Wounded Souls (Closed)

[yaturtle]

It goes back to my early twenties. I was doing business in bar waiting for a client who was late. I don't know what his affiliation with the place was , but he was walking around like owned the place,doing a lot politicking and back slapping. He was also very free with his hands around the ladies. He seemed to think everyone loved his little act. One of the bartenders at the time warned him to stay away from my girl. Somehow he saw that as a challenge. That extra curve in his nose is courtesy of me.

 

[Asa]

What did that get you? Going up against him?

She listened and couldn't hide the smirk at his story.

 

[yaturtle]

He hesitated, wondering just how much he could say
After all she could go back to him. I'm pretty sure he put someone up to drop a dime. It got my partner arrested in a raid that was meant for me
He got fifteen to twenty for not taking me down with him. When he died 8 years in, I got lucky again. I was sitting on a lot of cash he had hidden. Enough to start my body shop and buy the bar when it came up. Now I make a decent living all above board. I wouldn't mind seeing your husband dead as a door nail. But I'm far better of staying far away. Jack watched her expression while he took another sip of beer.

 

[Asa]

She smiled listening to him. The early part of the marriage had been nice but he soon turned on her too. No kids for her ever. No real freedom without a bodyguard as long as he was not around. Then it had gotten more physical then almost completely ignored. That's when she ran and got the divorce. And now here she was with someone else who knew even a fraction of how Callis could be.

 

[yaturtle]

The last remnants of the sunset played across her face while she listened to his story. She tilted her head ever so slightly and smiled as he finished. He loved that smile .Something about it made him smile. Something he was not noted for.
So he said" what are you thinking about doing now that you've made the great leap to freedom."He stood to get another beer while she thought that over. Without asking jack took her glass and freshened her drink. He wanted her to talk about better things to come and smile for him again. knowing the wounds from her divorce were fresh he figured she would not want to get involved with him. Yet part of him wished she would not let him leave her alone on the boat tonight. He had to push those thoughts aside and focus on what she was saying now.

 

[Asa]

I just want to feel alive again. Not like some little arm candy punching bag duo...

She froze realizing what she had just admitted to a perfect stranger. Something most didn't know outside of her attorney and his attorney, and a Dr.

 

[yaturtle]

He watched her freeze mid sentence and hoped it wasn't the heat he felt in his face that frightened her. As calmly as he could he said" I have no use for scum that hit women. I'll bet its' not easy to talk about that bottom feeder . I know talking about domestic abuse can be very hard. The closer you have been the more difficult." He breathed slower now. You deserve to feel alive... to be loved.. and cherished." realizing he was showing his true emotions he backed of a bit taking a long pull of his beer. " if it helps to unload it .. I will be happy to listen"

 

[Asa]

She watched him.

My attorney and his attorney and a Dr were all that knew about that... Till now

 

[yaturtle]

Her last words were spoken so softly jack wondered if there were tears coming .
There was a long silence and his own heart pounded in his ears.He heard is own voice cracking"You are not the one who should feel any shame" . When he finally lowered his eyes from hers he realized he was gently squeezing her hand in his.
" It's okay...we have all the time in the world ... you can let it out now.

 

[Asa]

Breaking down was never something she could risk allowing herself to do before but here and now feeling a gentle hand holding hers she did. Nearly collapsing as she did. She sank to the floor sobbing.

 

[yaturtle]

Jack continued to hold her hand as the tears began to flow freely. He knew from experience the healing would be a slow process. With his other hand he reached for a napkin and dabbed around her face. Lowering himself to the floor he let bury herself in his chest and cry while he wrapped his arms around her and rocked slowly.

 

[Asa]

She curled against him. Hugging him close. She had tried to think that Callis wouldn't care about her leaving but she knew that might only be wishful thinking and what he would do if he decided to go after her.

I don't want anything to happen to you because of me.

 

[yaturtle]

I have ways of taking care of myself. But I want you to be more careful.
I would not trust that weasel to play by any rules your lawyer may have laid down. I think he is the type that would view you as a possession, and the spoiled little bastard doesn't like having his toy's taken away. I know you think your vintage car would not have gps,but that would not prevent him from having it bugged. I will check that in the morning. He was lost in his own thoughts and suddenly realized he was rubbing her back as he spoke. I want to replace your phone as well.

 

[Asa]

She unconsciously curled closer against him one arm stemming to almost hug or pull him closer as well. She pointed to her purse.

Over there.

 

[yaturtle]

Jack looked across at the purse but he did not want to move.
His shirt was soaked from her tears and he didnt care about that either. He could hear is own heart pounding in his chest As he lifted his chin from her head to brush her hair away from her eyes. I can deal with that when I leave...
Unless...you don't want me to leave?

 

[Asa]

Liftingnher head to look at him.

No... You don't need to leave.

 

[yaturtle]

Jack gazed into her eyes and was lost. He desperately wanted to kiss her.
But he was at war with himself. What if she's not ready ? Hell she just threw her ring away 2 hours ago. She must be in an emotional turmoil. He swallowed and kissed her gently on the cheek. I won't go anywhere....and I really want you to feel alive again....when your ready. Then he closed his eyes and silently prayed for the answer he wanted to hear.

 

[Asa]

Instinct had her faintly wince at the loss but calm just as quickly. She looked into his eyes. She wanted him to stay. She felt strangely safe with him.

Stay here... With me. I... I feel safer with... With you here

 

[yaturtle]

He wished he trusted himself as much as she did. " come on,let's
Get of the floor and go to the sofa. He stood and helped her up.
At that second he realized his obvious arousal must have been right in front
Of her face. He could feel his own face turning red. After she sat he quickly turned away and made fresh drinks. You can have the big bed in the bow
And I can stay here. Unless you want to hold on some more, I'm a little bony
But i make a good pillow. He knew he was sputtering like a thirteen yr old at his first dance but he couldn't help it. Something about the way she looked at made all his normal confidence evaporate into thin air.

 

[Asa]

She nodded when he mentioned still holding someone.

Yeah.

She bit her lip and watched him get them fresh drinks.

 

[yaturtle]

Jack gave her bourbon. He sat back and sipped his own and placed
His arm behind her on the sofa reminding himself she not here because she wants to be with you. She is here because she is running. So what do you think you want to do for your future. He had to get his mind off kissing her. This might be a dam sight easier if she weren't so beautiful.

 

[Asa]

Maybe go back into modeling provided he stays out of my life. Or back into art.

She drank the bourbon slowly this time unconsciously curling into him.

 

[yaturtle]

He laid his head back and sighed. I have a sudden urge to take up photography. He found himself rubbing her back again as she nuzzled into his neck. After some time like this he could not take it any more. Placing a finger under her chin he tilted her head to look her in the eye. " I won't lie ... I want to kiss you so bad it hurts . But I absolutely will not unless you tell me that's what you want too.

 

[Asa]

We... Yeah... I think I would like that.

She smiled reassuring to him and snuggled closer. She wanted to feel alive again. To feel loved and wanted. Time.to take that leap of faith as her hand moved to rest on his cheek.

 

[yaturtle]

He didn't really know what it felt like to hit the lottery, but he was pretty sure this was it. He kissed her softly at first but then found her tongue and pulled her in closer