Heart of Gold

My nails dug into the back of Jason's hand as images of Sarah being put through the same punishment as me flashed through my head.

"The hell she will you sick son of a bitch. You aren't getting anywhere near Gracie or Sarah." Jason hissed

Ben snorted at his comment obviously confident in himself.

"Oh but didn't she tell you? I'm the father of that little brat and if I think Gracie is an unfit mother I can have full custody."

Ben was hoping to shock Jason with the news that he was Sarah's father but what he didn't know was that Jason already knew.

"Your gloating about raping your stepdaughter you fucking pervert and no judge in the world would give you custody." Jason said through clenched teeth

I felt Jason's long fingers squeeze mine in reassurance as I continued to watch with fearful eyes.

"She was eighteen and that is perfectly legal especially since Gracie was more than willing." Ben said as he looked at me with a look that said 'you know what you've done'

Bile rose in my throat as I recalled every sexual thing I did just to keep from getting a beating. I wanted to pour bleach over myself in disgust, maybe it would rid his odor from my mind.

"What you forgot is her miscarriages, many of which were before she turned eighteen. And if you got her pregnant at eighteen what are the odds that you also got her pregnant before?" Jason replied

Ben's cocky smirked vanished as he registered what Jason was saying. I never thought of that. But Jason wasn't done, he took a step forward still holding my hand.

"And let's not forget your name isn't on the birth certificate. Than there is the matter of the bruises doctors saw on her body during Gracie's pregnancy. See Ben the odds are stacked against you."

I couldn't believe what I had over looked. How does he know what happened during my pregnancy.

Ben's mucky beady eyes held a hint of anger as he tried composing himself but it was obvious that he knew Jason was right.

Ben's hairy brows knitted together as he turned his dark glare to me.

"Be a good girl and come with me Gracie." he said through clenched teeth

The threat was clear in his eyes I knew the smart thing was to just go but a voice whispered no. My eyes darted from Ben's fat figure than downwards as I debated whether to go or not.

I promised the McTern's but what if they can't stop Ben. What if.... My thoughts were cut off when Jason rubbed his thumb over the top of my hand.

Looking up I met Jason's ocean blue eyes. It was as if he was telling me not to go. I swallowed the lump in my throat.

"Get your ass over here." Ben hissed

Out of habit I stepped forward ready to do as I was told when Jason's fingers tightened on mine melting my heart. Another hand gripped mine this one harsh and yanked me back.

I gasped at Ben's touch when Jason pushed between Ben and I breaking the brief contact.

"If you touch her again so help me I will break your wrists." Jason said his voice rising earning a few curious stares

"You don't scare me rich boy." Ben chuckled before his dark mucky eyes returned to me

I clutched on to Jason's forearms for dear life thankful that he was between Ben and I.

"I'm n-not going with you." I told Ben

His upper lip curled up in anger and I nearly rushed to his side to avoid my punishment but I realized if I stay with Jason there won't be any punishment. The thought thrilled me.

"You heard her now get out of here." Jason spit disgustingly

"Don't think were done Gracie, you will be mine." Ben said darkly as he backed away not taking his eyes off me

Jason wrapped a arm around my shoulders as he guided me to the parking lot. If Jason wasn't supporting most of my weight I would have probably fainted as I recalled Ben's promise.

You will be mine. Closing my eyes I tried drowning out his voice. What if Ben gets his way?

"Don't cry love he's gone now." Jason cooed as he brought me up to his chest

I hadn't realized I was crying until I tasted the saltiness of my tears as they rolled over my lips. Forcing my eyes open I took a deep breath not wanting Sarah to see me crying.

Jason seemed to think the same thing ad he stopped a few feet away from his truck letting me compose myself. Wiping my eyes dry I took a deep breath.

"Better?" he asked softly

I nodded still a bit shaky but not broken like I was earlier. "Thank you for what you said back there. I never even thought of any of that." I said sincerely

"I told you I'd protect you." he said as he continued forward