LUKE
Their voices weren’t even raised, I had no idea why I felt the need to listen in. I was headed to the pool, but something about her stance told me that she wasn’t happy about the situation that she was in. Her body was stiff, her back looked like a board. I have never seen lovers act like that with one another. They always seem to bend with each other, trying to gain every inch of contact that they can get.
Honestly for me it has been a while, but I still remember what it feels like to put my arms around a woman and feel the way her body molds with mine. Only hers wasn’t molding with his. If anything it looked like she was disgusted by his touch and wanted him far away from her.
Then when he turned her around I knew that something was way off. He looked pissed and she looked scared. Even though her voice was even, I couldn’t even really make out the words. But she didn’t raise her voice once. When he slapped her, I lunged. I couldn’t believe he hit her that hard. I have never witnessed domestic abuse and I am glad. It is a horrific sight. So seeing someone so enraged that they take it out on someone weaker than them and it didn’t appear that he was going to stop.
After I get her off to the locker room to change I address the man under my feet. “I don’t care who the fuck you think you are. But she isn’t your punching bag. Get your ass out of here, before I call the cops and I meant what I said about my brother being on the force. He will have you in cuffs faster than you can say bullshit. Cause I am sure that is what you are thinking right now. But I assure you I am dead serious. Stay the fuck away from her.”
He stands but he doesn’t make a move to leave. “You have no idea what you are messing with. That is my wife, and no fuck head like you is going to take her from me. We are destined to be together. No matter how much she fights it, she knows it in her heart that we are meant to be. So I suggest that you find a new fixation and leave my wife alone.” This dude is clearly obsessed. Or very privileged and doesn’t realize that not everyone in the world will bend to his will.
“I don’t give a shit what you tell yourself at night buddy, but as of right now, that shit don’t fly. Get the fuck out of here.” I doubt I look that intimidating, I mean I am standing here in my board shorts and nothing else. I am sure I might have a bruise or two from our little skirmish, but I am positive that he will have more. His face is red, I can see where there is already slight bruising around his left eye. His blond hair is wet and matted from our scuffle. His clothes are a little bit skewed. He looks like my brother after he has been on a stake out for three days. Not that I have seen my brother do that all that much but it happens.
“She will come home with me. Just wait and see.” He turns his back on me and I don’t turn my back until he is out of the room and down the hall. I have a feeling he may be done with me, but not with her. I got the feeling that they don’t live together so hopefully she will be safe there.
Quickly I grab my clothes from the locker room, not even bothering to take the time to put them on because that would mean that she could possibly be alone out there if he returns. I slip on my shoes on the bench outside the locker room while I am waiting for her. Pulling my shirt over my head too. I carry the rest tucked under my arm.
When she comes out she is wearing a pair of jeans and a blue t-shirt. It goes great with her dark hair. I shake that thought, the woman was just attacked, she does not need me objectifying her. Her face is turning a little darker where he hit her. “Do you want to go to the hospital? Have that checked out?” I point towards her face.
She shakes her head. “No, it’s fine. Probably bruising, but I’ll heal. I want to thank you again for what you did. You didn’t have to do that.” I can’t tell for sure, but it looks like she blushes a little after she says that.
“I’m not the type of guy that would just stand by and watch someone be hit. I don’t care who is on the receiving end. Do you want me to call my brother? To file a report.”
She shakes her head. “It doesn’t do any good. They never actually arrest him. He talks to them and they give him a warning or something, then he walks right out like it’s just another day. I have a restraining order too, but that doesn’t seem to matter.”
I look at her confused. I know several guys on the police force here and none of the ones that I know would let a man like that just walk. “Are you new in town or have you called the local cops here?”
She shakes her head again. “I have only lived here for about three months. But I guess I will be moving again.”
“Wait, so you just keep running? Every time he catches you, you just run again? That doesn’t sound like a life worth doing.”
She shrugs. “I don’t really have much of a choice. It’s either run, or go back home to the cage that he built for me.”
“I’m sorry but your husband sounds unhinged. You need help. You can’t just keep running.”
She cringes. “He isn’t my husband. We were never married. He just started saying that after I moved in with him after a couple of months.” She sighs. “I’m sorry, none of this is your problem. I’m sorry to bother you. I can make my own way home. Thank you for all your help. Good night.”
She turns away from me and I can’t help but feel this need to stop her. “Wait, you can’t just leave. Is this really how you want to live your life? I know people that can help you. Believe it or not I am actually a pretty big deal in this town. I have connections. I know the sheriff personally. I know the mayor, he has had dinner at my parents house. I can help you.”
She turns back to me with sad eyes. “All of that will take time. He already said that he knows where I live. If I stay home then he will have me dragged out of there by morning. I have to go.”
“Then don’t go home. My brother has a place outside of town. No one will find you there. I can take you there myself. I have the keys, it’s not really a big deal. I’ll take you home to pack a bag then we can drive up there. You will follow me in your car and that way you can leave if things get hairy. Please, I can’t stand the thought of what might happen if you start running again. Eventually you will get tired. He is the type of man that doesn’t give up what belongs to him and as far as he is concerned, you belong to him.”
I am silently pleading with her to take me up on my offer. I want her to be safe. I can’t stand the thought of him hurting her again. It was bad enough when I saw him hit her. It was like I felt it. I don’t understand how a man could ever do that to a woman that they claimed to love.
She bites her lip and looks like she is going to cry. “I don’t know. I’m scared. He was nice once too. I don’t even know your name.”
“Luke Wright, most of the town knows me. I promise, I am not going to hurt you. You will have your car and I assure you that I will be calling my brother as soon as I can to get him to start investigating this guy that hit you. The last thing I want is for him to do it again.”
“His name is Sydney Porter. My name is Jessica Sharpe. I will take you up on your offer, but if anything seems amiss, then I am gone. I will not stop and wait to ask questions.”
“I understand. I can imagine that you are scared and I don’t want to add anymore to that. I just want to help.”
She nods her head. “Well, I hope your brother doesn’t mind dogs.”