My first day off work was catch up day, laundry done, house clean and tidy. I always have my headphones on, music keeps me going, keeps the dark thoughts of my former depression out of my head.

The event I don't speak of that happened when I was 17 sent me into a tail spin for 2 years before I got my shit together and became a nurse because so many helped me. When I tried to kill myself the first time or when I'd be dragged in by my mother because the wounds I created on myself needed stitching.

I drank whiskey like it was water and I was dehydrated. I smoked pot like my life depended on it, then I moved onto pills. The nurses were always there healing my physical wounds and trying to patch my mental ones. I've learned to look after myself, I listen to music so I don't hear my brain trying to pull me back down.

Avenged sevenfold came blasting into my ears as I loaded the dishwasher. I danced along to the music miming the lyrics. Dishwasher full I turned to start wiping down the counter when I saw a huge man standing in my kitchen doorway. The scream left my lips before I realised it was coming

"Fuck you scared me" I said trying to catch my breath. There he was the tall strong man who held me through my nightmare last night, I barely knew him but he made me feel safe.

I went to my fridge and pulled out two beers. I handed him one and my fingers brushed his, sending goosebumps up my arm. His skin was rough but it felt like a hard shell covering something much softer underneath. I looked up into those dark eyes and I felt like he was looking into my soul. I moved to sit on the couch and he followed sitting next to me, close enough we were almost touching but enough distance so I didn't feel uncomfortable. I pulled my legs up to sit on my feet and turned so I was facing him

"What brings you back to my house so soon, missed Max that much huh?" I said with a smile. He laughed and looked at my boy lying on the floor beneath me

"I think he's starting to like me, still looks ready to pounce if I look at you wrong though" he said winking at my dog. I looked over to Max and smiled as I thought about how much Max helped me, I would protect him from his past and he would protect me from mine.

I turned to look at Adrian and realised he was checking out my legs. I smiled to myself, instead of feeling creeped out like I normally do when guys look at me I liked the attention from him. I knew right then I was heading for trouble. How can I expose myself to this man when I've never exposed myself to anyone.

No one knows the full story, not my Mom, not my former therapist, not anyone. He already knew more than I wished after witnessing my nightmare, I only told my therapist about them, although I'm sure my Mom heard my screams when I lived there, even though we never discussed it.

I coughed and he looked up into my eyes, there goes that shiver again down my spine. I reached forward and placed my hand on his knee

"I'm glad you're here, how's the bite on your hand?" He looked down before holding his hand out to me, I held his hand with both of mine, it was so much bigger and stronger than mine, I removed the dressing I'd put on it and checked the wound

"It's looking pretty good, doesn't need stitches, just keep it clean" I said but realised I was still holding his hand, I let go quickly and put my hands on my lap. He reached out and put his hand on my bare thigh, his touch ignited a fire in me and I knew he could tell.

He leaned in towards me but then stopped just before his lips touched mine, looking deep into my eyes he didn't move, he's waiting for permission. I nodded my head subtly and with that his lips crashed into mine he tasted of tobacco and beer but I liked it, the rich flavour on my lips as he parted them with his tongue. His hand moved behind my head and his fingers weaved through my hair, his other arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me onto his lap so I was straddling him. I wrapped my arms around his strong, powerful shoulders. He asked my permission to start but he was definitely in control now and I liked it. He pulled away from the kiss and left me wanting more. He looked into my eyes

"Damn, I've wanted to do that since I got to your front door" he shook his head and wrapped his arms around my waist. I realised I was still straddling him and went to move but he gripped my hips and held me there.

"Hell if I had my way you'd already be naked in that bed of yours" he finished his statement with. I could feel the blush running through my cheeks and couldn't help but look away from him.