Rescuing Madison (Book 1)

Chapter Thirteen

Madison's POV

Green eyes.

"This is going to hurt, sweetheart."

Pain.

"Come on, sweetheart. Don't make me use this knife again."

Blood.

"Please stop. Please. I'll be quiet."

"Madison."

"STOP! PLEASE!"

"Madison!"

I quickly opened my eyes, feeling someone gently shaking me. "Jackson?"

"Yes. It's just me, baby."

"Oh, Jackson!" I cried, climbing into his lap.

He wrapped his strong arms around me. "You're okay. It was just a dream."

He held me while I cried. I hated those stupid nightmares. I wish they'd just go away already. It had been 3 years too long. Jackson kept murmuring things to me, & I was slowly calming down. I felt so safe in his arms. Like nothing could ever hurt me again. I loved him more than anything. Could I tell him that? Did he love me back?

"Jackson?"

"Yes, baby?"

"I.. I.." No, I couldn't say it yet. I was far too afraid of being told that he didn't feel the same. "Nevermind."

"Are you okay?"

I just nodded. I didn't want to talk, just in case those 3 words spilled out accidentally.

"You sure?"

"Yes."

"Alright. Try to go back to sleep. I'll be here."

I cuddled closer to him & he held me until I fell asleep again.

***

I seriously loved working at the book store. & I loved working with Mary. We spent a lot of time talking, since we didn't get too many customers during the day. We talked about everything. She loved hearing about me & Jackson. Her husband had passed a few years ago, & I could tell that she missed him terribly. But, she told me the cutest stories about them from when they were younger.

& We always ate lunch together. She was constantly bringing in food that she had cooked the night before. It was great. I think she purposely overcooked, just so she could bring lunch for me. I probably wouldn't have been eating lunch if she hadn't. The closest cafe was only five stores down, but I still didn't feel comfortable going out by myself.

It was getting close to closing time & I decided to look for a new book to buy. I went down the fiction aisle, & grabbed a book that I had had my eye on for awhile now. I was reading it when I heard a ding, letting me know someone had walked into the store.

I walked towards the front of the shop, but I didn't see anyone. Hmm. Maybe they decided they didn't want a book after all, & had left. I walked back to where I had grabbed the book I was looking at. That's when I saw someone walk by from the corner of my eye. I looked up & saw no one.

"Mary?" I softly called out. "Is that you?"

"What, dear? I can't hear you. I'm in the back." she called back.

Okay, so it wasn't her. I was probably just seeing things. I went to the register, so I could grab my purse from under the counter. I couldn't wait to get home & see Jackson. He had rented a movie that we had been wanting to see.

"Madison, honey." Mary said, walking up to me.

"Yes?"

"Do you think you could lock up? My knee is acting up."

"Of course. Go home & rest."

"Thank you, dear. I'll see you tomorrow."

I watched her walk out the door, & get in her car. I turned around to grabbed the keys, when I heard the ding of the door again. Did Mary forget something? I turned around.

Green eyes.

My whole body stiffened. He gave me a small smirk, & walked out. My heart was pounding. I couldn't breathe. I slid to the floor behind the counter. What was he doing here? How does he know where I work? I was getting dizzy from all the thoughts that were going around in my mind.

I took a few deep breaths. Then, I pulled my phone out & dialed Jackson as fast as I could.

"Hey, baby."

"Jackson. He was here. I swear he was."

"Who was there?" he sounded tense now.

"You know who. Can you come get me now?"

"I'm coming right now. Just stay where you are."

He hung up. I felt so much better knowing that Jackson was coming. I felt like I could breathe again. But, that didn't stop my thoughts from going crazy. I put my head on my knees, & tried to calm down.

A few minutes later, I heard someone come in. I tensed up. What if he came back?

"Madison?"

I let out a huge sigh of relief. It was Jackson. I stood up shakily. He walked over to me & wrapped his arms around my waist.

"Did he say anything to you?" he asked.

"No. He just smiled at me, then walked out."

"That's weird."

"I know. He had been in here for a few minutes before he left. I heard someone come in, & I thought I saw someone, but no one ever came up to the counter. He must have been watching me."

"He's seriously pissing me off."

"Why won't he leave me alone?" I cried.

He didn't have an answer for that. "Where's Mary?"

"Her knee was hurting her, & she asked me to lock up for her. I figured it'd be okay since I knew you would be coming to get me."

Then it hit me. "Jackson.. He had to have seen Mary leave. He knew we were in here alone together. He could have taken me again.."

Jackson pulled me into his arms. "Madison, try to calm down. I know it must have been scary, but you're okay now. If it makes you feel better, I'll come in every day before the store closes."

That made me feel better. "I might just take you up on that offer."

He helped me lock up the shop, & we walked to his car. Before I opened the door to get in, I noticed that Kolten was sitting in the back. He smiled & waved at me.

"I brought back up." Jackson joked.

I laughed. I was really glad they were here.