His Secret Obsession
Chapter 104

(Asher)

I looked down at the most beautiful woman I had truly ever seen. She was lying in my arms in the hospital bed and I couldn't take my eyes off of her for one single second. I was afraid she might disappear if I looked away for too long..I was afraid she could be taken from me again. I will never be the same after this, that I know for a damn fact. I will never be able to let her out of my sight and I know that's a f*****g problem. But to experience a fear like this has been life-changing and I hope to God it will never happen again. Emery's lip was split and she had bruising all across her cheek. It pained me to see her this way..to know she was in that monster's hands and how he hurt her..how he f*****g touched her. I bent down, placing my mouth against her cheek delicately, trying not to wake her as I glided my lips up and down her bruised skin.

She had been so brave..so f*****g brave and so damn strong. We had been in the hospital for a few hours now and the doctors wanted to check her out to make sure everything was okay. Her wrists were cut up pretty badly from whatever restraints they used on her so they bandaged them up and I couldn't help but hold them gently in my hands, the urge to cover and protect her overpowering every rational thought I had. She looked so damn fragile right now. The doctor wanted to make sure that Ethan didn't slip her any unknown drugs so we are waiting for the blood results and then we can finally go home.

Jack, Scott, and Allen were outside the room talking with Officer Monroe. Scott just got back from the police station. They took his statement on what happened and have officially put a warrant out for Ethan's dad to be arrested. I guess he knew about Ethan leaving and didn't report it. Apparently, this wasn't the first time Ethan had harassed a woman either. His dad has been covering up for him for years...f*****g despicable.

Scott also told us that they found out the guy that took Emery worked at our apartments as part of the maintenance crew. He had access to the security footage and had even given Ethan the link to it so Ethan was pretty much watching our every move. Jack wants us to sue the apartment complex but Emery said no and that it wasn't their fault someone like that worked for them..I was just pissed off..how the hell did all of this slip past us..we didn't even think of that as a possibility.

Carson left a little while ago to go get Jackie and grab some food for everyone since we don't know when we will be leaving. It's f*****g crazy..even though Emery wasn't even gone for more than two damn hours, it felt like f*****g days. It took Scott a while to get to her because Ethan blocked the road that led to the cabin and Scott had to go on foot the rest of the way. I'm just glad he got to her in time and ended things with Ethan. It was finally over..Emery was safe and I will never leave her side again..I talked to the coach and I told him everything that happened.

He gave me the week off of practice because of the circumstances and I couldn't be more grateful. Everyone has been reaching out..it was even aired on the news..obviously they didn't reveal Emery's identity but they did Ethan's. So that prompted Mack to call me..she wanted to come and see Emery. I told her I would ask Emery when she woke up but I could tell she was genuinely concerned and even broke down crying a few times. I just didn't know what the f**k to say. My mom even wanted to stop by but I didn't want to overwhelm my baby..I just need her to rest.

Suddenly a soft knock sounded on the door as I pulled Emery tighter against my chest and watched carefully as Allen came into the room. They gave Emery some pain relief for the cuts on her wrists and swelling on her face so I knew she wouldn't wake up easily. She was a damn heavy sleeper to begin with, so she would be out for a while if we let her.

"How's our girl doing?" Allen spoke quietly, his eyes tired and full of worry as he studied his daughter's face carefully.

"She seems to have finally relaxed." I informed him, noticing her brow furrow slightly, prompting me to press my lips against her temple and kiss her gently.

Allen walked over towards us, his hand reaching out as he dragged his fingertips across her cheek lovingly.

"I don't know how I got so lucky to have a kid like her..to be honest, she inherited so much from her mom, even though she only had two years with her. She is SO much like her. It baffles me.." He said before bending down and kissing Emery's forehead. "She just has the biggest heart..she..she didn't deserve something like this." He choked out, making me take a shuddering breath as I reached my hand out and gripped his in a comforting motion.

"I know Allen, but not only is she kind, she is strong too, so fucking strong." I added, trying to remind myself this too..she has been put through a lot of shit..and I'm terrified what will stick with her. I just want her to be okay..I just want my girl to be happy and I vow to give her the best life possible.

"I'm glad she has someone like you because I can see how much you cherish her. I can see how you won't take a single second with her for granted. I know I didn't with the love of my life." He whispered before a single tear slid down his cheek, and I couldn't help but choke up myself as silent sobs began shaking my body.

"Hey, I know..I know..I was scared too..it's okay..she is safe now." Allen walked over to me, his arms circling around my shoulders as he pulled me into his side. I began sobbing..like, full-on sobbing while trying not to wake Emery. I felt embarrassed for the flood of emotions that seemed to cascade out of me but Allen didn't say a word. He just kept comforting me and I have never had anything like that my whole life. I never had a dad to tell me everything was okay and I could see Allen cared..like really f*****g cared and it touched me so deeply.

I thought I was going to lose Emery..I thought I would never hear her laugh or see that beautiful smile that can light up any room...I thought it would all be gone and my life felt pointless. It felt completely and utterly useless without her and this just solidified how I felt even more.

"Oh, here, they found this in the guy's pocket. I thought you should put it back on her." Allen informed me before pulling away and grabbed something out of his pocket, placing it into my palm. It was Emery's ring..the lunatic must of taken it off of her.. I gently took Emery's left hand in my own, sliding the ring onto her finger, and guided her hand to my lips, kissing her tenderly.

"I think the future is going to bring great things for all of us..I just know it." Allen placed his hand on my shoulder before squeezing gently and looking down at his daughter.

I felt the exact same way..Emery is my future..and I know for a fact that whatever comes our way, we will get through it together..no matter what. But now that Ethan is out of the picture..we can finally start living..and it's going to be great.