Don't Give Up On Me - Unedited

Chapter 16

"Is this the last of the boxes?" Hunter asks, standing there looking drop dead gorgeous in his dark blue jeans, converse and tight grey t-shirt.

"Yeah that's the last." I answer.

"For someone that didn't want to stay with me, you sure do pack a lot of stuff."

"I only brought some casual clothing, nightwear, underwear and some clothing for work, which I'm still not comfortable about by the way. Oh shoes and toiletries."

"Of course, what woman wouldn't bring her shoes?" He questioned rhetorically.

"Do you expect me to walk around barefoot?"

"Absolutely not but is there a need for so many pairs?"

"Is that a genuine question?"

"Yes"

"Then yes, I do need so many pairs. So many outfits and shoes, leave so many options."

"Judging by the many boxes, I gathered that. Women. I just don't understand you creatures."

"If your gonna bitch I'll just take my belongings and go back home. Remember Hunter I didn't want to come here. YOU persuaded me."

"No! I want you here, I was just messing around." He looks sheepishly at me picking up the last box and making his way into his home.

I was expecting a large flashy mansions but how wrong I was. It was a moderate family sized home. It was the perfect dream home with the front porch, large garden and picket fence. Surprised? Most definitely.

"Come in. Make yourself at home."

I give him a timid smile and follow his back into the threshold. His house is beautiful. It's not cold and sterile which I was expecting. Instead it's warm, comfy and homey. Wine coloured walls with a cream leather corner suite. Of course he had the top of the range flat screen tele and surround sound, but he's a man and that is definitely what I expected. A cream shaggy rug situated infront of a large marble electric fireplace. Numerous photos in frames lined the walls of every member of his family except for Paul. Which makes the guilt ride through me. A soft sigh escapes my lips.

"Angel? What's wrong?"

"Oh nothing Hunter." I turn to face him. "It's just." Deep breath. "You have photos of every member of your family except for Paul.

"He's no longer classed as family."

I nod my head and look at the floor. It wasn't my intention for Hunter to lose a family member, but I want the one who committed something so unforgivable. So why should I feel bad about it?

"Stop that train of thought Angel. I can tell by the look on your face what you are thinking. He's a monster. He's not going to ever come within a 50 mile radius of you, I can promise that. This is all his fault. Not yours."

"Okay." My small smile instantly settles any chance of a debate on the matter.

"Charley, while we're on the subject. I want you to contact the police."

"What! No way!" I shriek, moving back to put some space between us.

"Angel, your going to need closure on this. Your not ready for it now but while your still bruised we can go to the hospital. They will check over you, write a report and that's evidence that can be used against him. The hospital will contact the police and put him behind bars. Do you want someone else to go through this?"

"You don't know what I'm going through!" I snap at him unintentionally. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to take my anger out on you."

"I understand." He walks me over to the sofa and takes my hand in his once were seated.

"I know you do and trust me I am very grateful. Your right though. The longer I leave it the more I'll heal, we need all the evidence we can get. Hunter I would completely understand if you want as little involvement in this as possible. After all he is still your brother and I don't want you caught up in a split with your family. No doubt the press will pick up on this and it will be bad for your business. I don't want this to ruin your reputation and livelihood. So if its ok with you, I'd rather go to the hospital and police on my own."

"Not a chance."

"Excuse me?"

"I am getting you through this if its the last thing I do. I am going to support you 100%."

"Thank you. That means more to me than you will ever know. But if by any chance you change you mind, I will understand. Promise me if you do change your mind you will tell me."

After a moments hesitation he gives me his word.

"Hunter the clothing I was wearing the day of the wedding I put in a plastic bag on top of my wardrobe."

"You did? Why?"

"Yes, because I knew once I got over the trauma that I would go to the police."

His arm wraps around my shoulder and he pulls my head to his chest. The strokes of his hand on my hair are comforting

"Your a lot stronger than you realise Charley."

"God I hope so."

"You are. Can I ask though, if you will tell me exactly what happened?"

"I don't think you could handle it. I don't want you to think any differently of me or see me any different either."

He lifts my chin to look in his eyes.

"I swear on my life Charley, I wouldn't and I couldn't see or think of you any differently." He gives me a smile and plants a small sweet kiss on my forehead. I instantly flinch.

"I'm sorry Charley I shouldn't have done that." The hurt on his face is evident.

"No I'm sorry it's just going to take some time and adjustment on my part. It was just a reflex nothing personal. It was a harmless kiss on the head."

"No you have nothing to apologise for. Would you like something to eat before we go?"

"No the sooner we get this done the better. We're going to need to go the apartment for the dress and underwear."

"Okay. Lets go."

"Are you sure you want to come though? Once we go there, there's no going back."

"I'm sure."

"Then I'm ready."

"Oh and Charley?"

"Yes?"

"You will tell me what happened."

And that's exactly what I'm afraid of.