Warning this chapter deals with molestation. If you have a problem reading such stories please be aware. The Writing is not that graphic in detail.

A Secret Revealed

Chapter 2

Elaina was thrilled when their assignment had been cancelled. She didn't even ask for a reason, it meant more time for Frank to become more acquainted with Derek. They went everywhere together, to the park, the store or just driving around, there was no doubt they were a family.

"How about we get married before we do have to leave for an assignment?" he said, one day while they were in the park with Derek.

"I don't have time to plan a wedding not knowing when we will be called. When we get married, I want our families to be there," she answered, while swinging Derek.

"We can do that later. We can elope now. I'm sure Allison will stand up with us and I can get my friend Teddy to be the other witness."

"Who is Teddy? I don't think I have met him."

"Teddy Collins. He was an instructor at the academy. He said he knew you. I guess that is why we became good friends," he said, laughing.

"Yes, he and I were worked together once. He kept hitting on me. Are you sure you want him around me?" she wondered, teasing him.

"I may have to rethink that."

"Higher," Derek said.

"No, sweetie this is more than high enough," Elaina said.

"When you're older I will let you fly high as the birds," Frank said.

"Yay!" Derek yelled.

"Your birthday is coming up. Do you want to go to your parents or just the three of us?"

"You mean four. Allison is family, isn't she?"

"Pretty much. So, a small family dinner celebration it is. Now, all I have to do is think of a gift?"

"Marry me. It's the only gift I need."

"Frank, please don't push me to make a decision," Elaina said.

"I don't understand this," he said, pulling her away slightly, so Derek didn't hear them.

"There is so much I need to tell you, but I need a little time. We are living as a family. Can't that be enough for now?"

"We aren't living as husband and wife."

"I don't want to discuss it here, now drop the subject," she said, going back to Derek.

*******

Later that night, after Derek was tucked in bed and they were getting ready themselves, Frank wanted to approach the touchy subject between them again. "I have a serious question for you."

"As long as you know, I have the right to refuse an answer."

"I hope you will answer this one. Why can't I make love to you? Why do you only let me hold you?"

"I don't have any birth control pills."

"I can protect you against getting pregnant."

"You did such a fine job the first time. I'm not going to take any chances," Elaina said.

"I can see there is something more to it than that when I look in your eyes."

"There is more, but I can't tell you. I'm not ready."

"Whatever it is, I can see that it hurts you to think about. I hope you will share it with me soon, so I can help you heal the pain it causes."

"I'm not sure you can. I promise to tell you. I just need someone to help me tell you."

"Who do you need?"

"Your father and Allison know. However, I want your father here to help us both deal with it."

"No way am I going to talk to my father. He betrayed me."

"We are going to talk to your father."

"I'm not going to be forced into anything I don't want to do."

Frank left the house in a rage. After he got in his car, he looked up to the bedroom window finding her staring down to him. He was feeling shanghaied and he wasn't going to let it happen.

He drove around for several hours and then found himself parking back in front of their house. He went in, but when he tried to get in the bedroom he found it lock. "Elaina, please let me in." He waited, not hearing a word, he called to her several more times.

Allison stepped out of the guest room after hearing his shouting. Elaina asked her to stay with her after Frank left. "She's angry."

"Why is she angry? I'm the one who should be angry."

"Come with me, I will explain my friend to you," she said, motioning him inside.

"Guess I do need a lesson in how to talk to her," he said, smiling.

"Elaina has a hair trigger with her temper. I've known her since her college days. She has problems trusting people…men in particular. I know why, but it isn't my place to tell you."

"She told me you knew something. Will she ever tell me?"

"She plans to, but she wants your father here when she does."

"Why my father? Why not you?"

"I have my reasons. Reasons I cannot explain right now to you," she said sadly.

"I guess walking out when we had a disagreement was a bad choice," Frank said, running his hands over his face.

"In her eyes it was a very bad choice. She feels you are acting like a child."

"Showing my immaturity again. Will I ever get this grownup thing right?"

"With a lot of work, I think you might. She has two separate lines, call her and see if she will talk to you that way," she suggested.

Frank made the call. It took Elaina a while to answer, but she finally did. She repeated most of what Allison had said to him, plus more. She told him that she was disappointed in him and at the moment she didn't want to see him. He said he would abide by her wishes and he would be on the couch if she wanted him to hold her. He also agreed he would try to talk with his father. It seemed to make her voice sound happier. After they said good night, Allison gave him a pillow and blanket from her room.

He smiled and thanked her before he went to make a bed on the sofa. While he lay there that night, he realized he had almost lost his ladylove to his childish tantrum. He decided from here on out, he would be the best father, lover, and if he had his way, husband. He knew he had to forgive his father for keeping his son a secret. He was right. "I wasn't ready to be a father then. I am now!"

*******

The next day, Frank awakened to a small boy climbing on his legs and slowly moving up. He had hoped to sleep a bit longer since the sofa was not the easiest to sleep on. It was also because he laid awake most of the night thinking about Elaina.

"Daddy!" he said, looking at a sleepy-eyed Frank.

It was the first time he had heard those words. His heart jumped into his throat and he couldn't speak for a moment. He pulled Derek up to his chest and hugged him tight. "I love you, Derek."

Derek signed 'I love you' back to him.

Elaina walked in from the kitchen and sit on the edge of the sofa. "Sorry, he got away from me."

Frank smiled, finally managed to speak. "He called me 'Daddy'."

"I talked to him last night, after you slammed the door waking him," she said, rubbing her son's back. "I talked to him about you being his father. I didn't think he understood until I just heard him."

"I want to be the best father for him. Will you help me?"

"You've been doing a good job so far. It will come to you naturally if you let it. I've actually been winging it for the most part," she said with a light laugh.

"Elaina, I still want to marry you," he said, touching her face with one hand while the other still held Derek to him. "Please say yes."

"Can I answer that question later this evening? Your parents are coming so we can talk with your father," she said.

"What is there to think about?"

"More than you know. You will have an answer tonight," she promised. "Derek, you need to let Daddy up for breakfast," she said, taking him from Frank.

"What time are my parents arriving?" Frank asked, standing up and stretching before following her.

"In an hour. They wanted to spend most of the day with us."

"Do you have a camera? I'd like to get some family shots while they're here."

"I have one in the hall closet." Elaina smiled, when Frank took over helping Derek into his high chair. She knew her answer would be yes to his proposal, however, she needed to tell him why she wouldn't make love to him yet. She wasn't sure how he would react to what she had to say. It could send him running from her. He had professed his love to her numerous times. Would love keep him by her side?

*****

When his parents arrived he spoke to his father, but it still hurt him to have been betrayed for so long. It was when Francesca took Derek in his room for his nap that Elaina initiated the talk. "Vincent, I'm sorry I've caused a rift between you and Frank. It was never my intention," she said.

"I knew it would happen. Franklin, I don't regret what I did. Your mother and I discussed it with Elaina at great length. She agreed at the time, you wouldn't handle a child easily."

"Mom knew about all this as well? Am I the only one who didn't know she was pregnant?"

"Your brother didn't know, if that is any consolation," Vincent said.

"Maybe he had a go at her too is the reason you kept it from him," Frank said angrily.

Elaina became angry enough to slap him across the face. "You are the only man I have slept with," Elaina said. "Unlike you, I don't sleep with everyone I meet."

Frank rubbed his face, his anger building inside of him. "You can't lie to me. I know for a fact you weren't a virgin. Who are you trying to kid?"

"Frank, she was molested as a young girl!" Vincent spat out. He cursed himself having done it, causing Elaina to bolt like a scared deer into the kitchen.

"God, I didn't know. I should talk to her," Frank said, starting to leave.

"No, I'll go. I shouldn't have blurted it out."

Vincent found her in the kitchen crying. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have…"

"Don't. I'm not sure I could have said the word. He knows now. It doesn't matter how it happened."

"I'll talk to him for you if you don't want to go back in there."

"I'll go. I'm sure he has a lot of questions. As angry as he sounded towards you, you can stay in here if you wish."

"It might be best but if you need me, just shout," he said, giving her a peck on the cheek.

Elaina walked slowly back into the living room, wiping the tears from her face. She didn't sit next to him this time, she went over to a chair, which sat in the corner and curled her legs underneath her. She usually never sat in it unless she was reading or wanted to hide from the world for a while, because it was dark unless she turned on the floor lamp beside it.

"I'm sorry. I wish I could take back what I said," he apologized, moving to sit on the floor in front of her.

"You didn't know. Just another secret I kept from you."

"I can see why you don't like being intimate."

"Intimate is what I can be with you. I can't make love to you because my mind sees it as being dirty and hurtful. The only way I made love to you before was to be drunk and block what you were doing from my mind. I only know it happened due to the pregnancy. I don't remember any details. For that I am so sorry," she said, starting to cry again.

He tried to hold her, but she pushed him away. He waited a moment before speaking. "May I ask when it happened?"

"That summer we met at the lake. When we went home it started then."

"I remember that girl, she didn't seem afraid of anything," Frank said, easing some of the tension between them.

"I wasn't until my trust was betrayed."

"Can you tell me who did it?"

"One of the young ranch hands Dad had hired. He was around twenty I think. All three of us girls thought he was cute. And we hung around the coral when he worked. He was really nice and made sure…"

"Please tell me he went to jail for this," Frank said, fighting the disgust and anger raging inside him.

"He did, but not very long. I wouldn't testify against him."

"I would like to know his name."

"No."

"I want his name, so if I ever cross his path I can make him feel more pain than you ever felt."

"Please don't say that. You are an officer of the law you can't…"

"I can and I will. Now, tell me his name, please," he said, taking her hands in his.

"Kyle Dean Lucas."

"He probably doesn't use that name any longer. But I will make it my mission in life to find him."

"Frank, if you do find him. I don't want to know until after the fact."

"You have my word," he said, kissing her hand.

"I need to ask you something," she said, taking his hand in hers.

"I will do anything for you, Lady," he said, smiling his heart-melting smile.

"Tonight, will you teach me how to make love?"

"I will do it if you feel you can handle it. I don't want to upset you anymore than I already have."

"I want it to be tonight," she said, kissing him.

"I promise to make it a very special night for you."

The rest of the day, Elaina stayed close to Frank. She sat in his arms while they talked more with his parents. He forgave them for keeping her secret. He realized as well, three years ago he wasn't ready for a child. However, now he was ready and willing to be a father full time. He considered another profession but Elaina told him it wasn't necessary. She said she would try for a transfer back to the FBI and work close to home to be with Derek. In a way, it saddened him to know he wouldn't be working with her all the time, but he knew coming home to her after an assignment was enough incentive to keep him safe.

********

After his parents left, Elaina bathed Derek and got him ready for bed. Frank came into the room to tuck him in with Elaina asking him to read to Derek while she showered and changed for bed. She smiled and gave both of her men a kiss before leaving them alone.

After Derek was asleep, Frank went to the guest room to change for bed. He slipped into a pair of dark blue cotton sleep pants. He brushed out his hair before going to see her. He knocked on her bedroom door, even though it was partly open to him. She was brushing her dark red hair and she gave him a small shy smile. He stepped inside and closed the door behind him before walking further into the room.

"I have something for you to read. I hope it helps get you through the night." He place the paper in her hand. He could all ready see she was nervous as he walked over and sat on the edge of her bed.

She gave him a soft smile, putting the hairbrush down with a soft nervous sigh. She then unfolded the paper to read it. My love, I have a yearning deep inside. It's my soul wanting to touch yours. Please hold me close and look deeply into my eyes. You will see my soul starting to dance with yours. We'll feel as if we're floating on air as our souls kiss. The electricity we feel when we kiss, will be our souls making love. Making us forever soul mates.

She walked over to him unable to look directly at him in that moment, but she could feel those dark eyes on her. "Did you write that for me?"

"Unfortunately no. My father wrote it to my mother. She gave it to me before she left."

"It is very beautiful." She moved closer until she was almost directly in front of him. She shivered when he reached out and took her hand in his, lacing his fingers with hers.

"There's no rush," he said gently, "We have all night."

"I know," she whispered.

He had to try not to smile because he didn't want her to take it the wrong way. He knew she was scared because she had been hurt, but he was getting a rare glimpse at another side of her. It was rare that she was timid. She was always so strong willed and yes bitchy, but now she was softer and he liked this side of her. She was wearing a simple white nightgown, nothing too sexy but she could have been wearing anything at that point and it would have excited him.

"Frank," she whispered.

"Come here," he said, tugging gently on her hand.

He drew her closer to him, kissing the back of each of her fingers gently while he held her hand. With the other, he touched her hip, drawing her closer still. He released her hand and guided her to him, so she could straddle his lap. He could feel her shaking, but he wanted her to see him, to see his eyes, to know he wasn't going to hurt her.

"You're all right," he said softly, reaching up and caressing her cheek, "You're with me."

"I know," she said with trembling lips.

"I won't hurt you." It wasn't a statement, it was a promise while he cupped her face and drew her to him so he could brush his lips against hers, "I love you."

"And I love you." Her hands were shaking when she let them rest on his strong shoulders, her fingers tips barely touching.

"If you need me to stop," he started softly.

She only nodded.

Frank drew her down to him once more, brushing his lips against hers. She gasped lightly Goosebumps forming on her skin when he began to nip at her lips, his tongue tasting them from time to time. Slowly he introduced his tongue into the kiss, feeling her tense for a moment before relaxing again. Her hands drifted up his shoulders more and gradually she responded, her tongue touching his, his hands still cupping her face.

As they slowly deepened their kiss, he let his hands move down to her shoulders, moving to caress her arms before slipping them around her. She allowed him to pull her against him, her breasts now pressing against his naked chest, the heat of his body burning through the thin material of her gown. His strong hands caressed her back and nothing more at that moment. He kissed her for a long time before letting his hands slowly drift lower to her bottom. She tensed and he retreated, easing out of the kiss and looking into her ocean blue eyes.

"Sorry," she whispered.

"Don't be," he said, touching her cheek once more. He kissed her lips and started again. This time he let his lips leave hers, traveling along her jaw line and up to her ear. He nipped at it, his hot breath sending more shivers through her body as she let her fingers sink into his long locks.

"Frank," she whispered softly.

"My sweet, Lady," he murmured against her skin as he let his lips move to the column of her neck and then to her throat. He let his hands move again and this time she didn't tense as bad when his hands caressed her backside. He let them move to her hips, and then her waist before his fingers grazed the swell of her breasts. She clutched his hair for a moment, gasping, but when his hand moved, covering her breast she didn't stop him. She closed her eyes and hugged him close.

He caressed her breast gently, carefully, his fingers tenderly finding the hard peak beneath the cotton and teasing it. She gasped hard in his ear, but it was a sound of pleasure not fear. He let his other hand cup her other breast and he felt her guard drop a little as she moved on his lap, getting closer to him.

It was a unique sensation to see that strong hands could also be so gentle. The feel of his beard on her skin tickled and titillated her at the same time.

Frank drew back and looked at her, seeing the desire in her eyes, but there was still a hint of fear. He moved his hands up and caressed her neck, letting his hands drift over her bare shoulders again. He then slowly moved to undo the little buttons on the front of her gown. He saw her breasts heave as he slowly undid one after the other slowly revealing them. He parted the material slowly not quite revealing them completely and then let a single finger trail down between them. He watched the Goosebumps form on her skin once more and as he brought his hands back up, he pushed the material open and back off her shoulders.

The material slid down her arms and she withdrew from him to look into his dark eyes. She was nervous, but she wasn't really scared as Frank's hands caressed her shoulders once more. He drew her close, kissing her dry lips once again before moving to her neck again. The feel of his beard, chaffing her skin made her shiver and she clutched at his silken hair.

"Frank," she whispered.

His strong hands caressed her back and he left one there as the other drifted to the front. He had her leaning back some as he let his hands slide across her skin between her breasts and then back down before letting his fingers trace one. She gasped slowly as he let his lips follow the trail his fingers were making on her skin, his tongue accenting his touch as he went.

He let his lips move slowly towards the rosy peak of her breast, his thumb caressing the bud first before he brushed his lips against it. He nipped it gently, making her whimper softly before gently drawing it into his mouth. She clutched his hair, more twinning it around her fingers as she arched her back a bit silently wanting more. She felt the need building in her core, it scared and excited her.

He moved from one breast to the other suckling her gently before he hugged her close to him and shifted on the bed. He stood up with her and turned around moving her onto the bed. He lay down with her and she was trembling in his arms once more as he cradled her in his embrace. He kissed her again, slow and deep, feeling her arms coming around him once more. His touch was so different, it was easier for her to keep the thought of what happened to her at bay.

His strong hands slid under her back, molding her body to his as his lips left hers. He placed soft kisses on her skin while he moved down her throat and between her full breasts. He began exploring them again, letting one hand drift down to her backside, caressing it, and squeezing it a bit. She gasped softly and then sighed a bit. His hand moved to her waist, down over her hip, finding the edge of her nightgown and sliding up as his hand moved.

He slowly let it move up until he found the edge of her panties. All the while his mouth was hot on her breasts, kissing and teasing. He let his fingers slip past the edge and inside them so he could feel her skin. He ran his hand around again, caressing her backside before moving to tug the material down. He moved from her, using both his hands as he eased her panties down over her hips, down her legs removing them completely, but leaving her gown covering her.

He moved back to her once more and drew her into his arms. For the first time, she reached for him, letting her hand run up his smooth hard chest. It was his turn to gasp as her fingers moved over his chest, tracing his muscles, brushing over his dark nipples. She looked into his eyes, seeing how dark they were but so full of love. She drew him closer, letting her fingers move up and touch his soft lips before allowing him to kiss her again.

Once again his hands moved, one on her back, the other on her bottom, bringing her against him, allowing her to feel just how much he wanted her. This time while they kissed, his one hand found her outer thigh, caressing her bare skin. He moved slowly, letting his hand move inward, between her legs and he can feel the heat coming off her core. As he got closer he felt her tense and break the kiss.

"Do you need me to stop?" he whispered to her.

"No, I'm just.." she said, her lips trembling again.

"Just look at me," he said, between gentle nips, "You know I won't hurt you," he said, letting his hand move up, "Look in my eyes."

"Yes, Love," she whispered.

He let his fingers brush against her and a shudder tore through her body. He coaxed her legs apart, gently caressing, kissing her softly as he slowly let his fingers explore her soft petals. Her hand went to his bicep and he could hear her breath escape raggedly, but she kept her eyes locked on him. He finally let his fingers part her swollen lips and find the tiny jewel within. She gasped hard, her nails sinking into his bicep when he touched that magic spot for the first time.

He whispered words of love to her, his fingers caressing her, milking small waves of pleasure from her body. She relaxed under his touch, allowing the pleasure to wash over her completely. This action alone awoke a new need in her and she allowed her body to respond, her hips moving against his touch, her legs spreading wider with need. Her gasps were turning to pleasured moans even as he finally let a finger find her eager clasp. She welcomed the sensation instead of tensing to his touch.

Frank worked in one digit and then another gauging her reaction and seeing she wanted more. Frank started to move down her body. Kissing lower and for the first time she stopped him, making him look up at her. She didn't have to speak, he could see it was something she wasn't ready for, so he simply stopped and then reached for her gown, drawing it down her legs and tossing it to the floor.

Frank retrieved the condom he had and he saw her close her eyes and take in a deep breath letting it out slowly. He took that moment to push his bottoms down, freeing his hard manhood. He readied himself, sheathing his hardness and it wasn't until he moved between her legs that she opened her eyes and looked at him once more. He settled between her thighs, letting himself rest against her, feeling her heat as he claimed her lips once more.

As they kissed, he slowly rubbed against her and when he felt her hips lift in response, he knew she was as ready as he could make her. He reached between them and pushed slowly into her, feeling her tense and moan into his mouth. He broke the kiss, hearing her pant hard as he continued to sink into her.

"Relax," he whispered against her lips, "Let me love you."

"Love," she moaned as she welcomed him in.

Once he was completely within her, he moved slowly, withdrawing some before sinking back into her. Surprised gasps gave way to throaty moans as he joined their bodies and he felt her giving in once more, lifting her hips, and trying to match his movements. He took a hand and placed it on her hip, guiding her to him, giving her soft encouragement as he felt her body respond and grow more eager.

Her body's natural instincts took over, her hips thrusting against his, her clasp caressing him with each intrusion, her breathing getting harder and faster. She was in control, though she may not have known it and Frank followed her cues until he sensed she was ready. He was going faster now, feeling her hands caressing his chest, his back, and his arms as they moved together. Her nails sunk into his lower back as he felt her body tensing and he knew she had to be getting close.

"Elaina," he moaned against her neck now as he moved faster within her welcoming core.

"Frank," she gasped, "I feel it. Oh Frank!"

"Let yourself go," he encouraged, "Embrace the pleasure of it."

"Yes Frank!" she cried out. In that moment, he felt her body tense hard and shudder under him as she splintered apart and he quickly joined her, a deep groan escaping his lips. They were both shaking in the aftermath and he slowly eased out of her, making sure he was careful.

"Frank," she whispered.

"It's all right," he said, gently reaching for the covers. He was as discreet as he could be with the condom and then moved to join her under the blankets, pulling her body to his. She was still shaking in his arms, tears on her flushed cheeks while he hugged her close, "You're safe with me, Lady; you always will be."

"I love you, Frank," she whispered against his ear.

"And I love you."

********

The next morning, she slipped from his arms trying not to wake him. When she felt she was successful, she slipped on her robe and went to check on Derek. She was happy to find him still asleep. She needed to talk to Allison as both a friend and as a psychologist. That is how she met Allison to begin with. She was the psychologist at the college she went to. Elaina asked her for help when she was having a difficult time with her memories of the past.

It didn't take long for Allison to show at the back door. Elaina let her in, handing her a cup of coffee. Allison was hoping to let her initiate the conversation, not wanting Elaina to feel rushed. "You make good coffee," she said, sipping it.

"Thank you." Elaina picked up her cup, revealing how nervous she was.

"What's wrong, Elaina?" she asked, taking hold of the coffee cup before she dropped it.

"I asked Frank to make love to me last night?"

"Did it go well?"

"Yes, it was wonderful."

"Then why are you such a Nervous Nelly?"

"I feel dirty. He didn't do anything I didn't want done, but this morning I feel so dirty."

"Oh, honey, it was your first time, so to speak."

"You mean that I remember," Elaina corrected her.

"Listen. This feeling will go away as your love for Frank grows. You will get used to his touch and forget the horrific touches of that pervert," she said. There was a touch of anger in her voice, knowing what it felt like for Elaina. She was not molested at 14, but she had been kidnapped and brutally raped repeatedly by her capture. Yes, she knew very well what her friend was feeling.

"I love Frank with all my heart and soul. I want to be free of this feeling. I want to forget the past and never forget what true love feels like. I blocked the memory of our first time. I don't want that to happen now," Elaina said, wiping tears from her face.

"I won't let you forget," Frank said, showing himself. He had heard her voice in the kitchen and when he realized she was talking to Allison he waited and listened. He wanted to make sure he had not hurt her last night.

"How long have you been there?" Elaina asked.

"Since the pervert part," he said, walking over and kissing her cheek.

"Would you like some coffee," she asked, not looking at him.

"Just stay there. I can pour coffee on my own." He smiled at her, when she glanced up at him, but then quickly turned away.

"Allison, I'd like to have sometime alone with Elaina. Could you watch Derek today for us?"

"I would be…"

"No. I want him here," she said, interrupting Allison.

"Elaina, I want to be alone with you for a little while. I just want to talk," he whispered to her.

"No…I…I…I can't do this!" she said, running out of the room.

"Lady, wait!"

"Frank, let her go. I think we need to talk," Allison said, grabbing his arm.

"Did she say I hurt her last night?"

"No, she said it was wonderful."

"Then why is she acting like this?"

"She is associating what she felt after the molestation, with last night. She feels as if she did something wrong."

"She didn't. I need to tell her that." he said, attempting to leave again.

"Frank, she may not want you to touch her again until she gets over the feeling."

"How long will that take?"

"Its up to her to deal with it. She has to accept that your touch is not his. She maybe able to do that while it's happening, but her thoughts get jumbled along the way after making love to you," Allison explained as best she could.

"I want to help her. I want her to be free to love me. Please take Derek for a few hours," Frank said.

"I will take Derek, but you have to promise me not to force her into anything," Allison warned.

"I won't."

*********

He help Allison gather up Derek and a few of his toys before he went in search of Elaina. He heard the shower running so he sat on the bed to wait. After ten minutes went by, he went and knocked on the door. He didn't hear an answer, so he called out to her receiving nothing in return. He tried the door and it was locked. He started to panic and shoved his shoulder into the door to break it open. When he looked in the shower he saw her leaning in the fetal position against the shower wall. The water was steaming hot, running over her body. He turned it off and picked her up. Her skin was dark red from the water. He had to be hurting her as he carried her to the bed, but he had to get her out of there.

When she realized what was happening she started, hitting him and screaming to be left alone. When he put her on the bed and pulled the sheet up around her, she swung at him, but he was able to dodge her fist. He grabbed her wrists and held them from flaying towards him again.

"Elaina, look at me!"

"Go away. I'll never be able to love you like I should. I'm just a piece of trash."

He let go of her wrists and cupped his hands around her face, forcing her to look at him. "Don't you dare talk about yourself like that again. You are not trash. You are a beautiful, loving, intelligent woman. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. You are a terrific mother and you are going to be my wife," he said, letting his anger get the best of him. He cursed himself, releasing his hold on her. "I'm sorry for my tone of voice."

"Why do you love me? I'm damaged goods. No man wants that for a wife."

"I love you because you make me feel whole. The moment I saw you at the lake years ago, I have wanted you in my life. I have been with other women, but all I did was pretend to care for them. I wanted them to be you, imaging they were you when I was with them."

"I can't be your wife until I can make love to you without feeling dirty. It isn't fair to you," she said, grabbing a pillow to hug.

"Lady, did I do something last night that I shouldn't have?"

"If you had I would have stopped you," she mumbled into the pillow.

"How long did he molest you?" He hated bringing the subject up again but if he had more information he could help her better in dealing with it.

"What does it matter?"

"If I'm going to help you through this I need to know more. Not the disgusting details just certain facts," he explained.

"Off and on for over a month."

"Can you tell me what causes you to think of him?"

"No," she answered, sounding like a small child.

"Honey, I need to know what triggers your memories of him. I don't want to do that to you."

"Tobacco breath. I can't stand to be around men who smoke. I tell them I'm allergic to the smoke."

"That's why you told me to quit, when you caught me smoking."

"Yes. When you tried to…last night when I stopped you. That was what he liked to do the most."

Frank's anger was building inside of him again. He stood and started to pace the room. "Is there anything else I need to know?"

"I can't touch you…I can't please you because of him!" she said, crying.

Frank's heart hurt for her. He went to her, hoping she would let him comfort her. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you with these question."

"It isn't you. I love you and I want you to be able to make love to me anyway you want. I'm not crying because it hurts me. I'm crying because I'm angry and frustrated."

"You said he went to jail. Did you turn him in?"

"No, I had asked Hank to go riding with me one day. Daddy didn't want us going alone due to a cougar being in the area. Kyle quickly volunteered…too quickly. Hank told me later, he saw a look of fear flickering in my eyes. He decided to follow us and he caught Kyle forcing me to perform oral sex on him," Elaina said, curling up on the bed.

"My God, baby. I wish I could have saved you from all this," he said, rubbing her back as she wept.

"I would have told Hank or my parents sooner, but he threatened to hurt Maria and Miranda. I couldn't let him do that to them."

"I know you couldn't. You were very strong and brave not to let it happen."

"Then why do I feel so stupid?"

"You aren't stupid."

He laid down, so he could look her in the eyes. "Listen to me. If you keep putting yourself down, you are allowing him to continue molesting you. Maybe not physically, but he is doing it mentally. He isn't anywhere near you and you are giving him too much power. You have to have power over him. Live your life in the present and not the past."

"I've tried!"

"Try harder, Lady. Use some of my strength to give you power over that beast. I will help you," he said, pulling her into his arms. "I will never let him hurt you again."

"Promise me, you'll never stop loving me, even if I can't forget what happened easily."

"Darling, I know it won't be easy. But there is no way I will ever stop loving you."