I Can't Live Without You (Jessie J)

Chapter 3

-Jessie POV-

I sat still and just simply closed my eyes.  I've learned by now that if I run it'll just end up worse.  I felt Jared's fist connect with the side of my head and I instantly fell to the floor.  I curled up into a ball on the floor and braced myself.  I felt a barrage of kicks to my stomach and I couldn't help but cry out.

"Don't you dare utter a sound!  It's time you were taught a lesson, Jessica!  And you WILL make this up to me."  

Tears were flowing freely down my face by this time and he roughly grabbed a fistful of my hair and pulled me up.  He threw me roughly against the counter.  The corner caught one of my ribs and a heard a crack followed by searing pain.  I know it's broken and I couldn't help but let out a scream.

"I said keep quiet!  Don't you ever listen!"  He grabbed me roughly and pulled me up the stairs to the bedroom.  I knew what was going to happen next and I couldn't do anything but let it happen and pray it would be quick..

-Danny POV-

That night I laid in bed left alone with my troubled thoughts.  The things Jessie told me today were weighing heavy on my mind.  I couldn't believe that she'd been hiding this for a year.  I had to get her out of there somehow.  I needed her to be with me.  It would be perfect.  I'd treat her like a princess, like she deserves.

I fell into a restless sleep that night thinking of Jessie.  I just prayed that she would be okay tonight.

The next morning I quickly got ready and headed to the studios.  I was anxious to see Jessie and make sure she was all right.  I noticed her car was already here so  I walked straight to her dressing room only to find the door closed and locked.  I knocked on the door.

"Jess?  It's me, Danny."  I expected her to open the door immediately but she didn't.  I called her name again, louder this time.

"Please just go away, Dan."  Her voice sounded hoarse and weak and my heart immediately broke for her.

"Jess, please let me in.  Remember what you promised me yesterday?"  There was silence for a few moments and then the door opened.  All I could feel at that moment was shock.

Jessie's eyes looked so tired.  They still had the same sunken, bruised look as yesterday but worse.  The light that once lit up those beautiful eyes was gone.  More bruises decorated her face and I'm sure there were even more covered up.  There was a visible knot on the left side of her head and she was clutching her side.

"Oh, Jess..." I couldn't even bring myself to embrace her.  I was too afraid that if I did she would simply break.  I took a step inside and placed my hand on the small of her back, leading her to the couch.  As Jessie sat down I saw her wince and she let out a slight whimper.  

"What's wrong with your side?  What did he do to you?"  My voice broke at the end.  I couldn't bear this.

"I think my rib is broken again..."  My eyes widened.

"Jessie we need to get you to the hospital now."  Her eyes quickly snapped up to meet mine.

"No Danny please.  It'll be fine I-"

"Jess, no.  I'm taking you.  I'll talk to the producer.  I'm sure they'll reschedule."

"Danny-"  I cut her off by taking her hand and pulling her out of the room.

-Jessie POV-

After sorting everything out at The Voice  I was in Danny's car on the way to the hospital.  I was silent the whole trip as my mind was elsewhere.  What if Jared found out about this?  Things have been getting so much worse lately and it scares me.  I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.  I had to stay calm.  If not for myself then for Danny.  I know this was killing him but I felt so lost.  I didn't know what to do.  I was snapped out of my thoughts by Danny grabbing my hand.

"We're here, beautiful."  I looked at him for a moment and squeezed his hand.  He got out first and after opening my door for me he led me to the waiting room of the hospital.

I sat in one of the chairs as Danny went up to the receptionist to give them my information.  After a while he joined me and I couldn't help but cuddle up to him.  I was honestly in so much pain but Danny helped me forget.  He instantly wrapped his arms around me and I sighed contently as he began playing with my hair.

"Jessica Cornish."  I jumped up immediately when my name was called but felt a searing pain from my broken rib.  I couldn't help letting out a loud whimper.  Danny immediately wrapped one arm around my waist and his other hand clutched mine as he helped me to the room.

-Danny POV-

I was beyond worried about Jessie.  I sat in the extra chair in her hospital room as I watched the doctor examine her injuries.  She'd told the doctor that she had been in a car accident and although he didn't look convinced, he didn't argue the matter.

The x-rays showed that only one of Jessie's ribs had been broken and it was minor enough not to require any type of surgery.  The issue of her weight was brought up but Jessie only dismissed it as stress and the doctor bought it.  I, on the other hand, knew it was complete bullshit but I kept quiet.  She was simply sent home with painkillers and instructions to take it easy for a while. 

As we exited the hospital, I took Jessie's hand in mine once again.  She was so pale and weak and I couldn't help but wonder when she had eaten last.  I opened the car door for her and quickly got in on the driver's side before starting the engine.

"Jess, why don't you let me get you something to eat?"   She looked at me with tired eyes.

"No, Dan I really should get home."  Like hell she did.

"I'm not letting you go back there.  There's no way in hell I'm letting that bastard touch you again!"  I saw her flinch and I instantly regretted raising my voice at her.  I really needed to prove to her that she deserves better than this.

"Danny, please just let me go."  She sounded so broken, but what could I do?  Force her to come with me?  That would make me no better than that monster.  I sighed and made my way to Jessie's home.  I had the most horrible feeling about today but I had to do what Jessie wanted.  Even if it killed me inside.

Author's Note- Thank you all for all the comments! I'm so glad you're all liking it so far :)