He lightly ran his hand over his bruised ribs. He lifted his t-shirt and looked down at his purple stomach. Tears filled his eyes as he remembered the latest beating he had received three nights before. He hadn’t told anyone, not even Matt or his dad. He could feel himself getting lost from the group of friends he had known since he was young. Matt just thought that his bruises came from bring in the ring but they didn’t.

Jeff’s head shot up when he heard a scream from the room next door. He shot of the sofa and out of the hotel door. He banged on the door next to his.

 

Leah screamed as Simon had his hand around her throat. He silenced her by spitting in her face. He knee then came up to meet her stomach. When she doubled over from the pain he threw her onto the bed.

When he heard the banging on the door he stormed over to it and swung it open. He looked at the blue haired man standing in front of him. “What?” he asked sternly.

“I heard someone scream. Is everything ok?” Jeff asked peering over Simon’s shoulder and noticing the girl that lay curled up on the bed.

“Everything is fine. Is that all?”

“I guess.”

“Then goodbye and keep out of our business in the future.” Simon said slamming the door in his face.

“Jerk.” Jeff hissed at him. He stepped away from the door and leaned up against the wall. He knew something wasn’t right. He was hurting her. But what could he do to help her? He didn’t even know who she was. But he knew he would. He was going to help her. He was going to save her before she turned into him.

 

Leah scrambled to the far side of the bed as Simon came back over to her. The anger from his face fell. He put his hand out to Leah. She hesitated before she took it. He pulled her over to him. “I’m sorry baby. I didn’t mean to do it. I’m so sorry. It won’t happen again. Please forgive me.” He begged her as he softly kissed her neck.

“I believe you and I forgive you.” Leah said as she pulled herself against him. But deep down Leah knew it wouldn’t be the last time. She knew that he would do it again. But she was powerless. She didn’t have the physical or emotional strength to leave him. If she wanted to she knew she could try, but she didn’t want to she loved him.

Simon’s hands slowly moved to Leah’s back. He pushed her gently down onto the bed. He laid down beside her and pulled her into his arms, the way he always did when he apologized.

 chapter 4