Chapter4-Craig

"Is Justin home?" I asked, standing in the doorway to my ex-boyfriend's house. Gosh, this brought back memories.

Justin's older brother, Craig, took a step towards me. "You look tense." He stroked my cheek softly, sending shivers down my spine.

"Don't." I said in a whisper. "I have a boyfriend."

"Yeah, my brother." He said as if it wasn't important. Then he rolled his eyes.

"No, it's not him." I said, sighing. This was stupid. I only wanted to talk to Justin. Not let his older brother touch me like this.

"You're in a bad mood and you came to see my brother. You and I both know he isn't exactly soft."

He is. Sometimes. When he wants to be, the more accurate statement. I brushed past him, hoping to get some space between us. "You're nineteen, Craig. You'll go to jail."

He followed me and too my face in his hands. "You wouldn't tell on me. I know you too well, Jessica."

I cringed when he said my name.

"Just once, maybe you'll like it."

I took another step back and fell onto the couch. "Don't."

He crawled on top of me and kissed me, his lips craving mine intensely.

"Get off me!" I screamed, pushing against his chest. My face was covered in thick rolls of salt water.

He grabbed the back of my neck and held me close to his body. He ripped my shirt off. "Trust me, baby."

I pushed against his chest again with no success.

He unclasped my bra and tossed it behind him.

"Get off me!" I screamed again, kicking him back this time.

"What the hell?" Justin yelled, pulling Craig away from me. He grabbed my arm and yanked me from the room. He led me to his room and locked the door once we were in there. "Jess, are you okay?"

Sobbing, crying hysterically, I slid down the wall and wrapped my arms around my body.

"Jess, talk to me." He said, bending down to see into my eyes. Could he tell how heartbroken I was? That I couldn't trust my ex-boyfriend's brother? Could he see pain and guilt... lies and torture in the back?

I wrapped my arms around his neck and hid my face in his neck.

He picked me up slowly and laid me under the covers and safety of his bed. "I'll call you mom and tell her you're here."

I grabbed his hand urgently, panic shooting through me. "Don't go."

He didn't argue or leave. He took a seat on the floor, putting his back against the bed, and dialed my home phone number. "Hi, Mrs. Smith. No, I'm just calling to let you know that Jessica's here. I know. I'll have her home by nine. You're welcome."

I fell asleep on his bed until eight. It was dark out the window and a cool breeze had settled in the room.

Justin gave me his very comfortable football sweatshirt and led me to his car, keeping his arm around my shoulders. It wasn't a romantic gesture. Just enough of one to show he cared. That he would protect me... no matter what. I adored that about him. About any guy.

I dozed off in the car, the darkness and cold air soothing my headache. I rubbed my eyes when the car stopped in front of my house and looked over at Justin. "Thanks."

"I'll come by tomorrow to check on you." He was concerned about me. About how I'd be doing after almost getting raped. How much good could be in there?

I nodded and headed inside. The car didn't pull away until the door had shut and he knew I was safe. I yawned and headed upstairs. My mom didn't ask why I was with Justin. She didn't question the way I looked.

She kissed the top of my head, hugged me, then wished me good night. Some part of me wanted her to know... so she could love me even more.