DaisyThe weekend had finally come. I had spent all week knocked off my feet at work and couldn't wait for these next two days to drag. I strolled along the perfectly laid concrete path, my feet softly hitting the rough gravel, admiring the beautiful view from my house. My garden, at my new, old-fashioned, two storey home, was relatively big in size; it was predominantly grass, but there was a tiny footpath leading to the top. I stepped over onto the lush, freshly cut lawn and let my feet sink through the strands. Watching the insects fly past, and the sun blaze down onto me, I let myself feel free under the heat while Hope slept. It was exhilarating. It was only seven am, surprisingly early for me on a weekend when I had no reason to be up, but once I was awake there was no going back. For some reason, my mind just could not switch off once it came alive. Sometimes it was a blessing in disguise, as it meant I could be up for work in a flash once the first blare of an alarm squealed
NATE"Fucksakes!" I just landed the biggest deal with top class investors, and I'd never been more angry in my entire life. My new idea was adapting an ice cream range for the new season; it was something I hadn't done before, and as it was March people would be wanting them soon. Only my investors wanted double the intended profits. I opted they have twenty percent - generous if you ask me, it's my company - but they want forty instead. Without their help I couldn't guarantee the range would be as exclusive as our ordinary ranges. They were a worldwide success in ice cream, selling billions of tubs - all with different flavours - each year. They were a famous, well-known brand and I needed them. They gave me the day to think about it. Generous on their half. Business is business, you either want it or you don't. Only they know how difficult this was for me, as forty percent was a lot of profit. I'd still have majority, but they'd have a huge sum. "Do you want my opinion, Mr Cl
DAISYMy hands were dripping with sweat, and I'm sure Hope could feel it. My cheeks were burning, and I could sense the flushed crimson covering them. It wasn't helping that my heart was erratically beating, and therefore my breathing had become more laboured. I hadn't been attracted to a man since before Robert, and after what he did - and leaving only six months ago - I didn't think I had it in me to gain heart palpitations from the sight of a man because I thought he was attractive, and not because I was scared of him. But the hot, huge, muscly man standing behind me had shifted something inside me, and now my sex was aching for him to take a step closer so I could feel his hard muscles against my back. Or more.I swallowed as I realised what I was feeling, and how unrealistic it was. Even if I was that attracted to him, I could never become intimate and trust a man ever again. My trust in men has been betrayed - corrupted even - and I can't get close without fearing mine and Ho
The inconsideration for his sleeping daughter caused her to wake suddenly. Good job she was only a baby, I couldn't cope if she saw me like this. Ever since I've sworn to protect her little body, heart, and mind. She needs sunshine and rainbows, not dark sky's and thunderstorms. Which is how I would describe the life endured by Robert. Maybe I looked a little strange running out like that. It was quicker than a switch flicking on or off; I pegged it out the doors as quick as possible. But I needed to keep us safe. Hope needed to be safe. We'd been walking for almost five minutes, and I was looking around to see if he followed us like a wanted criminal on the run. I looked completely, utterly, terrified, and I didn't even have to look at my face to know it. I could see Hopes as I held her in my arms while we walked. Ironically, she was terrified of me trying to protect her from ever having to feel the way she was looking at me now. My heart sunk, and I could feel the tears burning
DAISYAfter my morning from hell, I decided to stay in. Me and hope spent the day in the garden, and I ordered a slide to be delivered tomorrow so she could enjoy herself out here. I needed to order a sand pit too, but that would have to wait. Money wasn't something I could throw around. I was a teacher, and therefore didn't earn much money working in a private nursery. Once bills were paid, the food shop was done, and making sure Hope had everything she needed, there wasn't much left over. However, before I met Robert I was used to budgeting; I never came from an upper class family like Robert. Robert never had to worry about money, even before his business was booming, his parents were also billionaires. They owned several different companies, and what made it so hard for me to leave initially. People with money have an advantage that people like me don't. They can use it to manipulate, and receive what they want, where as I couldn't do that. Yes I was the wife of a rich man, bu
NATEAfter thinking long and hard about my business decision, I decided to take the investors up on their offer. Jack said I was being ridiculous, and I could afford to lose out on forty percent when I was still receiving the full sixty. He was right, and maybe I was just being a little greedy. Realistically, they deserved it as they were going to make the new range sell. I just hope I'm right about that, and don't regret it. "So, now you've made that huge decision can we talk about what's actually rattled your cage today?" He was good. Maybe that's why he was a counsellor? He could read people perfectly. But the thought of talking about the sweet angel in the coffee shop shook my insides into a ball of nerves. He would laugh, and I would have to face the terrifying thoughts that she has deeper reasons to be scared of me than a current boyfriend. I couldn't get the sadness out of her eyes, and the fear when she turned to the door and ran. I knew fear when I saw it, and I wasn't le
NATEMy heart had officially broken for a stranger. It had been two days since I met Daisy, and two days since I witnessed her have an ultimate breakdown in the bar after I grabbed her arm. I didn't mean to scare her, hell I didn't even grab her that hard. My fingers barely grasped her tiny arm, yet she flinched. She actually jumped from my touch. It was like an electrical current had sparked her body; scaring her, and preparing her for unexpected death.I couldn't understand why she had jumped so frantically. My thoughts were consumed by the frightened look on her angelic features. The fear I saw in her eyes that morning had spread like tree branches taking over her whole face. Her lips were trembling. Her face was white, and hard as stone. I swallowed the bile in my throat as I imagined her reaction again for the fiftieth time this morning. My heart had jumped straight out of my body when she reacted that way, and I was desperate for answers. Why would my touch scare her so much
NATE I was lucky to find Daisy. She might not of been there if I'd gone an hour later, or earlier. Maybe that was a sign? Or maybe it meant nothing because she still hadn't text, and it had been over an hour. I know I gave her the option when she was ready, but I was so desperate for a response. I'd been sitting on my king sized bed staring up at the ceiling, and imagining those lush lips, and beautiful curves I could devour. I'd never been so intrigued by a woman, and it made it worse knowing I couldn't have her. My phone vibrating in my back pocket shot my body to standing position. I didn't want to look. What if it was her? What if she said no? What if she said yes? What if it's not her? I shut my eyes, let out a much needed deep breath, and then looked. MomAs much as I love my dear mother, I'm still disappointed it isn't Daisy. Now she was calling. Jesus. "Hey mom, are you okay?" I put on my best happy voice so she knew I wanted to talk."Hello my dear, I was just calling
Nate ~ 6 months later. I take one look at my beautiful wife and feel a tight pulling on my heart strings. She's so perfect, so beautiful, and goddamn sexy. But she's also amazing inside too. Even more amazing now there's something else inside her. Baby Clarke: Due October 10th. I held the baby scan in front of my face for what felt like the hundredth time, but simultaneously still felt like the first. The excitement building inside my chest, the pounding of my heart, and the love I already carried inside me for this little human that wasn't even here yet, was enough to convince me my life was perfect. I lifted my eyes up to Daisy again, smiling as she laughed so hard at something my mother said about my father, and then dropped my eyes back to the scan picture. I'm sure there was a twinkle in my eye, I was the happiest I could be. After Robert made his final entrance into our lives and tried to officially end Daisies, but ended up dead himself, we were free. He could no longer hu
NateIt's been a week since Daisy's outburst. I've been mentally preparing myself if she has another, but there's only so much I can do. Next time, if there is a next time, she could leave and never come back. The thought makes me anxious and terrified, but hopefully with a counsellor there shouldn't be anything to worry about.We both agreed that at least one session a week would be beneficial and, if she doesn't feel too comfortable, I can attend the sessions with her. The counsellor agreed it was okay and explained it can be extremely helpful in these situations. I just wanted my girl back and happy. I lay beside her in bed, arm possessively wrapped around her and stroking her bare back. She was so fucking perfect. Little snores vibrated on my chest and filled my ears, making me smile down at her. She would definitely call me a creep if she knew I was watching her sleep, but I couldn't help myself. She was soon to be my wife and no woman compared to her, no one could ever hold my
DaisyI woke to soft, feathery sheets enveloping me; memory foam surrounding my head; and a big, strong arm wrapped across me. Nate was holding onto me as if I was about to slip out of his hold if he didn't. Fingers curled around my waist, while the rest of his rock solid body pressed against my back. I hummed contently. I'd missed this so much being in hospital. The beds were uncomfortable and my gorgeous boyfriend - no fiancé - wasn't beside me all night, holding me tight."Morning, beautiful." His husky voice was music to my ears, so sexy and hot. I turned so I was facing him. Sleep looked good on him, his eyes were heavy and his hair was more tousled than usual. "You're so sexy." "As much as I want to ravage you right now, and show you just how sexy I can be," He growled, nipping at my earlobe. "Hope is due in school today and there's nothing better than her mommy being able to take her." A big smile spread across my face. I'd completely forgot about Hope being back at school.
Daisy To be awake, to be alive, and to see the two most important people to me, is beyond amazing. I look up at Nates face to see him tickling Hope and making her laugh, a smile spread on my face. It's all I need right now. Of course, being awake has its disadvantages too. Like the fact Robert was the first face I saw when my eyes opened. I still hadn't told anybody that he was definitely here, albeit I heard rumours. Sometimes, I think the detectives think I'm hard of hearing and not suffering a gunshot wound. Each time they escort Nate outside the room, I hear them. It's starting to get irritating. As if the detective had pulled out a crystal ball and began trying to read my mind, he entered the room. First, he addressed Nate. "Good morning, I see you're all happy today. That's what I like to see." Then he turned to me. His face changed instantly. "And, how are you? Daisy." I scoffed. I'm not sure why I was being so sour towards him today, but I wasn't in the mood for his usual
Nate A week passed and Daisy still wasn't awake. I was losing my mind. Why couldn't she just wake up? It had been nearly four months, Christmas was almost here. "Daddy? I really want mommy to wake up now." Hope climbed onto my lap, blankie in hand, with eyes so sad. "I know baby, so do I." I gave her a cuddle, rubbing her back. "Would you like to see her again?" It was a rational decision. It was about eight in evening, she should have been in bed. But I was missing Daisy more than ever tonight too. "Yes! Can we go now?" She jumped up, accidentally kicking me in the stomach. I hid a groan. "Of course, go put your slippers on. You can go in your pyjamas." I chucked a pair of sweats on with a plain T-shirt while she found her slippers, and waited at the door. She came running in with so much excitement, I couldn't contain my smile. She was so precious. I picked her up and carried her to the car. I was surprised she hadn't fell asleep in the car, but once we got there she was stil
Nate"Hope, which one will mommy love?" "Hmm," she twisted her mouth with her index finger patting her lips. "I think that one, daddy" Engagement rings. She hadn't woke up yet, but she would. She had to. I had faith. In a moment of madness, but definitely not something I regret, I asked Daisy to marry me. I meant every word I said to her and would say it a thousand times over if I could. I was getting this ring, and in a few weeks time - maybe months, I was getting down on one knee and sliding it on her left hand. She was going to be Mrs Clarke. Hope had pointed to a rose gold ring. It was beautiful. I always imagined ordinary gold or silver, but this was different. Beautiful and unique like her. It stood out like she did. The diamond in the middle sparkled against the glass as the tiny bit of sun we had shone through, brightening Hopes little face up. I already imagined both their faces the day it happens, especially when I mention her little girl picked the ring. "Okay, we'll go
Three months laterNate"Now then, Hope, what are you bringing for mommy today?" I kneeled down to her level, pushing her stray hairs behind her ears. "A teddy bear. They always make me feel safe when I'm asleep" she cuddled the grey bear in her arms, squeezing tight with her eyes shut. "Perfect" I whispered, so she couldn't hear the tears in my voice. It had been three months since Robert shot Daisy. I'd spent endless nights lying awake, praying for the positive. It seemed, the positive - if there was any, didn't want to be my friend. If there was such thing as a god, like we all want to believe, then where was he? Where was he when Daisy was being tortured by her husband? Where was he when she was kidnapped? And where was he right now? Daisy had been comatose for three months. Where was he? I was never a church guy, if I'm honest, but now I attended church each Sunday with Hope and spent more time than I ever imagined in the chapel in the hospital. She'd ask why we were sitting,
DaisyThe continuous ring in my ears was agonising. A monotonous buzzing amongst a bunch of muffled screams. It was the only noise surrounding us, yet all I could hear was my fear; the erratic pounding of my heart and heavy breathing. He was here. A life threatening bomb had exploded on the floors above us, and I was more frightened by his presence. Charcoal smoke started to fill my lungs and interfere with my sight as it danced past us slowly but quickly. I could briefly feel Hopes tiny body shaking in my arms, and the agonising sound of her cries. He did this. He was hurting our little girl. Why did he do it? Why was he so cruel? My head felt swamped with anger and memories I didn't want as I remembered all those times he hurt me. Each time there was less physical pain from becoming accustomed to it, but the pain I felt inside, the emotion tearing inside my chest, grew a centimetre each time. His anger-led words, dripping with venom and torture, became believable. Useless. Worthle
NateThe wedding had started over half an hour ago. We were seated on the front row of chairs with my mother and father, and there were several security guards hidden around us. I didn't tell Daisy, I didn't want her to know that I'd hired several tough-looking men to watch over us in case of her ex. She hadn't mentioned any fears of Robert being here today, so I wanted to take precaution without worrying her. "She looks so beautiful" she whispered to me as she gazed at Sheila. "Not as beautiful as you" and I meant it. I wasn't just saying it. She really did look breathtaking. The stylists had made her look gorgeous without going too over the top. She had a baby pink midi dress hugging her curves, which fell off her shoulders. It exposed just enough cleavage to make my cock hard and jealousy spike through me as I imagined all the attention she'd receive for it, but she looked beautiful. Her hair was in big curls, softly floating around her shoulders, and her lips were a subtle pink