“What’re you doin’ in here?”

I can’t help my heart as it quickens. There’s something about this man that makes you want to cling to him. He looks so gentle, and he’s incredibly handsome. He’s older than me, I am guessing by at least ten years, but it doesn’t detract from his beauty. His dark hair is plaited in a long, thick braid that hangs down over his shoulders. There’s no grey in it, not that I can see anyway. His eyes are green, like emeralds. His arms are laced with beautiful tattoos that run up and down the entire length of both. His body is tall, thick and broad. I can see he’s powerful, but for the most part, I can see a certain level of gentle in his eyes.

He was kind to me when I arrived, and it shocked me.

No one has ever been that kind to me before.

“I...Addison left me here so she could go and talk to Ciara.”

He scans his eyes over me again, before nodding and walking over to the desk. I step out of the way, and watch as he drops the documents in the drawer and slams it shut. He lifts his green gaze to mine again, and I shiver. Dammit.

“So, your father did that?” he says, pointing to my face.

“Y-y-yes.”

“Why?”

“Because he got angry.”

“Ain’t no reason to hit a girl, especially not your own daughter. Someone ought to fuckin’ gut him.”

I tremble, and wrap my arms around myself to stop him from noticing. “Y-y-yeah,” I whisper.

“Did Addison tell you that you can stay at my place for a few days?”

“Yes, thank you,” I say, my voice small.

I’m timid naturally, though I have a lot to say if someone pisses me off. Now, though, I feel like a small, stranded child. I have to keep it that way too, if someone gets suspicious...No, I can’t think about what he will do if that happens.

His eyes soften, and he nods. “I’m never really there anyway, so don’t thank me. I don’t like seein’ girls hurt, especially not by their own family.”

“Most wouldn’t dream of taking me in,” I whisper, meeting his gaze.

He gives me a weak smile. “I ain’t most people, darlin’. Now go on, I gotta make a few calls. You can wait around in the hall, but you do need to leave my compound soon. Rules and such.”

“I understand thank you, um...”

“Jackson,” he murmurs, turning his eyes from mine.

“Thank you, Jackson.”

I turn and head towards the door, just as I reach it, he says, “If he contacts you, I want you to tell me. No fucker gets away with beating his daughter, not on my watch. You tell me, yeah? I’ll make sure it never happens again.”

I don’t look at him, but I nod. I step outside, and my entire body begins to shake.

God, if only he knew.

~*~

SERENITY

“Sorry it smells so bad, Jackson is a pig when he wants to be. I’m almost sure the man doesn’t know how to do his own dishes, and don’t get me started on the laundry,” Addison says later that night, as she pulls some sheets off a spare bed.

We came back to Jackson’s house after a few hours at the compound. The house is old, and crappy, but inside it’s warm. It has a good feeling. Like there is a lot of love flowing around. It’s not dark. Addi showed me around quickly, before letting me choose a room. Now we’re tidying it up to make it more...livable.

“It’s ok, I’m grateful,” I say, handing her the pair of clean sheets.

She flashes me a smile, before throwing the sheets onto the bed. We both tuck the corners in, before straightening out the blanket over top.

“It’s safe here, and Jackson is usually home by midnight, so he’s here too.”

“He said he’s barely home,” I say.

She shrugs. “He’s not, but he always makes sure to come home for the night. He likes to make sure I’m safe.”

I nod. “Thank you, for this...”

She gives me a gentle expression. “I’ve been in your shoes; I know how it feels to be trapped. I’m glad you have somewhere safe to stay while you figure it all out.”

God, why do they have to be so nice? I wrap my arms around my stomach again and nod, forcing a smile.

She gives me a gentle smile, before reaching down to grip her phone and keys. “I’m going to whip down to the store to get something for supper. Anything you don’t eat?”

“Anything is fine,” I smile weakly.

“Great, I’ll leave my cellphone number in case you need it. I won’t be long. Are you ok?”

I nod, and she gives me another smile before turning and rushing out. When I hear her car start up and drive away, I turn and lift my cell, dialing Hogan’s number and bringing it to my ear with trembling fingers. Bile is rising up and down in my throat, and I can’t seem to push it back. I swallow and swallow, doing the best I can to avoid throwing up all over Jackson’s room.

“You got anything?” Hogan barks as soon as he picks up.

I shudder, and close my eyes, taking a deep breath. “No, I haven’t even been here a day.”

“Don’t fuckin’ care, you get busy with it. I want information by Tuesday next week. You find a way to get outta there and get it to me. Phone is too risky.”

“I can’t just walk out,” I protest. “It’s too risky, they will get suspicious and it will blow the entire thing.”

“Listen to me, you little fuckin’ slut. I call the fuckin’ shots, and you do as I fuckin’ say. Know that sweet ass little girl of Janine’s you love so much...”