Stop in the Name of Love (Completed)

Chapter 24

Jordan keeps his arm around me from the moment I come out of the bathroom all the way to final bell and when we get to my truck. He doesn't speak, but his hand forms never ending circles on my back. The fabric rubbing my skin in such a constant way makes the skin go numb, but it's calming. Slowly I let the rest of myself go numb.

He takes my keys from my hand, "Are you ok to drive? I can take you to work."

I shrug. He kisses the top of my head before pulling me away from my truck and towards his car. I feel my lip still quivering. I close my eyes and bury my face in his side as we walk.

He lowers me into the car, fastening my seatbelt before squatting next to me to brush my face with his hand.

"Rhea, baby, what did he do?" He whispers.

I shake my head. I don't want to talk about last night, or today. I want to pretend they never happened, I want to forget he exists.

He lets his head drop in surrender before getting up and getting in the driver seat, "How was your test?"

I shrug my shoulders, "Alright I guess, my teacher is proud of my improvement."

"She should be, you're doing great!" He tries to give a reassuring smile.

I don't say anything. I just stare at the dashboard. The few blocks to work are silent, as is our arrival. I can hear Mr. Marsh and Jordan talking as I put on my apron and start restocking the aisles.

"She had a rough day. Dominic was giving her some trouble, she hasn't said much since he got to her," Jordan thinks I can't hear him.

"What did he do?" Mr. Marsh crosses his arms as he leans in, giving me a small glance across the store.

"She won't say, she's barely said a word. But she texted me in the middle of class and I found her crying in the bathroom. I swear I'm gonna beat that jackass to a pulp!"

"What good will that do kid? Lets just give her some time, keep an eye on her, and keep him away. She's probably just shaken, not ready to talk."

I make my way to the counter where they stand. They stop talking as I get closer.

"Do you want me to start on the pick up orders?" I ask.

"Sure darlin'," He smiles, "Thank you."

I nod before darting into the back room. I go to turn on the light, searching for the light switch when I look in the far corner.

I jump and let out a scream thinking I see Dominic. I see his perfect white teeth twisted into that awful grin, while his eyes hang low as he watches me.

I scream until the boys run into the room. Mr. Marsh flips on the light switch and Dominic is gone. Jordan takes my arms, I push myself against him, burying my face in his chest. He's stunned but quickly responds by holding me and petting my hair.

"It's alright, Rhea," Mr. Marsh places his hand on my shoulder, "You're ok."

"What happened?" Jordan asks, pulling me away to look at me.

"I thought... I could have sworn... I saw..." My words struggle to come out.

Jordan is quick to pull me back into a hug, "Shh, it's alright. Nothing is here. We have you. You're safe."

They bring me back out to the counter, sitting me down on the stool in front of the register. I hear them talking as they walk over the front door but they keep me in their line of sight.

"What was that?" Mr. Marsh asks Jordan, clearly upset.

"I have no idea," Jordan throws his hands up, "Do you think she thought she saw Dominic?"