Jennifer Hart lay contentedly in the arms of her lover after achieving her third orgasm of the morning, and it was only 7.30 am. Her lover, for that’s what Jonathan was, as well as being her husband, best friend and the many other things he was to her. Never before had she been with a man who gave so much and wanted to keep giving. She thought she’d been in love before, until she met him. The moment she laid eyes on him though, she knew she hadn’t. The feelings the man lying beside her evoked in her were like nothing she’d ever encountered before and knew she never would again. She snuggled further into him, pulling him closer. She felt him kiss the top of her head as he reciprocated and pulled her closer to him. Jonathan inhaled the sweet smell of Jennifer’s hair. He smiled as her naked body came closer still to his. He felt her embrace tighten around him and he kissed her head through her abundant hair. He could feel her breath tickling his chest hair as her head rested there. Not a tickle to make him giggle, but one of comfort, of satisfaction. His embrace around her tightened, so nothing separated the two warm bodies. His mind wandered back to the previous hour when he’d been awoken by her hand caressing him. He’d opened his eyes to see her grinning at him, a look of passion clouding the beautiful hazel hue. The thoughts made him pull her to him again. She was just ‘the best’, no that wasn’t enough, but what word was. They’d been together for two years, and she was his life. He wanted to give her the world, and would gladly give up everything to spend the rest of his life with her. The feeling of elation that came over him when she said, ‘Have you ever been to New York City?’ had stayed from that day. He knew she too wanted to be his partner for life. That’s what they were, partners. Jennifer moved her head off his chest to gaze at him. She found herself doing it constantly, just gazing. It was as if she couldn’t believe he was real, and this was her future. They smiled at each other, another constant in their lives now; the continuous grins that swept across they’re faces when in one anothers company. It was as if they were sharing a private joke only they knew about, but that wasn’t it, it was just their sheer delight in each other. Jonathan turned her over onto her back, his smile turning into a lustful grin. She felt his hardness pressing against her thigh. "Again?" Jonathan just nodded. The mere thought of her was enough to send his penis into overdrive. Jennifer matched his grin, knowing all her senses were going to be awoken again. "If you must," she giggled. He knew full well she enjoyed this as much as him. As Jonathan’s lips met hers in another searing kiss, she felt his fingers caressing their way up the outside of her thigh. She parted her legs for him once again allowing him to further his progress as he moved his hand around to the inside of her thigh. Jonathan pressed himself against her side making them both moan at the sensation. As his fingers progressed higher and higher he slowly pulled his lips away from hers. Jennifer missed them and opened her eyes to catch Jonathan grinning at her. She smiled, swiftly followed by a gasp as she felt his fingers reach the apex between her legs. Jonathan watched her expression as slowly he dipped one finger into the core of her, feeling the combination of juices from their earlier encounter. Jennifer grasped the pillow above her as she enjoyed the sensations running through her body. Jonathan watched the muscles of her stomach contract in anticipation as he stroked his finger very slowly in and out. Jennifer bit her lip, holding on. His deliberately slow actions were tormenting her, but as only he knew. "Jonathan," she gasped. He grinned, the sound of her torment only spurring him to keep at the same slow speed. On his next run, he joined the first finger with a second bringing another gasp from Jennifer’s lips. As his fingers reached their limit within her body, he waited and then began to tease her. Jennifer was near enough begging as her hands joined his, one pulling his further into her, the other touching herself, trying to quicken the release. At the sight of Jennifer touching herself, Jonathan let out a loud groan; it was one of those sights that very nearly sent him over. He was determined to hold on this time though. He decided he’d tortured her enough, gently removing her hand, he replaced it with his mouth. "Thank god," Jennifer groaned as she felt his tongue and lips on her heat. Many hours spent kissing, licking, nibbling and caressing this one spot had taught him how to hold her on the edge of that peak she so desperately wanted to climb. He felt her hands running through his hair before pulling his head as she lifted her hips to him. She was so close and he knew it, still he held back just enough. "Jonathan," she literally screamed his name this time and he grinned to himself as finally he allowed her that release. It seemed to go on and on as he felt her muscles clamping and releasing on his fingers and her secretions running down his hand. Jennifer sagged back on the bed allowing the warmth to flow over her. Jonathan watched her in awe as every part of her body quivered with release. He bent his head to her lower lips and kissed as he slowly removed his fingers from their resting-place, before bringing his head up to his wife’s. He kissed her tenderly and lovingly. As she recovered, Jennifer moved the kiss on, knowing Jonathan would not be able to hold on to that erection for much longer. Opening her legs, she pulled his lower body between them feeling the head of his penis as Jonathan manoeuvred into position. His lips were still on hers as in one smooth motion he was in her, feeling her tightness envelop him. As her ankles crossed around his back, he reached new depths, Jennifer groaning in pleasure once more. Raising his body weight Jonathan looked down at his wife, her face flush, pleasure written all over it. It was a sight he adored and could never get enough of. He watched her as he began thrusting into her, each thrust appearing to go deeper and deeper. Jennifer’s head flailing on the pillow spurred him on until he was almost at the finish line. He could feel her inner muscles caressing him as they tightened at each thrust. He couldn’t hold on any longer when the spasming and twitching indicated Jennifer in the throws of another orgasm. A moment later, he was there joining her, a powerful release leaving his body and entering hers.
A tenuous knock at the door awoke them from their post-coital slumber.
"Breakfast," came the gravely voice.
"Just a minute." Jonathan hastily pulled the displaced bedsheets around the two naked bodies. "Okay."
Max hesitated before opening the door. Previous experience had shown Jonathan tended to shout a little too soon. Upon entry he was relieved to find them both covered. He found it a little embarrassing when he’d caught sight of Jennifer’s exposed breasts in the past. He liked to look at beautiful women, but she was different. There was no denying she was beautiful, but she was Jonathan’s wife and Max looked upon her as a daughter.
"Morning folks," Max walked into the room and placed the full tray on
Jonathan’s lap. Freeway was following close at his heels and leapt on the bed to Jennifer.
"Morning Max," they said together.
"Sleep well?"
Jennifer blushed, looking around the room. In their fit of passion last night, clothes had been strewn across the floor and over the furniture. There hadn’t been much sleep going on either. She didn’t think 6 hours sleep a night would ever be enough, but that or less was all she was managing on. They constantly had ‘early’ nights, but sleep before the early hours of the morning was a thing of the past. She was amazed at the stamina Jonathan managed to sustain, she wasn’t complaining though. It was a hell of a way to use up calories.
Jonathan looked at Jennifers flushed face and knew what was going through her mind. Max was lucky he hadn’t found them asleep elsewhere this morning. Post dinner drinks had resulted in a tipsy Jennifer who wanted to christen the baby grand piano. Jonathan had managed to persuade her that could wait until Max was out of the house, he’d remember it though, have no fear.
"Not bad," said Jonathan stifling a yawn. "Something made me wake before the alarm though."
Max didn’t fail to notice the sharp dig in the ribs Jennifer gave Jonathan.
"I’ll leave you to it then." He said raising his eyebrows. He too was amazed at the stamina this pair seemed to have.
Jonathan Hart was blindsided when he received the call at work. He couldn’t remember the drive to the hospital, it was as if he was on autopilot. He was sure he’d broken every speed limit. He was also sure there was no way he going to be delayed getting to the hospital.
Running through the swing doors of the emergency room he saw admissions straight ahead.
"My wife, where is she?"
The admissions clerk saw the distressed face on the man in front of her.
"Please calm down sir, what’s your wife’s name?"
"Hart, Jennifer Hart. I had a phone call to say she’d been admitted."
"If you’d like to take a seat I’ll see what I can find out."
Jonathan wasn’t going anywhere, his palms were sweating. He’d not been told anything on the phone, just that Jennifer was in hospital.
"Please, I need to know how she is," he pleaded. Running his fingers through his hair he surveyed his surroundings, looking for anyone who resembled his beloved wife. He felt a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Mr Hart?"
Jonathan swung around to see a man in a white coat.
"Yes."
"I’m Dr Anderson. I’ve been treating your wife." The doctor led Jonathan away from the desk.
"How is she? Can I see her?"
"She’s in one of our rooms at the moment. We still have tests to carry out on her. I’m afraid she’s taken quite a battering and hasn’t regained consciousness yet."
"Oh my god," cried Jonathan, "what happened?"
"It appears she’s been mugged," the doctor hesitated seeing the distraught look on his face. Jonathan took a deep breath trying to calm himself.
"In broad daylight?" questioned Jonathan incredulously.
The doctor shrugged. "The people who do things like this don’t care."
Dr Anderson stopped short of the door they were about to enter. "Mr Hart, your wife is in here, please don’t be alarmed when you see her. All her external wounds are superficial and will heal."
Despite the doctor’s words, nothing prepared Jonathan for the sight that greeted him upon entering the room. He let out a loud gasp. His wife lay unconscious on the bed in front of him, her eyes closed and black with bruises, her lips swollen and cut, more bruising visible on her cheeks and arms. He stood motionless for a moment, picturing the beautiful face he’d left this morning and what a number of punches had done to it. He felt tears rise in his eyes and bile rise in his throat, if he ever got hold of who did this. The feeling of his nails digging into the palms of his hands brought him back to the room. Slowly he walked across to the bed and stood over her. Turning back to the doctor he said, "Can I touch her?"
Dr Anderson nodded, "Be careful of her left hand though, she has a couple of broken fingers."
Jonathan bent down and softly kissed her on the lips, "What have they done to you sweetheart?" he choked.
Dr Anderson walked up to them. "The nurses will be coming in to check on her every 15 minutes, but if she wakes up in the meantime, just press on this," he said handing Jonathan a buzzer. Jonathan didn’t look around, his eyes glued to his wife. Again he felt the doctors hand on his shoulder. "Your wife is very strong, she will pull through."
Jonathan nodded. As he heard the door close, he looked around for a chair and pulled it close to the side of the bed. He reached down to take her hand, then remembered the doctor’s words. He looked at her swollen fingers, and noted the missing wedding ring. His gaze wandered back up to her face as his fingers caressed her cheek. "Oh Jennifer," he whispered.
Jonathan remained in the room as the nurses came to tend Jennifer. Over time he could see the colour of the bruises on her face come through. He avoided touching her too much, not knowing how much she could feel in her unconscious state. He knew he should call Max and let him know what had happened, but no way was he leaving her side until she came round.
As he sat watching her, he saw her eyes flicker and eventually open.
"Thank god," he said as he stood up so Jennifer wouldn’t have to move to look at him. He pressed the button in his hand to raise the alarm.
"Hi gorgeous," he whispered gazing in to the hazel eyes that stared back at him.
"What.." Jennifer was stopped by Jonathan putting his finger to his lips.
"Shhh, just rest until the doctor has seen you."
He reached down to cup her cheek in his hand, but removed it when he saw her flinch in pain. Looking for a part of her face that wasn’t bruised, he delicately kissed the tip of her nose before leaning to her ear.
"I love you," heard Jennifer. She tried to smile but the pain in her face intensified.
Jonathan turned around when he heard the door open.
"Mrs Hart," said Dr Anderson approaching the bed. Jonathan stood back to allow the doctor access to his wife. "It’s good to see you awake. Just lie still, I need to test a few things." Jonathan watched as the doctor examined Jennifer.
" How much do you remember?"
"Not much, I remember a man approaching me, as if to ask me a question, then he went for my handbag and I fought for it. I remember his hand coming up to my face, but not much after that."
Jonathan closed his eyes listening to her words. He tried to imagine the fear she must have been filled with.
"Mrs Hart. I need to ask you some personal questions." The doctor glanced over at Jonathan. "This might be easier if we were alone."
"Darling?" questioned Jonathan. He knew every intimate detail about his wife, what could they ask that he didn’t already know. Then it struck him. Oh god no, please not that.
Jennifer saw the look of horror on Jonathan’s face and began to cry as she read his mind. Immediately, he was at her side.
"I love you Jennifer, I always have and I always will." He reached for her right hand feeling it grip to his tightly.
"I want my husband to stay."
The doctor nodded. "When you were found, some of your clothes were ripped. I’m sorry but I have to ask, do you think you could have been raped?"
Jennifer sobbed. "I don’t know, I don’t remember."
The doctor nodded. "I’d like to carry out an examination, just to be sure."
Jennifer looked at Jonathan fearing what she might see in his eyes. The love, so pure, that he had for her shone like a beacon from them.
Calling a nurse into the room, the doctor prepared.
"When did you last have sexual relations?"
Jennifer linked her fingers through the warm hand that was holding hers and squeezed.
"This morning."
Jonathan squeezed back, the memories of their passion fresh in his mind.
"With Mr Hart?"
"Of course." Now was not the time to have a go at the doctor for suggesting anyone else, he was just doing his job.
"Mr Hart, we will need to take a DNA swab to exclude you from whatever we find."
Jonathan nodded. He turned and looked directly at his wife as the doctor carried out his examination. What could he say? If his wife had been violated in this way, nothing was going to stop him tracking the culprit down. Jennifer saw his face getting redder the love in his eyes slowly being replaced by anger, not a anger at her, she knew that but anger all the same.
"Don’t." she said softly. "Just be here for me right now."
Jonathan looked at his helpless wife. "I’m so sorry. I wasn’t there when you needed me."
"Jonathan, don’t this. I’m a grown woman, you can’t be there for me 24 hours a day."
"But I’m your husband, there to protect you, and I wasn’t there."
Jennifer released his hand and reached to his face, putting her finger to his lips. "I just need you now," she said strongly. No matter what she said, she knew he’d feel guilty. He liked to think of himself as her protector. Jonathan nodded, but knew he wouldn’t be able to let this one lie.
"Mrs Hart, we should have the results within 24 hours." Said the doctor. He always hated doing these tests. "Right now, I’m going to admit you upstairs."
"Can’t I go home?"
"No, not yet. You’ve been unconscious, I’d like to keep you in over night for observation."
Jonathan held his hand out to the doctor. "Thank you."
"Just doing my job. You can go with your wife when they take her up."
Jonathan sat on the edge of the bed and took Jennifer’s right hand in his lifting it and brushing his lips across the knuckles.
"How are you feeling?"
"Aching more than anything." She reached her left hand to touch her face, feeling the swollen lips and cheek. Catching sight of her finger she noticed it was bare. Tears welled and began to slide from the corners of her eyes. "They took my wedding ring," she sobbed. That seemed to affect her as much as anything. "The bastards took my wedding ring."
It was as much as Jonathan could take. Carefully he eased his arms around her and pulled her to him. He felt the salty tears splashing onto his shoulder and neck as sobs wracked her body. He rubbed her back trying to soothe her.
"It’s okay honey, let it all out." He heard the door open and quietly close again as whomever it was decided to leave them alone. As the tears subsided, the Harts just held each other, not a word spoken; not a word needed to be spoken. Ultimately they were thankful that Jennifer was still here. After all not all people that were mugged were lucky enough to be alive at the end of it.
Jonathan eased her back on to the bed.
"Try and get some rest. I’m sure they’ll be coming to take you up soon."
"Don’t leave me."
"I’m not going anywhere sweetheart."
Jonathan watched as Jennifer closed her eyes. Her face looked so painful and he knew it was causing her discomfort. He reached and pushed a stray hair from her forehead, seeing no bruises there; he gently brushed his lips across it. Somebody will pay for this he thought to himself; sooner or later I will find them. For now though, the most important thing was getting Jennifer better.
As the orderly’s came in to move Jennifer, Jonathan went with them. As soon as she was set up in her room, Jonathan took the opportunity to call Max and let him know the situation. Just as he’d expected Max was distraught wanting to come over immediately. Jonathan managed to put him off for the night, knowing Jennifer was not up for visitors yet, even Max.
Pulling the chair close to the side of the bed, Jonathan again took Jennifer’s hand and watched as she slept. A quiet knock at the door was followed by the entry of the charge nurse.
"Mr Hart. There is a police officer outside ready to question your wife about the incident."
"As you can see, she resting now. Can it wait?"
"He says he’s a personal friend, a lieutenant Gray?"
Jonathan stood, "I’ll come and see him."
"Jonathan, how is she?" said Herschel as Jonathan entered the corridor.
Jonathan shrugged. "They made a real mess of her face. I want whoever did this."
"We’re doing all we can."
"I mean it Herschel," Jonathan retorted angrily. "I want them."
"Calm down now Jonathan. I know you’re angry…"
"Angry, doesn’t even begin to describe it." Jonathan interrupted.
"Jonathan, you have to let the police deal with this."
"If they don’t, you can be sure as hell I will."
Jonathan was trying to control his temper at the whole situation. As he paced up and down the corridor trying to calm down a cry of ‘Jonathan’ coming from the room containing his wife brought him back to the present. He pushed past Herschel and in through the door. Jennifer was sobbing attempting to get out of the bed, the pain of her injuries contorted across her face.
"Darling," cried Jonathan rushing over. "I’m here."
"You said you wouldn’t leave."
Jonathan eased her back into the bed distraught at his wife’s distressed state.
"I’m sorry. I was outside talking to Herschel."
Jennifer tears slowed as her breathing returned to normal. She was gripping tightly onto Jonathan’s hand, as if she was afraid to let go. Jonathan stroked her hair as her breathing eased. He’d never seen her like this before, so distressed, and it broke his heart.
"I’m sorry," she croaked.
"Don’t," said Jonathan stopping her. "Don’t ever be sorry. The scum that did this are the sorry ones. You’re not to blame." He watched as the tears dried on her cheeks. "Okay?" he questioned.
Jennifer nodded. "With you here, yes."
Jonathan smiled. "Good. Do you feel up to talking to Herschel?"
Jennifer shook her head. "I just want to be with you at the moment."
"I’ll tell him to come back then." Jonathan stood. "I’ll just be the other side of the door," he said trying to reassure her.
"Don’t be long, okay."
Jonathan could see she was still frightened about being left alone, and was putting on a brave face. He wasn’t going to rest until he caught whoever had done this.
As Jonathan returned to the room he sat on the edge of the bed and took her hand in his. Jennifer looked up at him.
"Can you get me a mirror?"
Jonathan looked questioningly at her. He knew why she wanted it but didn’t want her to see what had been done to her features.
"Darling, you don’t need to see."
"Jonathan, yes I do."
"Are you sure?"
Jennifer nodded. Jonathan retrieved a mirror from the bathroom and handed it to her face down.
"The doctor said they will all heal in time. You are beautiful Jennifer, you always were and you always will be. You’re beauty shines from within and is still shining." He leaned forward and kissed her swollen lips delicately avoiding any pressure on them. Gazing into her eyes he said quietly, his voice choking with emotion "I love you."
"I love you too."
Jonathan watched as Jennifer slowly moved the mirror up to her face to see her reflection. He winced as she gasped at the sight. Using her free hand, she touched the fresh bruising around her features, no wonder she was in pain.
"It’s not pretty is it?"
"Jennifer." Jonathan warned.
"I know, I know, it’s just a bit of a shock."
"Okay, that’s enough," said Jonathan gently taking the mirror from her and putting it on the table beside the bed. Jennifer watched as Jonathan returned his eyes to hers. The anger was still visible to her, he revealed everything thorough those gorgeous blue eyes. She reached to him and held his hand seeing a smile spread across the lips that had so intimately kissed every part of her naked flesh that morning.
"Can I ask you a question?"
Jonathan furrowed his brow in response wondering why she would even ask if she could ask him a question.
"Of course."
"I want you to be honest with me Jonathan."
He smiled again, "You can read me like a book anyway."
"True." Jonathan felt her hand tighten around his as she looked intently at him. "Do you think things will change between us if I’ve been." she hesitated not wanting to finish what she’d started, but at the same time needing to know. She watched as Jonathan’s head dropped and then looked back up at her.
"Raped," he finished for her. Jennifer nodded watching for his reaction. The clouds of anger came back to haunt those eyes for a few moments, then she saw them clear and felt herself lost in them once more as they conveyed nothing but unequivocal love.
"I’ve never lied to you and I have no intention of doing so now. If I’m honest then, yes I don’t see how this won’t change things, only because we have a hurdle to cross, which we will cross together and we will get through it. But Jennifer whatever the results, it won’t ever change the way I feel about you. I’ve loved you unconditionally from the moment I laid eyes on you and I always will until my dying day." He reached to touch her face his eyes still focused on hers. "Until we know one way or another though try not to think about it."
"I can’t help it."
"I know it’s difficult, but for your own sake please try." He knew this must be tearing her up inside, hell it was in the back of his mind since the doctor had mentioned it. He hadn’t lied though, there was nothing Jennifer could do or say that would ever change the way he felt about her. They would get through this together. "Do you understand me though, we will get through this together," he emphasised the together just to reiterate she wouldn’t be doing this alone. "My life is nothing without you in it." He felt her hand tightened further around his.
"Thank you," she mouthed back at him knowing she’d burst into tears if she tried to say it out loud. Pulling herself upright she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him close. At that moment, despite the pain she wanted and needed to be held by the man she loved and who loved her just as much. Jonathan wrapped his arms around her delicate frame finding comfort in the warmth of her body next to his. He felt her rest her head on his shoulder and her breathing deepen as she drifted off to sleep. Gently he laid her back on the pillows and released her arms from his neck. Sitting in the chair he watched over her as she slept.
When Jennifer awoke again, it was early evening. She opened her eyes to find Jonathan sat next to her bed. A warmth invaded her body as he smiled over at her and blew her a kiss. She didn’t know what she’d done to deserve someone like him but she thanked god every day that he’d come into her life. She really did love him.
"Hey," she said in a hoarse whisper.
"Hey yourself."
"I’ve been dreaming about you"
"All good I hope."
"They always are when you’re in them."
Jonathan smiled. "Are you up to seeing Herschel yet?"
Jennifer sighed. Much as she really didn’t want anyone to see her like this, the sooner she got her statement over with, the sooner the police could get on with their investigations. She nodded.
"I’ll just go and get hold of him."
Herschel Grey couldn’t contain his shock when he saw the state of Jennifer. He thought he’d become accustomed to seeing things like this in his many years on the force, but never before was it someone he knew well. He could see now why Jonathan was in such a temper. He knew the relationship the pair had with each other, it was like no other he’d seen before.
"Jennifer I’m sorry," he stuttered.
"Just do me a favour and catch them, so they can’t do this to anyone else."
"We’ll try our best, but we will need as much help from you as possible. Do you want to do this privately?"
Jennifer looked at Jonathan sat beside her on the bed and took his hand.
"No, unless you don’t want to hear it darling." Jonathan looked at her like it was the most ludicrous think she’d ever said.
"Together," he said simply reaffirming his previous statement.
Jonathan sat silently as Jennifer made her statement, though she couldn’t actually remember much of the incident. After the initial blows whilst trying to retain her handbag, it appeared the mugger had continued to beat her after she had lost consciousness. Jonathan hated what he was hearing, feeling sick to his stomach.
"And they stole my wedding ring," finished Jennifer.
"Yes the doctors said a couple of fingers had been broken, probably when it was being pulled off."
"Do you think there’s any chance of retrieving it?" she asked solemnly
Herschel shook his head "I honestly don’t know. It’s probably sat in a pawn shop right about now."
Jennifer felt the tears well in her eyes once more, that ring meant the world to her. She knew Jonathan would happily buy her a new one, but that wasn’t the point. When he placed that ring on her finger, their lives had become as one, and the memories were held with that particular ring.
"I’ll be in touch as soon as we have anything," said Herschel standing. He hated to admit it, but often cases like this never evolved to anything. With no witnesses and very little to go on, he didn’t hold out much hope. "You look after her Jonathan."
"Don’t worry, I will. Thanks Herschel," said Jonathan reaching to shake his hand.
The Harts watched as Herschel left and the doctor on call entered.
"Mrs Hart, I’m Dr Comber. How are you feeling?"
Jonathan moved off the bed to allow the doctor access.
"Better than a few hours ago."
"Good. Do you feel up for eating anything?"
"Not really."
"I’ll have the nurse send in some liquid nutrition. You’re going to have some difficulty eating over the next few days, but please try and drink as much as possible." The doctor continued his examination, " good, I’ll be back to see you in the morning, but if this keeps up, you can go home tomorrow."
"Any chance of tonight?"
Dr Comber laughed, "No sorry Mrs Hart, doctors orders, you have to stay here tonight."
Jennifer looked at Jonathan, "It was worth a try." Jonathan was relieved to see some of the sparkle back in her eyes.
"I’ll give Max a call and let him know what’s going on. He want’s to come and see you, you know."
"I guessed he would."
"Do you feel up to it?"
Jennifer shook her head. "Not tonight." She hesitated before continuing, not wanting to sound too clingy. "Will you stay with me here tonight?"
"I had every intention of doing so."
"Thanks."
As the evening wore on Jennifer could feel herself becoming more tired. Much as she wanted to stay awake and talk to Jonathan, her eyes were becoming heavier and heavier.
"Darling," she said quietly.
"Mmm."
"Will you hold me?"
Jonathan looked up to see the need in her eyes. "I don’t want to hurt you."
"I don’t care. I want to feel your arms around me holding me. I need you."
Jonathan kicked off his shoes and carefully climbed into the bed next to her. Jennifer winced as she manoeuvred herself into the side of him. Resting her head on his chest, she felt his arms wrap around her back, his palms gently rubbing up and down in a soothing motion to aid her to sleep. His lips kissed the top of her head. As he looked down on her, Jonathan fought back the tears. He wanted to pull her into a tight hug and never let go.
The beat of Jonathan’s heart brought comfort to Jennifer as it always did when she lay on him. Even through his shirt, she could feel the strong rhythm of the man who was her life. She was glad she’d asked him the question about the rape and could see from his eyes how honest he was being about the whole thing. He was right, it would affect them, there was no doubt about that. She shuddered at the thought that another man could have had sex with her without her knowledge. Jonathan had said they’d face it together and without question she knew she had his support, but her head was spinning. Would he really be able to look at her the same knowing what had happened, would she want to be touched again, she felt dirty.
Jonathan saw her body shaking trying to hold back, before he felt the warmth of her tears seeping through his shirt. He knew exactly what was going through her head, he knew her so well. He also knew there wasn’t a thing he could say, she had her own battle to fight that only she alone could do, as well as the one they would have to fight together. He pulled her gently to him knowing there was nothing he could say, but at the same time trying to reassure her he was there for her. He too released the tears he had been holding back.
