Stone Tavern: Isabella's Savior

CHAPTER TEN

~CHAPTER TEN ~

Jackson left the room and came back into the bedroom with his pajama pants on and no shirt. He has eight-pack abs, and they look rock hard. Not to mention his shoulder there broad and muscular and his arms are. Why am I staring at him like he is my next meal? With everything going on. Being with a man is the last thing I need.

JACKSON

I chuckled to myself when I realized she was damn near drooling over me without a shirt on. But then if she only knew that she gives me a constant hard-on-24/7.

I climbed onto the bed beside Bella and we both laid down. I shut the light off on the nightstand. I ran my fingers through her hair until she fell asleep. It seemed to help her relax. Shortly after she fell asleep, I went and did a security check of the house and then I came to bed next to Bella. I kissed her forehead.

"You're my everything, my beautiful night. You might not realize it yet. I believe I'm falling in love with you." I said. Shortly after that, I fell asleep.

I woke up feeling well-rested after having one of the best night's sleeps in a long time. There was a warm sensation on my chest and beside me. As I turn my head, I witness the most beautiful sight in the world. I am witnessing the most beautiful lady sleeping. As we speak, Bella is fast asleep while curled up on me.

ISABELLA (BELLA)

I woke up, and my head was resting on top of Jack's chest. I panicked. He must have suspected it because he ran his hand up and down my arm. I honestly don't know how, but it seemed to affect me and helped me calm down and relax.

I don't know why or how; but Jack make feel things I haven't in a long time. I really do like him. But with everything that I am going through right now. I don't know if he would even want to be with someone like me. I am not sure if he would want to be with someone like me, who is going through a lot and feels broken, damaged, and weak.

I have been staying with Jack for over six months now. I still have my occasional nightmares. My therapist recently discharged me from counseling. The doctor didn't feel that there was anything more that she could do for me. Jack and I have been in this routine now at the house. If he works at the Tavern, I will go with him and hang out in the office till he is done. On his days off, we hang out at the house, have dinner or we go out. But we always make it the best time we can. Jack has been breaking my walls down. We are laying in his bed or mine watching a movie till we fall asleep at night.

I have been dreading this day for months now. Only because I knew that I would have to face David and see his family in the courtroom. I woke up with anxiety this morning. Jack knew it. I just wish that I didn't have to see his face. I have worked so hard to get to where I am today.

JACKSON

I woke up early this morning, took a shower, and got dressed. By the time Bella got up this morning, I had already had two cups of coffee. She said little while we had breakfast. She's going to court today and I know she's feeling extremely anxious. Facing David and his family makes it particularly tough. It's understandable that she feels that way. After finishing her meal, she went to take a shower, get dressed, and was ready to leave. I cleaned up breakfast and put the dishes in the dishwasher before starting it.

I could hear the ringing of my phone coming from the other room and had to go find it. Rather than dwelling on it, I opted to let it move on. My phone began ringing again just a few minutes after the last call. It piqued my curiosity when the phone rang, prompting me to investigate the caller's identity. Upon identifying my father as the caller, I eagerly answered the phone and engaged in conversation.

----PHONE CALL----

J: Hey dad!

BS: Morning son! How are things?

J: Okay, for now.

BS: What do you mean?

J: Well, Bells is real quiet and distant this morning. I don't know what to do to help her dad.

BS: Just being there for her is all you really can do, Jackson. You have become that girl's world.

J: I know as she is mine. But we can't move forward till this is over.

BS: I agree. So, how is he doing physically?

J: Physically, she is good. Emotionally, any other day, she is doing ok. But today she is barely holding it together and I can see it.

BS: I bet; can't really say I blame her for that one.

J: Me neither dad.

BS: Hey I wanted to give you a warning that David and his lawyer are trying to say that Bella lied and filed false charges against him.

J: What the hell!

BS: Don't worry, I spoke to the District Attorney and the motions that his attorney has been trying to push have been getting denied like crazy.

J: Good that those are being denied, but it is bullshit that it's being said, though.

BS: I agree. The DA plans to nail his ass. He has enough evidence to take his ass down and plans to do so.

J: Thank heavens for that.

BS: Jackson, I will see you both when you get to the courthouse. Love You both.

J: We love you too, dad.

----END OF PHONE CALL----

I was standing there after handing up the phone with my dad. Seeing that it was my dad who called before. He also sent me a text message about an hour ago. 'Hey son, call me. It is important!' Well, I just got off the phone with him. So that must have been why he text me and why he wanted me to call him. My own thoughts sidetracked me. I didn't notice Bella coming down the steps and into the room.

"Hey Jack, how long till we need to leave?" Bella asked. I honestly didn't hear the words that come out of her mouth. She looked beautiful in her suit that she bought with Macey. I look at the woman who I love more than life itself, only she doesn't know it. Bella tapped my shoulder, and I blinked my eyes.

"Yeah, what's up, Bells?" I said. She chuckled.

"Are you alright? You looked spaced out there for a moment." Bella said.

"Yes, I am good. Just thinking, that's all." I said.

"Ok, I called your name twice, and you didn't respond. But just kept staring." Bella mentioned.

"Yes, Bells, I am good. I promise just a lot on my mind. Are you ready to go?" I asked her. If she only knew that she consumes 90 percent of my mind.

"As I will ever be, I suppose." Bella said.

When Bella got up today, she was in a bucket full of nerves. She wasn't her normal self at all. I know why. I wasn't born yesterday. Thankfully, my dad and the other officers will be there to testify and to protect her as well.

"Babe, everything will be alright. I promise." I told her. I hugged her and kissed her forehead.

"I know Jack. It's just that we have worked so hard to get me where I'm right now. I don't want to go back to the person I was when you met me that night." Bella said.

"You won't Bells. I promise." I said.

"How can you be so sure?" Bella asked.

"Because you have me, and I am not giving up on you. I am also not going to let that bastard destroy your hard work." I told her. She smiled.

Both of us got into my truck and we headed for Greenwood Courthouse. The ride was rather quiet as Bella, who was usually talkative, remained silent and seemed to be off. It was easy to observe that it was noticeable. Upon reaching the courthouse, I parked my truck outside the premises and went in. She felt her heart rate increasing, so she took a couple of deep breaths to slow it down. I gently squeezed her hand to offer comfort. It is important for her to know that she can handle the situation and that things will turn out fine. I want to clarify that I am fully supportive of her and will not leave her side under any circumstances. I have no plans to do so either.