Her Escape, His Safe Haven

Chapter 13- Don't Leave Me Please

"Athena what's that?"

"What?" I asked unsure what he was talking about. Instead of answering me he bent down to where I was laying on the ground and grabbed the hem of my shirt lifting it a bit higher. "Eli.." I grabbed his hand trying to stop him.

"Athena, what the hell is that?" He asked his voice full of worry.

"A bruise." I answered bluntly, knowing there's no point in lying.

"Where...how..what happened?" He finally got out.

"Uhm would you believe me if I said I don't know?" I asked trying to stall giving him an answer.

"No, no I wouldn't." He said I could see the anger budding in his eyes. I didn't answer and he helped me stand and I thought that was the end of it. Silly me. He stood in front of me and lifted my shirt again. I didn't bother to stop him this time. It'd be useless. He kept the shirt up as he walked around me examining my back as well. I know there's bruising there too. "Shit Athena, what the hell happened to you?"  He looked at me and I could see the sadness in his eyes. The worry. He cares.

"I...can't tell you..." I said quietly. Please just give up. "You don't have to worry about me Eli. I'm okay." I couldn't make eye contact with him. I just couldn't see the look.

"Athena, my beautiful girl, please. Let me in. Let me help you." He whispered crouching down so he could look in my eyes. I looked at him for a few minutes, trying to read him.

"Can we go to your room?" I asked sighing in defeat.

"Yeah, we can go anywhere." He lead me to his room. We got in and he closed the door.

"Before I tell you anything you have make me a few promises." I told him leaving no room for argument.

"What are they?" He asked curiously if not a little skeptical.

"You have to promise me you won't judge me." 

"I would never." He said stepping closer and grabbing my hand. He squeezed it trying to be reassuring.

"You have to promise you won't tell a single person about this." I said taking on a very serious tone.

"Athena-" he started but I cut him off.

"No, that is a deal breaker. If you tell anyone, and I mean anyone...I won't ever speak to you again. I won't be able to." I told him looking to the ground hating the idea of not talking to him anymore.

"Fine, I promise."

"And lastly, you have to promise not to try and fix it okay?" I told him looking at him with desperation clear across my face.

"Beautiful.." He took another step closer to me worry and concern in his eyes. He sighed and nodded his head. 

I took a step away from Eli and began to take off my shirt. I am actually going to tell him. He promised not to judge, but I doubt he'll be able to stop himself. I just hope he doesn't decide I'm not worth the trouble. I took a deep breath and unbuttoned my jeans. 

"What are you doing?" He looked frightened, I couldn't help but laugh a little.

"I have to show you everything if I'm going to give you all the answers you want."

Elliot's POV

I tried to ignore the fact the the girl I'm totally crushed out over is basically naked in my room. I tried to focus on the fact that I'm finally going to get answers. I had averted my eyes when she was taking her jeans off so I ventured a look to see what my girl is doing.