Just Want To Be With You

Three

Just a quick note. This chapter is a bit steamy. Nothing sexual, just a bit steamy.

Don't hate me!

Joe's POV

''Joe, I'm being abused.'' Those words echoed through my ears. I was in shock. I was angry. But I was also hurt that she'd kept this from me, for God knows how long.

''What?'' I ask my voice a little hoarse.

''Joe, I'm being abused. Dom is abusing me.'' She whispers.

''How long for?'' I ask, trying to keep my calm.

''I.''

''How long Di?'' My voice is firm.

''Months. Four, I think, I've lost count.'' She looks down. ''I'm scared, Joe.''

''Di look at me.'' She looks up at me. ''I'm going to help you, OK? We'll get you through this.''

''Joe, I can't end it. He told me if I did, he'd kill me.'' She shivers.

''I'll fucking kill him.'' I growl going to grab my keys.

''Joe, please.'' Dianne pulls me back. I turn around to see her face. It was full of sorrow, sadness and worry. Her honey brown eyes, were full of fear.  She needs me, and I need to keep her safe.

''OK, OK. Shh,'' I say. Seeing her break down in front of me, breaks my heart. ''I've got ya.''

I rub her back trying to calm her down. ''What do you want to do?'' I ask.

''There's nothing I can do, Joe. I'll have to stay with him and put up with it. I guess, I'll have to marry him.'' Those words hit me like a ton of bricks, I won't lie.

''No you can't.''

''Joe, I have to, I can't not. I'll only get worse if I leave him.'' She says.

''Surely there's another way?'' I ask.

''Sadly not, Joe.'' She sighs.

''Look, I don't want you being with him. And as much as I hate this, if it makes it worse to leave him, then stay. But I'm going to keep a close eye on him.'' I say.

''Thanks Joe. I don't want to go back there. Can I, erm, stay here tonight?'' 

''Of course you can. Alice is going away for a business trip, so I'll be on my own. The company would be nice.'' I smile.

''Thanks Joe.'' She smiles.

''So, what do you want to do tonight?'' I ask.

''Well I want to forget about Dom, so how about we have a night out?''

''Sounds good.'' I smile.

I pay for our food at Starbucks, placing her sandwich down in front of Dot.

''Thanks, Suggy.'' She ruffles my hair, causing my stomach to flip. I shake my head.

''So what time do you want to go out?'' I ask trying to distract myself from the fact that all I want to do is kiss her. What is wrong with me? 

I know I told Dianne there was someone else, but there wasn't, I just didn't want to keep talking about it. But now I'm starting to think about Dianne is a different way.

I can't fancy my best friend, can I?

''How about 7PM? Gives us plenty of time to get ready. You know me, you know how long I take to get ready.'' She giggles. That laugh. God, it sent a shiver down my spine, and my stomach to flip again.