45. Aftermath

**Jodie**

Apparently last night I had a nightmare from the abduction. I didn't want to relive what had happened by retelling the story, but Doug's dad insisted. So I sit by Doug's side while he puts his hand on mine and gently rubs my wrist as if to soothe my nerves.

"Dad said Maverick was going to marry me, then... he'd be under his protection. He said that he would take care of our family, all I had to do was accept him." As I say the words, it feels like I felt his touch and I quickly pulled my hand away from Doug's. My eyes blur from the intense wave of emotions and I get up, hugging myself, trying to control my feelings.

*I'm safe.* I thought to myself. *I'm with Doug.* I need to stop thinking about Ian Maverick and my Dad. I had never thought that he could be so selfish, but now I know better.

"I think that's enough for today, Dad. I'm going to get Jodie to rest before lunch." Doug says to his dad before he gently ushers me to our bedroom while his dad stays in the living room and does not push me for more information. Cause honestly I don't know much aside from what kind of man my dad truly is.

"Come on, let me tuck you in. You should rest. Yesterday was too much, even for anyone." He pulls my body to his side while his hand drapes around my body.

"Do you...do you mind if I be left alone?" I ask once we're settled in the bedroom. Talking about it, makes me need to get away from Doug's touch. My brain refuses to stay away from him, but my body says otherwise. I hate it, but I can't seem to be comforted by his affection. In my mind, I know Doug is a good guy, but my body reacts differently. I feel dirty, I feel like I need to shower and scrub myself raw.

"Jodie, you're safe, baby, he's not going to touch you anymore."

"Is he dead?" Somehow I feel like he's coming back for me. The evil in his eyes lurks in the back of my mind. He has been waiting for me all these years and I don't like thinking that he's still out there alive, just waiting to get me.

"I'm not sure. I think Dad needs to question him. But he won't come near you. Ever again."

I am not sure that Doug's words are true. One thing I know, he managed to get me once, I am convinced that he'll get to me when I least expect it. There's no way that I'm safe twenty-four-seven.

"Okay. I just need to be alone, please?"

"Baby, don't shut me out. What do you need me to do? Talk to me," He rests his hand on my arm and I flinch. I hate that Maverick, makes me feel this way. At the same time, Doug pulls his hand back, he curls his fist until his knuckles are white.

"The fucker touched you, didn't he?"

I nod and the heat stings behind my eyes, second before my knees go weak and Doug is there to catch my fall.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry...I know I shouldn't be this fucked up. But I just can't help it."

"Shh...just let me hold you. Let me make you forget about his touch." Doug holds me close, I try to get away but he holds me tighter and I finally give up and let him take me into his arms.

The moment he presses his lips to mine, I instinctively open up for him. Instantly, I remember the man that I fell in love with, and I let him take me to bed and let his embrace warm my soul.

"Doug...make love to me, please?"

The man doesn't reply, he just deepens our kiss and slowly strips both of us naked. The moment my legs wrap around his thighs I know that this is where I belong. Right here in his arms.

Doug's lips silence my moans as he slowly thrust inside me. His hips move in waves, and I meet every push with little grinds of my own as I try to get more of what he's offering. I am secretly getting impatient, while Doug keeps on cherishing me with his gentle touch and possessive hold on my body.

His name leaves my lips like a prayer, repeatedly whispering his name, eager for more. I'm getting impatient and he shakes his head telling me that he's savoring our time together.

"I thought I lost you, baby...and now that you're here in my arms, I'm going to cherish you with all my heart." His words leave me weak. I wanted it, I want what he's offering and when he finally lets me climax, he follows and fills me with all his love. I feel his warmth inside me and I know that he'll be there for me no matter what.

The rest of the day goes by like a blur and when morning arrives his dad has left us alone in the secluded house.

"We need to lay low, Jodie, Dad is taking care of loose ends and when it's time, he will send someone to pick us up. In the meantime, we get to spend much-needed time for ourselves."

It sounded perfect and he makes it more dreamy when he takes me in his arms and gives me my favorite kisses. My body desires him and we make love again.

When day three arrives he gets a call from his Dad telling him that everything was taken care of and that my mom and little sister are back at home. There's an awkwardness when I think about going back home to my family after spending nights sleeping in Doug's arms. The man must've seen it in my face when he smiled and kissed my forehead.

"You're more than welcome to go back to mine."

"I...don't know what's happening with Mom. Did she know about Maverick? About Dad? What happened to Dad?" In all those days I haven't got the guts to ask the reality of my life. I was too scared and I was letting Doug and his dad take care of everything for me. It has been so long since someone took care of me. And it's a good feeling to let someone do that for a change, especially when that someone is Doug.

"Well, Dad said your mom did know about your dad, but only after she stayed with Colbert's family. He said that she was upset when she learned about what your dad had planned for you." Doug explains and I try to listen, but my mind goes straight to how I miss Mom and Miley. How I can't wait to go home to them but also how I want to stay with Doug as well.

"Oh...did your dad say anything more? Should I worry about my dad? What happened to him?"

Doug went quiet and I don't know how I feel about it. I hated my Dad for what he tried to do and how selfish he was by abandoning his family. But he is still my dad.

"Your dad is guilty, and he's currently being handled. That is all I know. Are you okay with that? Do you need to know more?" He carefully asks and I shake my head.

"I don't. He left us. He left us to struggle. He left us with his debts, and embarrassed us in front of our friends," Not that I care about those friends anymore since they looked the other way and didn't offer us any help when we needed the most.

"Okay, so we'll go back tomorrow. I'll take you to your mom and Miley. Then you can spend the night there, but I do hope you consider going back to mine."

"I...I want that, but I need to talk to Mom and Miley first."

"Of course, just let me know and I'll pick you up when you're ready."

"Thank you,"

"No, Jodie, you don't need to thank me. You know I love you. I'll always be there for you."

I rest my head on his shoulder as we spend the rest of our last night at the secluded house.