Safe With Me

Chap. 16: But I See What I See

• picture of Brody Stevens above •

As the distance gets farther from Ira's office. Elle begins to sob. When they are far enough away, Brody pulls Elle against a wall. He pulls her close to his warm body, his thick finger wiping away her gentle tears.

"Shh, it's okay." Brody comforts her, looking her in the eyes. "It's over now."

Elle gives him a look of betrayal. "Is it? Is it really? You asshole!"

The blonde tries to shove Brody away, but his body is too solid to be moved compared to her skinny arms. She pouts her lip in annoyance. The blue eyed man gives her a look of sorrow.

"Listen, Kid, I was only doing—" Brody begins to explain himself.

"—what you were told?" Her lip quivers, "Just following orders? Or did you volunteer—"

"Do you think I want to hurt you?" Brody growls in defense, a storm brewing in his eyes. "Do you think I enjoyed watching them beat the shit out of you? Or the fact they fucking made me undress you?"

"From what I remember, you fought to be the one to strip me." Elle crosses her arms, "You must have thought it was funny to see me nearly choke before I actually pulled that trigger. You knew there wasn't a bullet, did you! I bet you really got a good laugh out of it."

Brody scoffs, shaking his head. "At least, for you, there wasn't any bullets in the gun Ira handed you. Some of us didn't have that luck when he handed us the gun."

Without another word, Brody turns and walks away. His hands slick back his hair. Elle watches him as he goes, hating how guilty he made her feel.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Elle skipped lunch and went straight to the gym room. She locked eyes with Brody for a few brief moments before going to a beat up punching bag. Jared, who has noticed her when she walked in, looks her body up and down. He makes his way over her.

"Ya' know, you're still hot even with that scar." Jared flirts her, flashing her a sly smile. "Gives you more of a personality."

Elle remains is silent, ignoring him. Brody watches from across the room in annoyance. He tries to focus on his weight lifting but his ocean blue eyes cannot focus on his reflection in the mirror in front of him.

"Sorry we had to rough you up, it was honestly bossman's orders." Jared continues, leaning in closer. "I thought the little roses on your thong was kinda cute—"

"Man, shut the hell up!" Happy growls in disgust, "If she doesn't pop you in your big mouth, I will."

Jared rolls his eyes and walks away. "Whatever, Bruh."

Happy nods to Elle, who nods back to him. Elle goes back to punching the bag, her energy draining from her body already.

Someone sighs heavily behind Elle. "You're doing it wrong."

Elle looks over her shoulder to see Brody standing there with his muscular arms bulging. The blonde gives him a dirty look.

"Well, that's helpful." Elle rolls her eyes at him, punching the bag again. "Wanna give me anymore great advice? Is there a punch line somewhere?"