This fucker.
Luke saw red as the continuous mumblings of vulgar language was spurred through the speaker about Cherry.
"Ain't got a damn clue who that is. If you call again speaking to me like this I'll make sure you won't be able to speak again. Got it, fucker." Luke had made sure to get the number of the caller before hanging up.
Luke's blood was hot and his hands ached to kill the bastard.
He immediately sent the number to his old buddy, Ethan Hawks. Ethan was one of the top investigators in the country.
Luke ran his fingers through his hair. God, he needed a shower and a drink.
Making his way up the stairs to his apartment after closing up, Luke opened the door and stepped in. He was careful to not track dirt. Luke hated messes.
His eyes narrowed in on Cherry. Sleeping still, with a book open on her chest. Luke's fists ached so badly he needed to punch the living hell out of this guy. And he would.
Luke made his way to the bathroom. Turning the shower on he stepped into the steaming water. The rage he had been feeling washed a little with the water, but as he thought longer, it only grew.
He placed an order for some food and walked slowly over to Cherry. Who was still sleeping.
He needed to ask her something.
"Cherry." He said in a soft tone and nudged her a bit.
She didn't moved at first, but then he tried again.
Cherry shot up awake and her hands went forward, shoving the big body forward, before he gently grabbed her wrists.
"Shit. It's me, Luke. You're okay. You're fine, I promise." Luke watched as she focused and nodded slowly. Wetness stained her cheeks, making Luke feel even worse about what he was going to ask.
Luke watched as Cherry got ready to say something.
"I'm s-sorry. I thought you were-" Cherry started but stopped talking. Her plump lip worried between her teeth.
Luke nodded slightly.
"Who'd you think I was baby? Tell me. You're safe here." Luke nudged her to say this fuck's name.
Cherry squeezed her eyes shut.
"Get the fuck over here Cherry! How many times have I told you not to embarrass me. To do it in front of my work and family."
Cherry slowly walked towards him. The monster in her darkness dreams.
Once she was within grabbing distance. His fingers laced through her long hair. "You bitch, you're gonna feel it this time." He seethed. Cherry's eyes closed and she punched his chest trying to get away. He swung her into the nearest wall and Cherry slid down to the floor.
Her head already bleeding from hitting the corner of the wall.
"Stop! Please, just stop." Cherry looked up into the eyes of the devil.
She tried to moved and get up, when a strong boot came down on her back. Her piercing scream was heard, but only by her and the one who loved hearing it.
"Stop. Stop S-Stop." Cherry was sliding away slowly. Her entire body shaking. She wasn't allowed to address him with his name.
"Damien" Her voice was a broken whisper.
"Oh you fucking whore, did I not tell you to never call me that. You're dead." Cherry's screams weren't heard. The abuse unbearable. The name, unspeakable.
The tears were falling from the flashback. Cherry couldn't bring herself to tell Luke. Even if she trusted him. At least not yet.
"I'm sorry, I'm s-so sorry." Cherry sobbed and choked on her tears. Her finger clawing at her throat as she tried to catch her breath.
Luke watched as his blood somehow managed to get even hotter with rage.
He hoped Ethan would come up with more information soon. Luke was going to kill this guy.
"Cherry." He said softly. Luke watched as her eyes locked with his.
"I told you no more apologies for anything, got me? Now, baby you gotta breathe." Luke watched as she shook head in agreement.
Cherry's breathing was still labored and Luke couldn't take it anymore. He knelt on the ground in front of her. His big hands holding her knees.
Cherry didn't understand how he made her feel so safe.
"Breathe in." He said instructing her. After a few more breaths, Cherry was more calm. Luke stood and took his previous seat beside her on the couch. Yet, Cherry was still shaking.
"For fuck's sake. Come here, baby." Luke opened his arms and Cherry looked careful, but slowly melted into his arms. Her head resting against his shoulder and neck.
Cherry was in heaven. Nobody had ever held her like this. Certainly nobody that smelled this good. Or looked this good. Or was this warm.
"You're safe here." Luke said as his hand rubbed her back comfortably. Cherry loved how he said that, but she already knew it.
The memory of him standing while holding her was the last thing she needed to fall into a deep, and needed nap.
Luke left the room and a knock sounded on the door. He opened it expecting it to be the food.
Ethan Hawks stood at the door.
"We need to talk, now." Ethan said his voice was colder than ever before.
