Please

Part 18

Josh is practically carrying you to the bus, his arm wrapped tightly and protectively around you. He's careful as he helps you up the bus steps, closing the door firmly before setting you on the couch. You lean forward, your bracelets moving down your arms as you press your hands against your face.

You'd just run away from him.

Like you always did.

You hadnt even stood up for yourself!

"Here," Josh sits down beside you, your knees touching, and he gently touches your hands. You hesitate before letting them drop, unable to meet his eyes as he tilts your face so he can look at you better.

His jaw tightens.

"It's not too bad," he lies, brushing your hair behind your ear. "We can cover this again, no worries."

Your lips tremble.

You're terrified.

If he finds you, he'll hurt you again.

You don't doubt that.

And the way he'd touched you, the way he'd grabbed you and what he'd suggested - you shudder, curling your arms tightly around yourself.

It hadn't even been good sex with him.

You flinch as Josh dabs at your face, and he murmurs hasty apologies.

"Looks like you've got a scratch, and some bruising, but I think you'll be okay," he says, sighing. You don't say anything, just curl tighter to yourself, shuddering again.

Those awful words kept running through your mind.

"Hey, you're safe now!" Josh tells you quickly, gently clasping your face between his palms. "You're safe with me, I promise. He can't hurt you on the bus, not with me around! And the other guys are gonna find him and take care of everything!"

You start to cry again.

You can't help it.

Big tears begin to build in your eyes, and after a moment they spill off your lashes, running down your already raw and red cheeks

Josh stares at you, not knowing what to do before he pulls you forward, his arms wrapping you up in a tight embrace.

"Shh," he whispers, stroking your hair, pressing his lips against your shoulder. "It's gonna be okay."

You sob, burying your face against his neck, your fingers curling into his stage outfit.

Is this what Ricky had meant? Josh wonders.

Your ex coming back and hurting you, you breaking down into tears.

The mess of it all.

Ricky had taken everything in stride, like he'd done this before.

Hell, maybe he had.

Josh didn't really know you, or your past, or really anything about you.

He just knows he likes you.

Maybe he really should have thought this through more...

"I'm sorry," you finally manage to say against his neck, tightening your hold on him.

"It's fine," he tells you softly, rubbing your back and shoulders, not quite sure what to do to make you feel better but going to do something regardless.

He can't stand the thought of -.

You jerk abruptly as someone's hand suddenly slams against the bus door, and the deep voice shouting from the other side sends fear running down your body. Josh can see it all over your face, how frightened you are, your eyes becoming the size of saucers.