Corrupted, Damaged, And Beautiful

F O R T Y F O U R

Daisy

I woke to soft, feathery sheets enveloping me; memory foam surrounding my head; and a big, strong arm wrapped across me. Nate was holding onto me as if I was about to slip out of his hold if he didn't. Fingers curled around my waist, while the rest of his rock solid body pressed against my back. I hummed contently. I'd missed this so much being in hospital. The beds were uncomfortable and my gorgeous boyfriend - no fiancé - wasn't beside me all night, holding me tight.

"Morning, beautiful." His husky voice was music to my ears, so sexy and hot.

I turned so I was facing him. Sleep looked good on him, his eyes were heavy and his hair was more tousled than usual. "You're so sexy."

"As much as I want to ravage you right now, and show you just how sexy I can be," He growled, nipping at my earlobe. "Hope is due in school today and there's nothing better than her mommy being able to take her."

A big smile spread across my face. I'd completely forgot about Hope being back at school. "When does she finish for the Christmas holidays?"

"End of this week, so we thought maybe she would like to go back for a few days." Nate had informed that she had been doing work from home, having regular visits from the school. Apparently, the stress of me not being here was getting too much for her. My heart ached for my baby girl.

He stood from the bed, stark naked and practically gleaming in the light. He was beyond gorgeous, he was so hot I could feel my blood rushing south. As soon as Hope was at school, I was having this man for myself. Twice last night wasn't enough.

"Sorry baby, but you can't have me just yet." He mocked, reading my mind. He walked into the bathroom and I shook the image out my head. I had to focus. I had to take Hope to school.

I looked down at my ring as I pulled a pair of yoga leggings on, and threw a T-shirt over my head. It was rose-gold and shining so bright. It was beautiful. How he'd managed to pick something so perfect, I had no idea. I couldn't wait to marry him and call myself Mrs Clarke. I sighed as I remembered that first I needed a divorce from Robert, which shouldn't be too difficult if he's in prison. Only, he wasn't. He'd fallen off the face of the Earth, nowhere to be seen. I just hoped to god he wasn't watching me, spying on my every move. How was I supposed to take Hope to school and trust that she was safe there?

That thought sent a shiver shooting across my body, I didn't want to take her. I wanted her here where I could see her. I began to panic, my chest tightened, breaths heavy and my hands began to shake with pins and needles. I bent over the drawers, trying to catch my breath and take slow, deep breaths, but it wasn't working. I could feel the room spinning, my eyes couldn't focus.

"Oh my god, Daisy!" Nate knelt beside me and pulled me so I was sat on the floor with my head between my legs. "Just breathe, baby. Everything is okay. I'm here." He ran his arms up and down my arms, soothing me a little. I start to calm, his presence made me feel safe and protected.

"H-hope." I managed to get out, still trying to catch my breath.

"What about her? She's fine, she's asleep."

"No-" I shook my head. "She needs to stay here, she's not safe at school." Tears were marring my cheeks, making them sticky where they had dried. I hadn't even noticed the tears fall.

"Baby, just calm down. Okay? Everything will be okay." He continues to rub my arms, and I practically leaped into his lap. His arms engulfed me tight, surprisingly not making my breathing worse but actually calming me, and shushed me till I was relaxed.

After ten minutes of agonising pain, horrific panic, and struggling to breath, I lifted my head to notice an excessive amount of water on his chest from my tears. His eyes were focused intently on me, worry swimming through them. Guilt bit at me.