Chapter 20

Beth first waking thought was about how warm she was. She was burrowed under the covers, but the covers seemed exceptionally warm and almost sounded like they were snoring. She popped open her eyes and looked down. She found a tan arm wrapped around her body and followed the arm to find Daryl fully against her back. The events from last night slowly creeped in her mind and she smiled. He hadn't left her and had even spooned with her during the night. Beth thought that it felt nice. She had never been this close to anyone before and she decided that she liked it. She sighed, leaning back into his embrace. His arms tightened around her and he burrowed his nose into her neck. She giggled lightly at the contact, she never knew that her neck was ticklish.

Beth stilled and stopped giggling when his hands began to spread across her stomach. Beth inhaled sharply as she felt the rough pads of his fingers slowly graze the skin of her stomach as his hands slid up under her tank top. His hands contained to wander across the skin of her stomach and she relished in the feel of it. She never had a man touch her and now she wondered at what she had been missing out on if just this light touch could cause all the tingling she felt in her body. The kiss had been amazing but this was a close second in her eyes. He gently nuzzled his face closer and she slowly turned her face towards him.

When her lips touched his she felt the same high she had the day before. She could smell him and realized how good he smelled; pure male and a woodsy, clean smell. She never thought anyone could smell so appealing but she realized how wrong she was. Her body began to thrum and buzz as she tilted her head to the side, responding to his kiss and touch. She was surprised with how much passion and fervor he gave her and reciprocated it back to him. As he kept kissing her, he started leaning over her and slowly moved until he was laying on top of her, but she didn't feel much of his weight as he settled in between her legs. The thin fabric of his boxers, left little hidden from her and she gasped at the feeling of his hard body pressed against hers. His skin was hard yet soft at the same time making her want to feel it with her hands. She lightly ran her nails down his chest and smiled at the low moan that came from his throat. He began making his way down her neck, alternating between kissing and lightly biting it. She moaned and placed her hand on the back of his head, lightly running her nails across his scalp. She ran her fingers across his neck and then touched his shoulders. He kissed his way back up to her mouth and she began running her fingers across his back.

Daryl stopped kissing her when she touched his back. His eyes shot open and he looked down at her with confusion etched across his face. Beth saw as his understanding of the situation became apparent and he quickly rolled off of her and sat up on the side of the bed. He placed his head into his hands and started muttering underneath his breath. Beth quickly sat up and fixed her clothing. She crawled across the bed and sat next to him. His muttering and movement ceased when he realized she was next to him and she slowly put her hand on his arm. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness when he shrugged her hand off of him and stood up.

"I'm gonna go get dressed. Have a long day ahead of us and we need to get started." He muttered, quickly leaving the room.

Beth felt horrible. She didn't know that he was unaware of what he had been doing but she should have realized that he wouldn't have done that if he had been awake. She slowly got out of bed and got dressed. After she was ready for work, she walked over to her mirror and started to fix her hair. As she pulled it up into a ponytail, she gasped craning her head to the side. He had left little marks all over her neck. She quickly let her hair fall back down and decided to leave it like that. As long as she didn't move it too much, she didn't have to worry about anyone seeing them. She didn't want to see Andrea smirking and teasing her. Plus she was sure if Daryl saw them, he would be more upset than he already was. She went downstairs to start some much needed coffee. She decided that they should stop to get breakfast somewhere and get some more food on the way home. She let Bo out and waited for him to scratch at the door. When he came back inside, she gave him some food and his medicine. After the coffee was finished she poured herself a generous cup and went into the living room to watch the news. She pulled her phone out of her pocket and noticed that she had a new text message.

From: Amy

Hey just wanted to let you know I'm doin much better. Doc said I could go back to work on Monday. Thanks for finding a replacement for me. Andrea said he was really cute and available. Maybe I should swing by today to get my check and meet him. Maybe we could talk him in to coming out with us on Sat. ;) Love ya girly!

Beth groaned. She had no idea what Andrea had said to her but she knew she would be good on her word and they would be seeing her today. Those two were trouble when you had them around each other. They were 12 years apart but had grown closer after their dad had passed away a few years ago. They were also the closest Beth had to real friends. She had become very withdrawn after her dad passed away and liked to keep to herself. She quickly sent a response back to her and then turned the on the morning news.

Daryl strode into his room and threw his body onto his bed. He couldn't stop thinking about how big of an idiot he was. He had been having a vivid dream and had gotten carried away. She was starting to plague his mind even when he was dreaming. He couldn't help but think about how soft her skin was and how willing she was to kiss him back. When she touched his back and he felt her fingers sliding across his skin, it felt like a bucket of cold water had doused his whole body. It gave him enough clarity to make him realize that he wasn't dreaming and everything he had been feeling and doing had been real. When he saw her hair fanning the pillow, with her swollen lips, he hated himself. He didn't need to be doing this to her, if he hadn't woken up, he may have continued on until the deed was done.

Daryl figured that he needed to get laid. It had been awhile since the last woman and that was the only plausible reason for his actions. He would find a suitable woman to give a little bit of his time to and shake the feeling that was creeping through his veins. Then he could quickly move on and feel a lot better. Maybe it would make Beth realize that he wasn't the good guy she thought he was and get her to move on.

Daryl quickly changed clothes and went downstairs to drink some coffee. He felt tired and worn out already. And he knew it was going to be a long day. He still needed to talk to b

Beth about needing to go somewhere for awhile. They had told him that his court time was set for 2 pm and Daryl wanted to be there to see what they were going to do.

He found Beth in the living room watching the news. He cleared his throat to let her know he was there.

"I needed to talk to you about needing a little bit of time off this afternoon. I forgot that I had something I needed to take care of. I need to be somewhere from about one thirty till about three. I may be back earlier than that it just depends on what happens." He said, studying the wall.

"Ok, I'll ask Andrea to keep an eye on the desk. We actually will be closing at three today. Fridays are my early days so you can just swing back by afterwards to pick me up. What would you like to drive today? I don't feel like driving myself, my foot is hurting and I think if I drove with it, it would be pretty sore. " Beth replied quickly. Daryl thought for a moment, trying to decide which he would like to drive.

"Would the motorcycle be ok? I haven't drove it for awhile and I'm kinda wanting to take it out." He decided and was glad she nodded. "The only thing is that I don't have an extra helmet. I'm not used to having people ride with."

"I have one upstairs. Bought it when I used to ride with Jimmy. If ya don't mind, I'll go grab it." Beth hopped up, favoring her left leg. Daryl watched her head upstairs and went outside to take the motorcycle out. He pulled the motorcycle up to the edge of the porch and waited as she locked the door. She put her helmet on and climbed onto the seat after him. After she got her purse put in his side bag, she grabbed ahold of his waist and put her feet on the rungs. Daryl started the motorcycle and sped towards town. He smiled to himself as she tightened her arms around his waist. It felt nice, having someone on it with him. He wasn't alone on this ride.

Daryl was more than ready to go to court. There was too much estrogen in the clinic and the way that the girls were giggling gave him a headache. He was getting ready to leave when he was stopped by Beth.

"The last appointments canceled and Andrea said she would close down if we wanted to leave early. Would you mind terribly if I tagged along? I promise I won't get in the way and I can wait outside or whatever." Beth questioned with a hopeful smile. Daryl couldn't say no to her, she would take him if the roles were reversed. He nodded and walked towards the door. He wanted to smoke before they left. He pulled out his phone and decided to play on some the games while he waited for her. He clicked on one and was quickly pulled into the game. It was some game called "Flappy Bird" and he was getting more excited as he passed each one. He cursed when he failed and was happy for Beth walking out.

"I'm ready when you are." Beth said as she stopped next to him. Daryl took one last drag off his cigarette and hopped onto the bike after putting it out. Beth followed suit and he quickly made his way towards the court house. He pulled into a parking spot and got off the bike. He motioned for Beth to follow him and she followed him into the towering building.

"I've gotta be here for my brother. He was brought in the other day. Gotta see what they are going to do with him. You can come if ya want, but be warned my brother is an ass." Daryl said to Beth talking in a low voice. Beth nodded and stayed behind Daryl. Daryl talked to a lady who was upfront and found out which court room they needed to go into. When they found the room, they quietly slipped into the back and waited for Merle.

Daryl glanced around the room and recognized a lone figure sitting at the other side of the court room. Shane looked up and smirked at Daryl. Daryl tensed knowing that he showed up just to mess with them. He felt Beth gasp from next to him and realized she must have seen Shane also. She grabbed ahold of his hand and leaned into his ear whispering to him.

"What is he doing here?"

"My guess is being an asshole. Wants to show us that he can show up at anytime and anyplace. Keep us on our toes." Daryl replied back. He stopped talking when two officers came into the room with Merle in tow.

"Watch ya damn hand ya pigs! Hey Darylina, who's the pretty skirt next ta ya? Hey there sugartits. You wanna switch brothers? I'm the better lay." Merle hollered. Daryl shook his head while Beth just looked mortified. Merle hadn't changed a bit, still the same as what Daryl had seen him last. Everyone stood as the judge walked into the room and took his seat.

Daryl listened with small interest as they went over his previous charges along with his current ones. Daryl didn't think it sounded good, he saw Beth ' s eyes widen as they named all the charges. Daryl started to wish he hadn't brought her. She squeezed his hand, reminding him that she was there and when he looked at her she gave him a reassuring smile. She didn't seem scared, more worried about what they would decide. After a moment of deliberation, the judge gave his sentence.

"I hereby sentence Merle Dixon to five years of jail time. If, by the end of three years, he has good behavior, he can get out on parole." The judge boomed,loud enough for the whole courtroom to hear. Merle jumped up at this and started cussing at the judge.

"You arrogant bastard! Pansy ass yellow necked toad! What the hell is ya problem? I wanna go home now!" was part of what Merle was yelling. Daryl shook his head as the judge told him to quieten down or he would be charged with contempt. Merle was charged with contempt and was given an extra day in this jail before they sent him to a bigger prison.

Daryl looked around the court room and realized that Shane was no longer sitting across the room. He had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach as he walked outside with Beth in tow. The feeling intensified when he found Shane leaning on his motorcycle outside. He felt Beth grab his and and step up beside him.

"I would like it if ya got off my bike." Daryl growled, trying to keep his temper in check.

Shane smirked and stepped off the bike and walked towards them, "I was just going to extend my offer again to the pretty lady. After seein' what your family was like, I figured she would want out."

"It doesn't matter what his family is like. They aren't him and I didn't fall for them. I care about this man beside me and if that means less than usual family, I will accept that." Beth replied, squeezing his hand for reassurance.

"I could give you so much more than that redneck ever could. You would be stupid to turn me down again 'cuz I ain't offering again." Shane replied as he turned his head, leering at Beth. He watched in shock as she let go of Daryl's hand, and pulled her hair into a ponytail. Daryl was watching intently and realized that her neck was covered in love bites from this morning. He smirked, looking as Shane dropped his jaw.

"Pretty sure he offers me what I need. Come on babe, let's get out of here. I got things I wanna do and staying here isn't one of them." Beth grabbed his hand and pulled him to the bike. After putting their helmets on, he peeled out of the parking lot and headed towards her house. He couldn't help but smile, thinking of the look on Shane ' s face when he saw his marks on her neck.

Author's note : hey guys, just wanted to let you know I upped the audience to mature. I didn't get too graphic but I just wanted to make sure in case it gets too detailed, there is a warning :) thank you my lovelies