Ever growing 2

Chapter 52 Ryan's POV

"STOP, NO! DON'T TOUCH ME!"

Ella's screams make me jolt up in the bed. With my hands on her arms, I call her name telling her to wake up. A very confused and disoriented Ella looks at me before she throws herself into my arms. One look at her tells me she won't open up right now. I hear the commotion on the other side of the bedroom door, I'm assuming everyone heard her screams. Ella's arms are so tight around my chest I can barely breathe but the tremble in her touch stops me from loosening my hold on her. Her heart is beating fast, her breathing labored from her tears.

"Ella, what," she cuts me off before I can finish.

"NO! No, don't make me say it now, please don't." she cries.

"Shh, baby, I won't, would you like some water?" I offer, she nods finally releasing her hold on my chest.

Everyone is sitting at the kitchen table looking worried. I grab a glass and fill it with water for Ella before I turn to them.

"What did he do to her?" Maddy whispers.

"She won't tell me yet," I sigh.

Telling them I don't want to keep her waiting, I go back to Ella. She's sitting with her back against the headboard. I hand her the glass watching her take a big sip, she puts the glass on the nightstand. I want to ask her what happened, I can tell it's haunting her but I know she's not ready. He obviously hit her but I'm afraid to even think about what else he's done or said to her.

"Why are you standing there?" she asks me softly. I was lost in my thoughts. I get back to bed. "How are you feeling?" she asks me. "Worn out but so grateful to have you here," I lean down to run my nose against hers getting a smile from her as a reward. "Can I get closer?" Her voice is small and almost shy. "You never have to ask, baby," she moves to sit on my legs, hers on each side of mine. She's quiet, looking into my eyes while her fingers run on my arms. I try to ignore the sparks between us but my body betrays me by raising goosebumps all over. A sigh of relief comes out of her mouth. "Nothing has changed between you and me," I tell her knowing that her insecurities are lurking around. "What you said earlier has me torn now," she whispers. "Why? What's wrong?" I run my hands on her thighs. "You're making it worse," I arch an eyebrow at her. "My instincts are telling me to have you make love to me but I know I shouldn't try to erase the bad so easily and my body is damaged. But your touch is..." she trails off looking at my hands.

I knew that's what she had in mind, I felt her pulse quicken, her breath hitch slightly, her skin is warm. I'm having the same battle, wanting her but also trying to prevent her from ignoring her feelings and hurting her physically.

"Maybe we can meet in the middle?" I suggest and now she's the one cocking a brow. "We could just kiss for a while?" I explain.

Her small gentle hands run on my chest, she leans down, looks into my eyes. I cup her cheeks bringing her plump lips to mine. As soon as the contact is felt, my body catches on fire. A small moan comes out of her mouth. "Slow, Ryan! Fuck!" I try to stop myself from flipping her under my body and lose myself in her. Her mouth is in sync with mine, her tongue tasting so sweet. One slow rotation of her hips on my swollen member is made but her face grimaces in pain.

"Are you okay?" I ask her.

"Yes, sorry...I..." She's avoiding my eyes.

My throat feels tight seeing her hurt. Looking at her stomach earlier made me want to punch Jake over and over again. The bruises go from her belly button to her pubic area, her right arm has a handprint on it. Images of him forcing himself on her fill my mind driving me completely insane. I'm raging inside thinking that's one of the things that might have happened. I wish she would just tell me but I guess I understand why she doesn't want to share right now. Shifting around she lays with her head on my chest, holding me with her arm. "I'm trying," she whispers. "I know, babe," I kiss her forehead.