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Daisy Penelope Bloom, a young American woman living in Liverpool, Britain, across from her best friend Melody Price. Mel's father, John Price, has been away on a year long mission. When he returns, he f...
Melody pulls into the driveway outside her home, her hand pressing on the horn to catch her father's attention. He comes out, looking confused but quickly morphs into concern when he sees Daisy's bruised face. Without a word, he helps her out of the car, his touch gentle and reassuring.
Inside, John takes a seat beside her on the couch, his eyes filled with a fiery protectiveness that makes Daisy's heart race. Melody sits opposite, her hand in Daisy's, offering silent support.
"What happened?" John's voice is low, his gaze intense.
Daisy takes a deep breath, trying to find the words to explain the horror she's just experienced. "Alex... I... I broke up with him," she stammers, her voice shaking. "And he didn't take it well." Melody nods, her expression a mix of anger and sadness.
"He hurt you," John says, his voice a low growl.
Daisy nods, feeling a fresh wave of tears threaten to spill over. "He raped me," she sobs.
John's face turns to stone, his jaw clenching tightly. He wraps his arms around her, holding her close. "You don't have to tell me the details if you don't want to, Daisy. But I'm here for you. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you're safe," he says, his voice gruff with emotion.
Daisy melts into his embrace, feeling a sense of security she hasn't felt in a long time. "Thank you," she whispers, her voice muffled by his shirt. Melody's eyes fill with tears as she watches her friend find solace in her father's arms.
The tension in the room is palpable, but it's clear that the bond between Daisy and John has shifted, becoming something stronger and more intimate.
"You should call the authorities, Daisy. Don't let him get away with this," Melody says, her voice trembling with anger.
Daisy nods, feeling the weight of the words, but the thought of facing Alex again, of reliving that nightmare in a cold, sterile police station, is too much to bear. She feels soiled and violated, and the mere mention of his name sends shivers down her spine.
John's grip tightens around her, his thumb gently stroking her back in a soothing rhythm. "I'll handle it, Melody. I know exactly what to do," he assures his daughter, his voice a promise of retribution.
"I... I need a shower or something... And a change of clothes." Daisy's voice is barely a whisper as she pulls away from John's embrace. She can feel the ghost of Alex's touch on her skin, and she needs to scrub it away.
Melody nods, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Come on, I'll get you something to wear," she says, standing up and leading Daisy upstairs to her room.
While Melody rummages through her closet, Daisy steps into the warm shower, letting the water wash over her bruised body. She closes her eyes, trying to erase the memory of Alex's cruel touch. The water turns cold, and she finally emerges, wrapping a towel around herself.
Melody is waiting with a pile of clean clothes, her expression a mix of anger and sorrow. "Here, these should fit," she says, handing over a t-shirt and sweatpants.
Daisy dresses quickly, feeling the soft fabric of the borrowed clothes soothing her sore skin. "What do you think your dad is gonna do?" Daisy whispers, her voice still rough from screaming and crying.
Melody's eyes are hard as she sprays Daisy in a light perfume, the scent pulling her mind far away from Alex's dirty apartment. "Let's just say, he won't be taking this lightly," she replies, her jaw set in a firm line. The air in the room is thick with tension, the weight of the unspoken understanding between them.
"If I had known... I never took Alex for a—"
"Daisy," Melody cuts her off gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You couldn't have known—But now you do. And It's not your fault."
Daisy nods, the gravity of the situation starting to sink in. The thought of Alex being brought to justice is both terrifying and comforting. "I'm scared, Melody."
"You don't have to be scared anymore, Daisy. We're here for you," Melody says, her eyes full of love and affection for her best friend.
"Girls? Can I come in?" John gently knocks on the door, his deep voice carrying a hint of the rage he's struggling to keep in check.
Melody nods, her eyes never leaving Daisy's. "Yeah, Dad," she calls out.
He steps into the room, his gaze lingering on Daisy's bruised cheek. The sight of her in his arms only minutes ago had been like a punch to the gut, but now, seeing her dressed in his daughter's clothes, looking so small and vulnerable, it was all he could do to keep from storming out and hunting Alex down. "I've called a few people I know. We're going to handle this, Daisy. You don't have to worry about Alex anymore," he says, his voice a promise of retribution.
"I'm sorry... I hope I'm not causing problems," Daisy whispers, her eyes darting to the floor.
John crosses the room, kneeling in front of her. He lifts her chin, forcing her to look at him. "You're not causing any problems. You're the victim here. And nobody hurts someone under my protection and gets away with it. Do you understand?" His eyes bore into hers, and she nods, feeling the warmth of his hand on her cheek.
For a moment, she's lost in the intensity of his gaze, and she's reminded of the feelings she's been trying so hard to suppress. But now, with Alex out of the picture, those thoughts come rushing back with a ferocity that surprises her.
Melody clears her throat, breaking the moment. "Come on, Daisy. Let's go downstairs. I'll make us some tea," she says, guiding her to the door.
Daisy glances back at John with tears in her eyes. "Thank you."
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