It was silent before Jace looked over at me and bit his lip. "Are you going to call him?" he questioned. He looked down at my hand and ran his hand through his hair.

I tossed the number on the table in front of us and laughed. "No need to." We both sat there in silence and stared at the paper on the table. Then suddenly Jace’s sister popped into my head and made my stomach ache. I had been curious about what she said the other night. I couldn't seem to get it out of my head. I needed to know. "Tell me about your sister," I whispered.

He closed his eyes and ran his hands through his hair again. He looked nervous. "Not tonight, Avery," he breathed. "I'm too tired." He stood up and rubbed his hand over his stomach. "I'll see you in the morning." He turned around and walked toward the hallway. Then he stopped and smiled. "The chicken was good wasn't it? Just another reason for you to trust me"

I rolled my eyes and leaned back into the couch. I suddenly felt exhausted and couldn't think anymore for the night. "It could've been better," I smirked.

He nodded his head and turned the other way. "A word of advice." He paused. "Don't call that guy." He grinned. "Goodnight, Avery."

I laughed to myself and pulled my jacket off. "Goodnight, Jace." At least I wasn't alone on this one.

Stacy definitely wore me out. Now I knew what he meant...

"Avery, come out, come out, wherever you are."

I cowered back against the wall, hitting my head on the bottom of my bed. I stifled back a cry as the pain shot through my body, causing my head to throb instantly. I wanted so badly to scream, but I knew that it would give away my hiding spot. So, instead I covered my mouth with trembling hands in an attempt to stay quiet.

I heard the creaking of the closet door opening, before seeing items of clothing as they fell down around the bed. I knew that my father would check there. He had always found me in the past. "We can do this all night or we can get this over with," my father growled. "You're asking for it you, rotten little brat."

My father’s footsteps echoed throughout the little room as he stomped over to the bed and yanked the blankets off. I could hear him breathing heavily as he struggled to free himself from the tangled mess.

"No," I whispered. He was getting closer and my heart was beating faster.

"Henry!" A drunken female shouted. "Where is that little brat of yours? That girl needs to learn discipline," she slurred. "My stash is all gone. That little bitch did something with it."

It was true. I saw the drugs setting down on the toilet and I accidentally knocked the tray over, spilling it into the water. I panicked and cleaned off the filthy toilet the best that I could manage. I knew that my beating would come later. I had been dreading it all day.

The room went silent for a few moments. My eyes widened and I let out a deep breath of relief. I was in the clear. Maybe he had given up.

I was just about to close my eyes and force myself to sleep, when suddenly I felt a firm grip on my ankle, yanking me out from under the bed. My elbow slammed against the leg of the bed and a cry of pain forced its way out through my parted lips.

"I didn't mean to," I cried.

"Avery," Jace whispered. "Are you okay?" His warm breath kissed my cheek as I slowly opened my eyes. I couldn't tell if I was still asleep or if my mind was just playing tricks on me.

I moaned softly as Jace's hand slowly trailed over my shoulder and down my right arm, leaving a trail of goose bumps. His touch was somehow cool and comforting and I didn't want it to stop. Even if I am just dreaming.

I blinked a few times, trying to focus, before realizing that it wasn't just a dream. He really is here. I groggily turned my head and looked up at Jace as his body hovered above mine. His bare chest moved slowly as he breathed and the look in his eyes was almost painful to look at. It made my heart ache.

"I heard you screaming," he whispered.

I turned my eyes away from his gaze and shook my head. The last thing I needed was to keep Jace awake because of my horrible night terrors. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake-"

"Don't be sorry," he cut in. "I don't really like sleep much anyways. All the good stuff happens when I'm awake." He smiled and grabbed my chin. Then a serious look crossed his face. "Tell me what happened, Avery. I want to know."

I took a deep breath and pushed his hand away from my chin. I still didn't know if I was ready for him to know the truth. Maybe he deserved to know something at least. He had helped me more than anyone else ever had.

I swallowed hard and turned away, facing the wall. "I was having a dream about when I was only ten," I paused to swallow again, trying to find courage. "My father, he wasn't a good man. The look in his eyes..." I flinched at the memory. "I still can't get it out of my head." I-"

Jace threw his arms around me and pulled me against his chest. "Stop," he whispered. "Some things are better left unsaid." He slammed his fist into the wall beside him, leaving a small dent. The outburst made me jump.

"I swear that if I ever get the chance to meet that man that he will wish that he never laid…" He stopped and squeezed his eyes shut. His jaw clenched. "It's okay now. I will protect you. No one deserves to be hurt like that."

I quickly turned my face away as tears threatened to form. I didn't want Jace to see me weak. I didn't want anyone to see me that way. "I don't know what to say," I whispered. "I mean, you don't even know me. I don't know you."

Jace jumped up from the bed, walked over to the wall, and leaned his arm against it. He pushed his face into his arm and took a deep breath. "I don't know about that. I think that I know you more than you think."

He walked over to my dresser and picked up my old black and gray shirt. "This is your favorite shirt. You have worn it ten times in just under three weeks." He tossed it back on the dresser, while keeping his eyes on me. It was driving me mad. "And your hair, you always seem to twirl your finger in it when you think no one is looking. Or, the fact that you brush your teeth like five times a day. It doesn't matter, they are already beautiful." He walked toward the door and stopped to peer over his shoulder. "Just like you."

I sat there feeling stupid as I stared up at him speechless. How does he... why? My heart sank.