My Vermilion

Chapter 3

*Corey's POV*

I walked over to the couch and sat next to her.
"Whats wrong?" I put an arm around her shoulder and she put her face into my chest. I had an hour till we go on so I had taken off my mask from the signing.
"I just missed you," she mumbled into my chest.
"I know that's not why you're crying," I put my other arm around her, pulling her closer. We sat there for a second before she spoke.
"It was just a nightmare I had. He was chasing me but then I saw you and immediately felt that everything was going to be okay," I knew exactly who she was referring to. The first time I met her, over 2 years ago, she told me how her boyfriend at the time, Matt, would use her for sex. And how he'd abuse and rape her if she refused. Over time she said she learned not to refuse him. I knew since then I needed to protect her. But I wasn't sure how I'd do that. Surely she had a family that'd worry if I let her stay with me.
"It's okay. I won't let him hurt."
"But how?" She looked up at me with sad eyes before snuggling back into my chest.
"There's only a few days left of this tour, then you come stay with me," I told her my plan, hoping she'll be okay with it.
"Can I stay with you now?" She looked up at me with a worried face.
"Of course you can," I smiled at her and pulled her closer to me, if possible. She snuggled her face into my chest once again.
"Hey," I whispered to her and she looked up at me. "I won't let anyone hurt you," I decided to make my move. I leaned down and placed my lips against hers. After a second we pulled apart and I saw it. I saw her smile.

It was the one thing what made me forget. The one thing that allowed me to let go of pain I'd been holding onto. The pain of losing Paul. The regret of not being there to save him. He was my brother and I felt guilty for not being there when he needed someone. I knew the others felt the same way. But I knew that it wasn't any of our faults. And the guys knew it wasn't their fault either.
"Sorry. I just couldn't help myself," I looked away from her but she grabbed my face my and kissed me again, this time for longer.
She tool a deep breathe before saying, "I know we've only met twice, but I'm starting to get feelings for you," I could hear the nervousness in her voice.
"Don't be nervouse. I feel the same way doll. Ever since I met you all I've wanted to do was hold you and call you mine," she blushed a little and I heard a knock on the door. "Come in."
"30 minutes till - oh sorry I didn't know you had someone in here," Shawn opened the door and Jenna sat up and looked at him.
"It's alright, I was about to get ready anyways," I stood up and walked over to the little vanity that had been set up in to dressing room.
"We go on in 30," Shawn repeated and closed the door behind him.
"I guess that means I should go," Jenna stood up.
"No, stay," I smiled at her while I put on the black make up under my mask. She sat back down and watched me get ready. I took off my pants and shirt, preparing to put on my coveralls. I saw her eyes on me and she quickly looked away. I have no shame. A body is a body isn't it? I zipped up the jumpsuit and laughed a little bit. "It's okay to look. It's just a body," I said as I slid my hands down my sides. She laughed a little bit and shook her head. I walked over to her and grabbed her hands pulling her off the couch. "You ready?" I asked and she nodded. I opened the door and she walked out first, not letting go of my hand. I showed her the way to the stage and the guys were waiting. I had someone show her where she could watch the show from. Not many people had bought backstage passes, which was okay. More room for my soon-to-be sweetheart. I huddle around the guys and said a few words. After that we prepared to go on stage.