Broken

Chapter Six

It has been several weeks since I started at the bar and met some fantastic people and made great friends. I had slowly gotten used to the guys coming over on Sunday nights and was beginning to enjoy having them around. Dustin and I have become great friends and I was starting to wonder if I would want anything more. We texted each other a lot and he always checked in to see how I was doing. It was Saturday night and the guys were playing again. The place was packed as usual. Jack had given me more of the floor during the week but had always wanted me to take vip on the night that they were playing. I always seemed to feel safer when Dustin was there. His presence always seemed to calm me. They had finished their first set and were headed up to their table. I had already had their drinks waiting for them.

"I always knew there was a good reason to keep you around, flower." Sam said as they sat down at their table.

"You are awesome!" Elijah praised.

"Thanks Daisy." Jack said.

"You're welcome, guys."

I turn to head back down the stairs and I see Dustin walk my way. I smile as he approaches me. I am lost in his eyes and stop as he gets close to me. He reaches up to cup my cheek and I instantly freeze, and my body tenses up. He realizes what he has done and quickly pulls his hand back.

"I am sorry doll, I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's okay, Dustin. I just have to learn that not everyone wants to hurt me."

"You know that I would never do that."

"I do, and I am learning. Don't give up on me."

"I don't think I ever could."

I see a small smile cross his lips and I give him one back. Sam comes behind me giving me a big hug as he picks me up. I instantly freeze and my breaths come fast and shallow.

"Sam, put her down. You sent her into a panic attack."

"Oh god, I'm so sorry." He sets me down quickly as I try to catch my breath. Dustin quickly picks up my hand and has me look in his eyes. He is starting to learn how to comfort and bring me back. My breathing soon comes back to normal and I turn around to Sam.

"It's okay. You didn't know. It is something I am coming to terms with. You all are amazing and I don't want to scare you off."

Dustin takes my hand and starts to walk off.

"Hey guys, we'll be back in a minute. Doll, come with me."

I follow him as we walk through the crowd to the back office. As we walk in, he closes the door behind him and we sit on the sofa together.

"Are you sure you are okay?"

"Yes, thanks to you."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"My ex abused me. Which is why I am jumpy. I can't go into detail right now. I ran from him and ended up here. I am scared he will come after me and find me."

"I will not let anything happen to you."

"How can you say that?"

"I really care about you, doll." He reaches up to brush my cheek and I flinch at first as he wipes a tear from my cheek with his thumb.

"I am so broken. Why would you care about me?"

"Something just draws me to you. I can't figure it out but I don't want to let you go."

I burst into tears and he opened his arms to me and waited for me to come to him. I hesitate for just a moment and crawl into his arms as he wraps them around me. I feel safe here. I don't ever want to leave. He softly places a kiss to the top of my head and for once I don't flinch at the sweet gesture.