Fake Fiancé

More Secrets Revealed

As they drove to Isabella's house, she fell asleep on Joe's shoulder. He looked down when he felt her shaking. His heart sank when he noticed she was having a nightmare.

He reached up and started running his fingers through her hair. Suddenly she jumped up, wide awake as a sob escaped.

"Bella," he said gently to get her attention without scaring her. "It's okay. You're safe."

She started sobbing harder. He pulled her into his chest, tightly wrapping his arms around her.

"It's okay," he continued to whisper. "You're safe. Nothing is going to happen to you again. I'm taking you home. You'll be safe there."

"Not without you."

"I don't have to leave," Joe whispered. "I can stay with you for as long as you want me to. If you ask, I will stay with you until you tell me to go."

"Promise?" She whispered, her voice breaking.

"I promise."

* * * * *

When they got to her house, Joe looked down to see Isabella asleep. He looked up at the driver and nodded appreciatively.

"Would you like some help taking her upstairs?" Paul asked.

"No," Joe said, glancing at Isabella before looking back up at Paul. "Thank you, but I've got her. Alert my father that we've found her and I'm staying with her tonight. I want to make sure she's safe."

"Yes, sir."

Joe looked down at Isabella and gently touched her face, waking her up. He smiled as her eyes fluttered open.

"We're home," he whispered.

Without another word, Joe got out of the car and helped Isabella out. He didn't let go of her as he led her inside. He led her through the house, towards her room. He gently placed her on the edge of her bed.

"Bella," he whispered as he knelt in front of her.

"I'm tired," she said under her breath.

"I know, darling," he sighed. "You can go to bed after I clean you up. What kind of fiancé would I be if I let you go to bed bloody?"

"A fake one," she mumbled.

Joe cleared his throat before asking, "Where's your first aid kit, Bella?"

"In the bathroom," she whispered.

He stood up and grabbed her hands, helping her up. He wrapped his arm around her waist and led her into the bathroom. He picked her up with ease and gently put her on the counter.

Isabella watched as Joe cleaned her up. She instantly noticed how gentle he was being with her. He made sure that the water he used wasn't too hot or too cold. He made sure that he didn't get too close to her cuts while cleaning off the blood. He constantly apologized whenever something he did stung.

Seeing this side of him was strange for her. She's known Joe for five years, and yet she has never seen him being so sincere. She's seen him harsh, professional, and a "financial shark" as he's known around the office. But never so. . . Gentle.

"There," he said softly. "All done."

"Does that mean I can go to sleep now?"

"Yes," he whispered as he reached up and moved a piece of hair behind her ear.

Joe gently grabbed Isabella's hips and lifted her off of the bathroom counter. He instantly wrapped his arm around her waist and led her to her bed. The second her head hit the pillow, her eyes fluttered closed.