Never Broken

Chapter 4

Zeke

I awoke with Rhenn still wrapped in my arms. Even though we had fallen asleep and slept on the hard ground, I was the most comfortable I have ever slept all due to having her in my arms. I had loved her the second I first saw her. Everything I have done since then has been for her. As I get older, I feel my determination to keep her safe get stronger. I no longer feel the frustration I did when I was younger and unable to help her. I was serious when I asked her to move in with my parents and me. I have wanted to get her out of that house since day one. Even if my parents say no, she is coming with me. Then when I start college, we will leave and get as far away from that monster as possible. She thinks I haven't noticed how withdrawn she has become, or how she never smiles anymore. I notice it all. I want to teach that scum a lesson for ever hurting her. I always suspected the worse, but knowing is even worse, even more knowing it had been happening for years. I feel my rage building. I want to kill him. Rhenn lets out a small sigh, burrowing further into my arms, and just like that my rage is subdued. I look down at her sleeping and smile warmly, kissing her forehead lightly. The sun is starting to rise. I know she will wake soon so I hold her close and let her sleep more. She deserves peace. She deserves safety. She deserves vengeance, and if she can't get it herself, I am happy to be her weapon. It is why I have made my body into a weapon. I have been working out at the gym now for years, but recently I got my parents agree to boxing and martial arts training, purely for self-defence of course, well as far as they know anyway. I want to make sure I am strong enough to take on anyone who dare hurts my girl. My instructors are amazed at how fast I progressed and believe I am some sort of natural talent, but it is my determination that is behind that, not talent. I let them believe what they want. I am lost in my daydream of our future life together when I hear a soft, sleepy groan. Looking down at the angel in my arms I see too sleepy, but radiant blue eyes meet mine, followed by the sweetest smile.

"Hi." She quietly says.

"Morning beautiful." I reply, kissing her forehead and pulling her close. "You sleep, ok?"

"Mmhmm." She answers as stretching, "I should have come here instead of the skate park to sleep those other times. So much better here."

"Babe, why didn't you come to me? You could have slept in my bed."

She shrugs, "I was ashamed. I... it is hard to put into words. I didn't really plan it; I just didn't want to go home. Ever."

"Rhenn," I hold her close, "How I wish I could have done something back then. You deserve only the best. I promise you I will give it to you." she burrows further into my chest.

"I believe you, Zeke. You are the only person in my life I trust. You have never lied to me or hurt me." she looks up into my eyes, "I don't know what I would do if you had never moved in next door."

"I would always find you Rhenn. We are meant to be. And now I have you, I am never letting go."

"No, never let me go."

"Even if we are separated, I will always come for you. I will always find you." I kiss her putting every one of my emotions into the kiss, hoping she understands. We are forever.

We slowly get up and wander back to where the main party was. The fire has long since burnt out. There is cups and empty bottles everywhere. There are even a few people laying around, sleeping off whatever substance they partook in the night before. We slowly make our way around the mess and take our time walking home.

"Want me to come in with you?" I ask, ready to go to battle for her.

"No, it's okay, he is probably still passed out from yesterday." She turns to me placing her hand on my cheek. "Thank you, Zeke."