DONOVAN (Book Three)

TWENTY

I hear heavy steps approaching me, making my heart race in panic, and now I'm looking at a man's feet.

I abruptly drop to the floor and cover my head. "I'm sorry." I frantically say in a stuttering voice. "I promise I won't yell. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Please...please...don't hit me."

Tears were falling from my eyes as I cuddled myself.

"Claire?"

I flinch back once I feel him touch me. When I faced him with teary eyes, I saw not an angry man but a sorrowful man. Looking at me with such an expression is as if he's hurting. It pains me to see him like that.

"Claire," he gently takes my hand away and holds it in his. "I'm not going to hurt you."

I sniff and suddenly stop quivering like a scared bunny.

Don brush a strain of my hair behind my ear and cup my face. Then he pulls me in his arms, embracing me tight. I hear his heart beating against my ears.

"I'm sorry," I whisper. "I didn't mean to yell at you."

"Shh..." rubbing my back, comforting me. "It's okay."

How can a man like him exist?

I wished I had met him before then; I wouldn't be in my situation with Eddie. I know I thought of this before, but I

I grasp his shirt and sob softly. "No, Don, I have to tell you." I sniff. "It's important you know why I acted the way I was towards you."

Don slips his arm under my legs and lifts me like a pillow taking me to his bed. He placed me on the edge of the bed and sat next to me.

He's a gentleman, letting me take a breather before I confess. I close my eyes and inhale sharply before I let it out. Before I can tell him about my fear.

My nightmare.

My hands rested on my lap as I fumbled my thumb around. "Don," licking my dry lips and releasing a shaky breath. Visions of Eddie hitting me, and I'm crying out in pain. I shut my eyes tight.

I get up from the bed and hug my stomach. I'm sorry...I don't think I can do this." Panic rose throughout my body has made my heart race again. "If I told you...he will find me....he will find Leo..." sobs crack in my voice. "And when he does, he will hurt me...especially Leo."

My whole body is trembling. The thought of Eddie finding us once I tell everyone somehow fears he will. He will do everything he can to look for me and Leo.

Strong arms wrap around me, pulling me close. I did not realize Don left the bed.

"Claire," his voice whispering in my ear sent a goof shiver up my spine. "Tell me, who's hurting you."

I sob in his arms as his voice gets darker, not toward me but toward someone hurting me. I can feel it.

"Don...I can't-" My body spun until I'm looking face to face with the man in a rage.

"Tell me, Claire," he grips both sides of my shoulders. They weren't tight, but I know he's serious. His blue eyes became dark. "Tell me, who's the motherfucking bastard hurting you and Leo!"

I open my mouth, but it quivers. I can't let out a single sound.

Don embraced me, seeing me frightened. "I'm sorry, my little dove. I'm sorry for scathing you." Holding me tight like a shield, protecting my whole body.

Is he sorry?

I should be the one since I can't tell him. It's easy for me to tell Effie and Thea, but I couldn't with Don.