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On the train ride back to London, I decide I’m not going to tell Damien what has happened with John. Thankfully and surprisingly, I don’t have any marks where he hurt me. My mum made me go to A&E to be checked over and they gave me a clean bill of health. I gave a statement to the police and I now have a restraining order against John. I have also decided I don’t want anything to do with that house anymore. My dad is speaking to a solicitor to get my name off the mortgage. I have also spoken to John’s parents. Although they didn’t really believe what I told them, they have agreed to get him some help. I can’t wait to get back to London now and forget about this weekend. Damien has texted me and he is picking me up from Euston, I’m pleased I don’t have to get on the tube. I’ve had enough trauma for this week.
I walk to the exit of the station, and I see Damien waiting for me. He’s looking around for me. He hasn’t spotted me yet so I stand still for a moment and take him in. I can’t believe that fine specimen of a man is waiting for me. He stands out in the crowd. Women can’t take their eyes off him and men do a double take. He towers above most people. His dark hair is swept back, his big dark eyes sparkle in the light, and that strong jaw has a five o’clock shadow. He’s wearing a tight white t-shirt with a low neck. I could literally eat him all up. I had never understood the expression “I could eat them all up” before, until I met Damien. Now I understand and I could eat him all up right now.
He spots me and I smile; he smirks and raises one eyebrow. I think he just busted me ogling him- oh well. Damien gives me a one arm hug and kisses the top of my head. I lean in and squeeze him back with my free arm.
“It’s good to see you. Give me your bag,” he says.
Once we are in the car and have set off driving, Damien starts to ask questions. I start to panic a bit now. I don’t like lying and I’m not very good at it.
“How was your weekend?” he asks.
“Yeah good, it was great to see mum and dad,” I reply, not looking at him.
“And how did it go with your ex regarding the house?”
“Fine yeah, I’ve got my dad taking care of some things for me so hopefully soon I’ll be rid of it and him,” I say. Damien remains silent. I look at him and he looks at me as if he’s angry. I wonder whether he can see through my lies. Well, they weren’t exactly lies, just not the whole truth.
“Is that it?” he asks.
“What do you mean?”
“Why are you lying to me Bella?” I look at him trying to work out what he knows. He looks furious.
“I haven’t ‘lied’ Damien,” I insist.
“Well, you’re not telling me the truth! You’re not telling me about what that arse hole did to you!” I’m not sure how he knows this? Maybe Chloe got in contact with him somehow. I’m not sure.
“I didn’t want to worry you, Damien. I’m fine- he just went a little off the rails but he’s getting some help now.”
“OFF THE RAILS!” he cries, banging the steering wheel.
“Damien please! Stop, you’re scaring me.” He pulls the car to the left down a back street and parks up.
“I’m sorry, I’m just so mad Bella. God knows what could have happened to you if Gary had not intervened.”
“I’m sorry, who?” I question. It’s all starting to fall in to place now. The guy who potentially did save me by banging on the door. He wasn’t there by accident. He had been sent by Damien. Thinking back, he was dressed just as one of the King security team would be.
“You had someone following me?! I say, feeling overwhelmed.
“Yes, for your own protection and it’s a flaming good job I did!” Damien snaps.
I’m furious. Obviously, I am grateful for the fact that he sent him now, (although I won’t be admitting that to him any time soon) but how could he have known what was going to happen with John? He didn’t know I was in danger. So he was actually having me followed.
“Damien you can’t do that! You can’t just have me followed. I need my privacy. I have just got out of a controlling relationship God damn it and I will not stand to be controlled again!” I’m breaking now- tears are streaming down my face. The reality of the weekend and my relationship with John is finally hitting me. I can’t breathe, my chest is tight and I need air. I need to get out of this car. I undo my belt and open the door. It’s raining but I don’t care. I get out and run. There’s a field at the side of the road. I climb over the fence and run through the long grass. I keep going as long as can until I can’t breathe anymore, and my legs give way.
I’m down on my knees for what feels like only seconds and Damien’s strong arms pick me up and rest me into his lap. He puts my head in his chest, wrapping his arms around me and he just holds me. The rain pours down on us both and I know his bum must be wet through sitting on the floor. He rocks us slightly and squeezes me.
When I relax a little, and my breathing returns to almost normal, Damien lifts my face to meet his.
“I’m sorry Bella. When I heard you were hurt, my heart hurt too. I do not know what it is about you Bella but when I look at you, when I am around you, I feel…I feel like I’m… home. I’ve never felt home anywhere since my mother died. Home is not a place Bella- home is where the heart is and my heart is with you.”
I have never seen Damien look so beautiful. There are rain drops dripping from his eyelashes and nose. His eyes are wide open. They’re honest and safe and home. I know that every word he just spoke is true and I know this because I feel it too. Home is not a place. It is the people who you are with that make a place feel like a home.
The weeks are passing quickly. I am really busy at work. My client base just keeps growing. I’m booked up weeks in advance now. In my evenings, I’m working on my hair for the show which is only a week or so off now. Damien’s got a lot on with work too. They’re expanding in London and are working on a big case which seems to be top secret. Damien just changes the subject when I ask about it, which is fine. It goes with the line of work he is in I suppose. We still manage to make time for each other though. I don’t think we’ve spent a night apart since the rainy field incident. We are still trying to keep things private between us; it’s difficult with Damien being who he is. Obviously, Katie and Chloe know but they’re sworn to secrecy. Things are great at the moment. I’m feeling so happy. My relationship is good and my career is everything I have ever dreamed it would be.
Until today that is- things start to get a little strange.
“Bella your client is here,” says Sarah.
