strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her back to a hard chest. She took a deep breath and absorbed Conner's scent. Cedarwood and sage. The smell made her feel cocooned in warmth, like the humidity of a rainforest—without the suffocating effect, of course.

  "I love to hear you laugh, baby doll."

  "Hmmm, Conner. You smell so good, better in real life, but still."

  His deep chuckle in her ear brought out goose bumps on her flesh.

  "You smell pretty good yourself. All citrusy fresh and entirely irresistible."
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br />   He nibbled down her neck, caressing her flat stomach with his large masculine hands. She reached a hand up and tousled his hair. The thick strands felt so good against her fingers. He gripped her hips and turned her to face him, taking her mouth with his as soon as he could.

  Oh, how I wish this was real.

  Breathless, she pulled from the kiss. She stroked his face with her fingertips, caressing and memorizing each inch of his beauty. The realization that this was just a dream brought tears to her eyes.

  "This can never be my reality...and it sucks that my dreams would tease me like this."

  She whirled around and sprinted from him, from the pain threatening to envelope her. She made it to the lifeguard tower and slumped to her knees beneath its shelter, sobbing and panting. She was such a fool to torment herself with such dreams. Suddenly, she was scooped up and held against a firm chest.

  "Oh, baby, it'll be real. Just you wait. This will be our reality, one day. I will find a way to get past Robyn, to get you free of her."

  "You have no idea how much I want this dream to be real, Conner. I can't stand my life! I'm locked away, forced to work in that tiny back room of the salon, not allowed out or to speak to anyone. She's turned me into a ghost! The only spark of life I've had was Kit smuggling your present and note to me, then meeting you at my swing."

  "Oh, Tina...I will find a way. I promise I'll make it better. Just hang in there for me, please."

  Wrapped in Conner's strong embrace, she allowed herself to lean on him. Why the hell couldn't this be real? Surely after all she'd suffered this last year, she deserved something good, some happiness? And Conner would make a wonderful knight in shining armor.

  Chapter Four

  Robyn tapped a perfectly manicured nail against her lips as she watched Tina. Something was different about her. She couldn't quite place it. She looked a little different, her shoulders straighter, her face not quite so pathetically sad all the time. In fact, a ghost of a smile graced her lips. As Tina wheeled back from the coffee table, the lounge light reflected on something around her throat.

  "What are you wearing around your neck, Tina? Where did it come from?"

  "It's just a necklace, Robyn. Nothing special."

  Robyn frowned, the clench of Tina's jaw said otherwise.

  "I don't believe you. Who gave you the necklace?"

  Tina turned to her, anger written clearly over her features. This was not good. Tina never showed any emotion, other than crying all the damn time.

  "It is none of your business who gave it to me."

  "Like hell it is!"

  She flew to her feet as Tina raced to her room. Before Tina could slam the door, Robyn was there, pushing her way in. There was only one person who could have this effect on Tina. How had he gotten past her? She'd been so careful to never let Tina out of her sight since Conner had shown his interest.

  "It's from that boy, Conner, isn't it? How did he get to you?"

  Tina backed toward her window with fear in her gaze. She should fear her. Robyn was in one hell of a mood. A phone chime caught her attention.

  "Give me your phone."

  Why hadn't she taken it off her earlier? Tina didn't need a damn phone. She mentally shook her head, such a dumb mistake for her to make.

  "No. You can't do this to me! I'm an adult. I have rights."

  She laughed with zero humor. "No, honey, you don't. You're nothing but a cripple, no one will believe your stories and your father made me your primary caregiver. He was even so kind as to sign legal documentation to that effect. So, I can do whatever I want with you. Give. Me. Your. Phone."

  Tina tried to keep hold of her phone but her hands were trembling and Robyn swiftly snatched it free from her grasp. Robyn quickly activated the screen and went into the messages. Her fury grew at each one she read. Tina had been sneaking out at night to meet Conner for the past two weeks! Body vibrating with rage, she turned the phone off and pocketed it. She prowled over to Tina, who was as close to the window as she could get.

  "You will never see Conner again. Are we clear?"

  As Tina nodded jerkily, Robyn reached forward and ripped the necklace from around her neck. Opening the window with a jerk, she tossed it though, before slamming it closed and turning the lock in place. She turned back to see Tina rubbing at the red line around her neck. Served herself right, she should have known better than to attempt to take up with a boy.

  "Now let's get you tucked into bed for the night, shall we?"

  She helped Tina into bed then left the room—with her chair. After parking it in the walk-in-closet in her bedroom, she made certain both the back and front doors were dead-bolted. No way was that boy entering her house. She turned toward her room and shook her head at the sound of Tina's sobbing. Stupid girl.

  She made her way back to the closet and brushed her hand over Dale's clothes to stir up his scent. Dale didn't wear cologne. His smell was pure masculinity. She was supposed to be staying in the spare room down the hall, but she loved being surrounded by Dale's things, his scent. She slept in his bed, on his sheets. Every night she dreamt of him joining her in that bed. One day. One day he would notice her and fall at her feet. Then she wouldn't have to put up with Tina at all, but send her away to some rehab facility until she could fend for herself.

  ~ * ~

  Conner parked around the corner in his usual spot before heading to Tina's house. As he got close he could feel something was wrong. Instead of going straight around the back, he crept over the lawn to crouch below her window. He could hear her sobbing, the sound ripping into his heart. He lowered himself on to all fours on the ground, sinking his fingers into the grass, trying desperately not to shift. His leopard wanted to protect and comfort his mate. So did his human side, but he couldn't, as he had no way of entering her room without alerting Robyn.

  Something cold against his palm caused him to start. Raising his hand he saw Tina's necklace lying against the damp grass, the one she hadn't taken off since he gave it to her two weeks ago. His instincts went on high alert. There was no way Tina would throw it away. He held it closer and inspected the chain. Sure enough, it was broken. A growl formed low in his throat, had Robyn discovered their secret nighttime rendezvous?

  He sprinted back to his car, using every bit of will power he had to not shift and go back to take her away. Once inside the confines of his vehicle, he rang Tina's number. Straight to voicemail, meaning it was turned off. Shit, Robyn must have found out. Barely aware of his actions, he started his car and headed home. Dream bonding was the only way he could see her now. But that would never be enough for either of them. He had to figure out how to get her away from Robyn. Quickly.

  As he plowed through the front door he nearly took out his dad, who was walking through to the lounge room.

  "Sorry, Dad."

  "No worries, son. You're not looking so hot there. What happened? Is Tina okay?"

  "I don't know if she's okay! We've been meeting up at night in her backyard. I think Robyn's found out. I found her necklace outside her window. I could hear her sobbing and her phone is turned off."

  His dad's face grew serious as he gripped Conner's shoulder. "Robyn is not a nice person, son. I've been asking around trying to get information about Tina for you. No one who knows Robyn wants to be on her bad side. She's got a real mean streak. Dale must not know about what's going on. No way would he allow this kind of treatment to happen to his little girl. I'll see if I can find out what rig he's on. See if I can ring or email him. Let him know he needs to come home. You going to dream bond with her tonight?"

  "That's what I was planning to do. It's the only way I've got to communicate with her now. I'm thinking I might try to tell her the dreams are real. Not sure, the last dream we shared she lost the plot. broke down in tears before getting angry with herself for dreaming up something she'll never have. Dad, she desperately wanted the dream to be real but she wouldn't believe me when I told her that one day it would be. She sounded depress
ed and close to doing something really dangerous. Scared the hell out of me, Dad."

  "Well, you better get to bed then, son. I'll do what I can to get a hold of her father. We will fix this and get her out safely."

  "I know, Dad. I just wish I could think of how! Maybe if I was an alpha, I could figure it out..." He finished off quietly, more to himself, but his dad still heard him.

  His dad gave him a small shake before he gripped his face between his hands, forcing Conner to look into his gaze. "Don't ever think for one moment that you are less of a man, because you are not the alpha, or future alpha. We are all simply men, and we make mistakes. Do you think Dominic doesn't kick himself daily for leaving Adele and Kelly alone when he went to organize a guard for them? In hindsight, he can see he should have rung around to get the job done. He never should have left them unprotected like he did. As a result Cole got his filthy hands on both of them. He hurt Adele and Kelly, because of Dominic's one moment of poor judgment. He'll always feel guilty about it, but in the end, as a leap, a family, we got the girls out and safe. The same applies here. We will all pull together and help you get Tina out safely."

  Pulling free of his father's grip, Conner looked to the floor. He could feel heat rising in his cheeks as embarrassment from his childish words set in. He'd always felt inferior to Dominic, he wasn't sure why. His parents and his brother never did anything to make him feel less, but he did. As the second son of the current alpha he was overlooked publicly. With no real role in the leap, he often felt like a spare wheel. He kept it hidden most of the time, not allowing the feelings to surface. But every so often they would break through his control.

  He could sense his mother coming closer and he just couldn't handle what she would say to him. He was already on edge with worry about Tina. Without further thought, he turned and bolted up the hallway to the other end of the house where his bedroom was located. In his room, Conner quickly worked his way through his nightly routines. Once under the covers he forced his body to relax and his mind to clear of all thoughts except those of Tina, hoping she was already asleep.