Nate

It'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 heart like she does.

I glanced over at the clock, noticing we had forty minutes to be ready for her first session and she was still in a deep sleep.

"Morning, baby. Rise and shine." I called.

She stirred, her face scrunching in annoyance, then her eyelids fluttered open for me. Mesmerising sapphires shone back at me, swimming with sleep but still ever so gorgeous. "Why did you wake me? I was enjoying that sleep." She whined, groggy and grumpy.

"Because, as much as I love seeing you at peace, you have your first counselling session this morning."

Her face soured and she rolled over so her face was downwards on the mattress. She emitted a low growl, muffled by the sheets, then turned back to me. "Okay." She lifted closer to me. "But first, I want to do this..." She shifted so she was straddling my legs, and her mouth was descending towards the waistband of my boxer shorts.

We definitely did not have time for this and if I didn't stop her now we'd end up late or missing the appointment completely.

I pulled her further up just as her teeth pulled on the waistband. "Nuh-uh. No way are you starting something we can't finish. Forty minutes, sweetheart. Get ready." I playfully smacked her left ass cheek, earning me a small squeal, before I lifted her onto the floor.

She gave me a look of pure sadness, puppy eyes and everything, but there was no way I was giving in. "Go!" I pointed towards the wardrobe, laughing, and she swayed her hips away from the bed.

It took me roughly twenty minutes to get ready, so I had enough time to admire her beauty as she pampered herself. I took in the elegant sway of her hips, the way she flicked her hair over her shoulders as she tried an outfit, and then how seductive she made undressing look. She slipped her pyjama shorts off like she was about to give me a lap dance. I failed to control the growl of pleasure that rumbled up my throat. I was desperate for a cold shower.

I hopped out of bed and grabbed her before she slipped a pair of panties on. "Later, after this session, I'm going to show you just how much I love you, Mrs Clarke to be." I pulled away as she giggled back at me. Damn, I was one lucky man. I just hope it stays this way.

🌼🌼🌼

The waiting room was forest green, wallpaper with tigers on, and furnished beautifully. It was extremely unique and loud with colours bursting everywhere. But that did nothing to hide the nerves radiating from Daisy. The car drive had been quiet too, she wasn't as chatty or loving. The latter made my heart squeeze, but I just had to remind myself it was her mental health taking over; she needs help and reassurance.

Of course, I wasn't completely stupid. I knew that without Robert behind bars or six foot under, she had no chance of fully recovering. That was the biggest reassurance of all, and it was looking unlikely to happen. The police were still on the hunt for him and his family - whom had decided to make a run for it too.

"Miss Daisy?" Her name was called and my thoughts shut off. Her head jolted up and her eyes widened, the panic evident across her features.

"I'm right here, baby. I can come in if need be." I squeezed her neck and she nodded.

"Please, I want you in here. I need you."

How anyone could enjoy torturing this woman I had no idea, just seeing the look of panic and sadness stretch across her face made me almost fall at my knees.

"Of course." We walked hand in hand, following the receptionist.

A glass door appeared in front of us and a small, dirty blonde haired woman smiled from a black leather chair. "Ah, Daisy! Lovely to meet you. I'm Cara." They shook hands before we got comfortable. A part of me felt I wasn't needed but deep down I knew Daisy needed me, even if it was just for my presence and nothing else.

"In my sessions I like my client to introduce themselves and tell me why they are here. It's just for me to get a clear picture. I already have the facts, it's honestly just to see if you can physically speak what has happened to you. Sometimes that's a step we don't get to until the end of the counselling as it can be a stressful thing to do."

Her lips gave us an excessively huge smile, while she tapped the corner of a pen across a notebook.

I looked to Daisy who was basically mute. Her hands were shaking and her body was trembling, while no noise came out. I gave her a few minutes before interjecting.

"Sweetheart, you don't have to say anything. Cara just wants to see if you can tell her yourself, that's all. I'm sure if you can't then it's fine."

"Nates right, Daisy." Then she addressed me. "It is Nate right?"

"Yeah. I think she just needs a while."

My eyes searched her face again, and this time I noticed a line of tears dropping down her cheek. I kissed each one, holding her as close as I could. This was completely inappropriate in front of Cara, but she needed comfort right now.

"Shhh, it's okay. We're here to help." I whispered into her hair.

"I feel so weak, how can I not speak about what happened?" She sobbed. "It's just words. Why is it becoming so difficult to do so? I did it before. I told you."

My heart squeezed at her frustration and heartache. "Baby, telling me was different. You trusted me, you had escaped. Now he's back and you're terrified."

"He's right, Daisy. Not being able to talk straight away is fine. We can discuss techniques for dealing with stress instead. Eventually, you will be able to speak."

I was glad her counsellor was so understanding, or this may not have ended well.

Daisy leaned into me and nodded at Cara.

"Right, shall we begin then?"