for Stu i really hope you like it :) xx

Keep an eye on me

It had been a really busy morning in the deli; Mondays usually were with everyone getting back in to a normal working week after their weekend. I enjoyed the hectic days, they went faster. Doug had a day off today, we'd both been working so hard lately but he had caught a cold and he wasn't feeling good. I told him to take a few days off to relax and get better, which suited me, we'd been spending so much time together that secretly I was grateful for a bit of my own space, some time on my own. Don't get me wrong Doug is great but I'd forgotten how demanding relationships were.

So I had Barney helping out, he was a hard worker and surprisingly funny too. We got on well and had a laff together. He even told me about his special friend, the kind with benefits. Cheryl Brady. I couldn't believe it, he seems to really like her, but she is lovely. I'd always got on with her; it was just her psycho brother I had a problem with.

"Talk of the devil"

Brendan came in the deli twice a day every day; you could never keep him away from food, or away from me. He always ordered two Panini's; he didn't care what was in them as long as I made them. I found it hard sometimes especially when Doug was around. Maybe I should just ban him from the shop, it is all mine now, he can't really protest. But if I banned him that would mean our paths would hardly ever cross and I don't think im ready for that. I still love the attention and the thrill that only Brendan seems to be able to give me, so I won't stop it.

He always watched so intently as I made his food, almost like he got a kick out of it, I never did understand him, I doubt I ever will. I thought that after everything he would stay away but he hasn't and his desire for me seems to have grown but I have to just ignore it. He comes in around the same time most days; you could almost set your clock by him, once late morning and the other at closing time. We didn't really speak that much, apart from the normal pleasantries, but I think that was mainly down to me. He seemed to have forgiven me for what I'd done to him but I on the other hand felt riddled with guilt, even after everything he had done to me I still felt sorry for him.

The afternoon had been much slower than the morning so I told Barney to get himself home and that I would finish up. No doubt I'd have Brendan to keep me company soon anyway; he'd be in for his second visit of the day. I was out the back when I heard the door go.

"Be with you in a minute" I shouted through.

When I returned to the shop front I realized that the bloke standing infront of me was looking very agitated, he had a strange look in his eye and I started to panic, he made me feel very uncomfortable.

"Empty the till now" he demanded.

I wasn't about to give him my days takings, there was a counter inbetween us, I had a chance to call the police. I reached in to my pocket to grab my phone but by the time I got it out he was already behind the counter with me. It wasn't long before I started to feel the familiar punches to my ribs and face. You'd think after all the beatings that I've had that I would try and fight back or take a self-defence class, I just never learn. Maybe I should have just given him the money but I thought I could handle it; he held me by the throat and told me to open the till. That's when I heard him….Brendan.

"Get ye hands off him…now!" he shouted.

The next thing I knew Brendan had set upon him, he was beating the shit out of him, repeatedly saying

"Don't ye ever touch him"

I thought he wasn't going to stop.

"Brendan…leave it…he's not worth it. I'll phone the police."

The bloke wasn't in a good way at all, I was okay, my ribs hurt and I had a split lip and a bleeding nose but apart from that I was fine. Brendan would probably end up in trouble for hitting him, but he was defending me and I will say it was self-defence which it kind of was in a way. It didn't take long for the police to come and arrest this now badly beaten scum. They wanted me to go to the hospital but I'd get over it, I always have done before. Brendan was great, he stayed with me till they were gone, and he even helped me clean up.

"Ye okay? Shall I call douglas?"

My answer should have been yes; no doubt gossip would travel to him and he'd find out anyway but I was enjoying just being with Brendan right now. There was nothing in this world quite like a protective Brendan Brady.

"No ta, I'll be fine, you get off if you want"

"I'm staying with ye Steven, I told ye before that I'd be keeping my eye on ye, so that's what im doing now"

"Okay, im nearly done here anyway"

"I'll walk ye back then Steven"

So that's how my ex ended up walking me home.

"Here ye are" said Brendan.

"Did you wanna come in for a drink? Amy won't be back till late"

I knew it wasn't the best idea inviting him in but he'd just saved me, a few beers wouldn't hurt. I owed him a drink at least. The only thing was I knew it would be more than just a drink that he was coming in for. Of course I felt bad for Doug but I just couldn't fight it anymore, i wanted him still.

I was just glad that he was always around to keep an eye on me.

Stu thank you for always reviewing my fictions, why don't you become a member on here? :) xx

hello guys please review. xx :)