Their first time will undoubtedly be in his P.O.V.; I just want the build-up to be from Sofia's to show her emotional growth.

I'm glad you're all as patient and understanding as James is ^^

I've noticed that some of you might have missed chapter 27; that's my bad. I wanted to publish 27 & 28 together since they were both sides of the story, so if you didn't read it, you should!

XOXOXOXOXO

Chapter 30

James

We landed in Cincinnati at three-thirty, and Sofia didn't stop running until we were out of the airport.

"I am never doing that again," she huffed, waiting for mom and dad with her arms crossed.

"Yes, you will," I laughed, taking her hand in mine, "I have so many trips planned for us, you're going to have to get used to flying,"

"Ugh," she threw her head back, "Can't we travel on ships instead?"

And drown?

nope nope nope.

Have you seen The Titanic?

That was based on a true story, ma'am.

"Would you really rather be on a ship in the middle of the ocean than on a plane?" I cocked my head to the side.

"Yes. Boats can't fall from the sky, James," she rolled her eyes.

"But they can sink," I pointed out, and she glared at me.

"Do you want to get into statistics with me right now?" she pulled out her phone.

Sofia jumped on a bus to meet Sam impulsively, but she wants to argue statistics about THIS?

Silly girl.

Silly, sexy, perfect girl.

"No, baby," I laughed, taking the phone from her, "But flying is faster, and I'm not too fond of the idea of drowning,"

"How about we compromise and only travel where we can drive," she smiled hopefully.

I'm taking you to see the world, baby.

"Not a chance," I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, "We'll do some more short practice flights before the big ones,"

"We'll see," she mumbled, following mom and dad to the car.

We stopped and got lunch before going back to Sidney and picking up my truck.

I cut the engine in the driveway and noticed Sofia was staring oddly at the house.

"What's the matter?" I asked, squeezing her thigh.

"We're home," she whispered, "But it's different now,"

It's better.

You're safe now.

"Yeah, baby, it is," I nodded, pulling her to me.

"We can go for runs again, and we can leave the house without worrying he's out there. Waiting to grab me," She took a shaky breath, "It's over for now,"

For now?

"It's just over, Sof," I assured her, but she shook her head.

"Not entirely, not yet, but we can relax until the next wave hits," she sighed, "Let's go in,"

What are you still afraid of?

The monsters are gone.

"Yeah," I frowned down at her.

Dad checked the house and motioned for us to come in.

"We're going to bed," Mom announced, kissing Sofia and me on our foreheads, "Are you going to school tomorrow?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't we?" Sofia asked, confused.

"I just want to make sure you're up for it, sweetie," Mom smiled, patting her hand.

"I am," Sofia answered quickly, and mom glanced at me skeptically.

I nodded, understanding her concerned look.

"Okay, don't stay up too late," Mom sighed, "Goodnight,"

"Night, mom," we both hugged her before she disappeared into her bedroom.

"Come on," I led her upstairs, "We should get some sleep too,"

She grabbed her pajamas and went to take a shower, leaving me in our room.

I laid back on the bed and fought the urge to join her.

I don't want to make her uncomfortable if she doesn't want me in there.

I tried not to imagine how absolutely perfect her naked body had felt against mine and did my best to block out the memory of my hands sliding across her chest, her stomach, and in between her thighs as long as I had dared to stay there.

Of course, I have imagined our first time, but the spontaneity of that shower mixed with her acceptance and eagerness as she stroked me made it better than any of my sexual fantasies.

"James?" Sofia asked, closing the bedroom door.

"Yeah, baby?" I asked, cursing my evident erection as I sat up.

"I asked if you were going to take a shower," she giggled, "What are you thinking so hard about?"

Hard.

Damnit, hormones, quit it.

"You," I chuckled, "Always,"

She smiled, dropping her towel in the hamper and sitting topless next to me.

Your perfect body isn't helping my situation, baby.

"I wanted to ask you to join me again," she blushed, "But I didn't want to risk mom and dad catching us,"

As if they'd say anything.

At least I know she wanted me to be in there.

Next time for sure.

I wrapped my arm around her shoulders.

"I had to stop myself from going in there because I was worried you didn't want me to," I admitted, pulling her chin toward me, "If you want me, I'll never say no to you, no matter what,"

"You don't have to worry about me not wanting you, James," she smiled, "I always will,"

I'll always want you too, princess.

I love you so much.

I pressed my lips to hers, pulling her back down on the bed.

"I love you, princess," I breathed, pushing myself above her and kissing her neck.

I love you too, James," she giggled as I grazed my teeth across her collarbone.

I looked down at her and gently ran my fingers across the purple bruise on her cheek.

Fuck that guy for hurting her.

She went through hell.

"We should stay home tomorrow," I whispered, "We can lay in bed all day again, or do homework, or take showers," I smirked.

"I can't, baby," she frowned, "I've already missed one set of classes; I don't want to fall behind anymore,"

I don't want you to go to college.

I want to keep you close.

"I know," I groaned, laying my head on her chest, "But promise me that if you decide to come home, you'll let me know. I'll pick you up, and we can go do whatever you want,"

"I promise," she smiled, pulling herself up to the pillows, "Are you going to take a shower?"

"Yeah, baby, I'll be right back," I kissed her and ran to the bathroom.

I got out of the shower and threw on my pajama bottoms when I heard Sofia screaming and ran to the bedroom.

"NO! STOP TOUCHING ME!" She threw her arms around her, fighting off invisible assailants.

Another nightmare.

I should have hurried.

"Baby!" I pinned her under me, "Wake up!"

"Please stop," she cried, pulling away from me, "It hurts,"

"Sofia," I laced our fingers together, "You're having a nightmare,"

"James," she whimpered, "Help me,"

Her calling for me in her dreams makes me so happy and so sad at the same time.

She said I show up and save her every time, but I wish she didn't have dreams she needed to be saved from.

"I'm here, baby," I cooed, "I'm right here; no one is going to hurt you again,"

She relaxed and briefly opened her eyes before falling back asleep.

I ran my hand over my face and made sure she was calm before moving off her.

Sofia is not okay.

She needs to rest, but I know she'll fight me about it.

I wish she'd listen and stay home with me tomorrow.

"Are you sure you want to go to school today?" Mom asked Sofia again the following day as she made her lunch.

"Yeah," Sofia nodded, sipping her shake, "I don't want to fall behind in my classes,"

"Baby, please consider studying at home with me. Don't push yourself," I took her hand.

"I'm fine," she smiled, "Really,"

No.

You're not.

"You had another nightmare last night; you need to rest," I persisted.

"You're staying home; I'll call the school," Mom sighed.

Thank you, mom.

"No, would you guys please stop," Sofia laughed, "I have nightmares; that's kind of my thing," she shrugged, "And I already told you I'd call if I need you to get me, baby,"

Your thing?

Stop trying to brush it off like it's nothing!

She grabbed her backpack and headed out to the truck.

"We tried," mom frowned, "Good luck today, James,"

But did we try hard enough?

Sofia is going to do what she wants, regardless of what I say.

All I can do is be there for her when she needs me.

"Yeah," I nodded, "Thanks,"

"SOFIA!" the cheerleaders squealed, surrounding the truck as we parked in the school lot, "We were so worried!"

They pulled her out of the truck and took turns hugging her.

"Your face!" one of them gasped as I quickly pulled her back to me.

Back off, girls.

Damn.

"I'm okay," Sofia blushed, pressing her back against me, "It could have been worse,"

"James! We saw that you were the one that caught Sam. Are you okay?" one of them asked, and I nodded.

"Yeah, he's in jail now, so that's all that matters," I kissed the top of Sofia's head, "And my girl's safe,"

"You're, like, a hero," they all nodded.

"Yeah, he is," Sofia smiled up at me, "He's my hero,"

Forever, my love.

"Always, baby," I leaned down and kissed her.

"Aww! You guys have to tell us everything!"

"Everyone was so freaked after the shooting Friday, and then we heard about what happened in Wyoming,"

"Maybe later," Sofia leaned against me, "I don't want to talk about it yet,"

Don't ask again, or I'll put her right back in the truck, I swear.

They all looked at each other and nodded, "I think we have something that will cheer you up!" they grinned, pulling her away, "We'll bring her to the field! Go to practice!"

I watched them form a wall around Sofia as they led her away, and I sighed.

I don't want to be away from her yet.

I can't keep her in a bubble all the time.

I guess.

I trudged to the locker room and was met by an explosion of applause.

"There he is!" Coach exclaimed, "Welcome back, Talbert!"

"Hey guys," I rubbed the back of my neck, "You heard too, huh?"

"Don't be so modest, Talbert; you're a damn hero!" Garth laughed, patting me on my back.

"What the hell happened out there?" Coach asked as I grabbed my uniform.

"I got my girl back," I smiled.

"Dude, you worked with the S.W.A.T. team and took down a murderer. Is that all you're going to say?" Daniel asked, tossing me my helmet.

It's all that matters.

Sofia is safe, and I got to cave Sam's fucking face in.

If I had known about the prostitution before, I wouldn't have let the commander fucking stop me from killing him.

"Nothing else matters, and it wasn't about me; Sam kidnapped Sofia, and I beat the shit out of him," I set my jaw, "If the Commander hadn't stopped me, I would have killed him,"

"Is Sofia okay?" Brent asked, sitting down next to me.

"She went through hell, and she got elbowed in the face pretty hard, but she's safe," I sighed, "It was fucked up,"

"We're proud of you," Coach patted my shoulder, "And we're glad you two are back,"

"Thank you, sir," I smiled.

I looked around the room at all of my teammates' concerned faces.

This is what a team is supposed to be.

Guys who look out for each other.

I'm glad we moved here.

"All right, let's go practice," I chuckled, pointing to the door.

"Hey, Talbert," Nick stood in front of me on the field.

Apologize, Talbert.

Nick didn't do anything, and Sofia seems to think he's a good guy.

"Bradley," I nodded.

"I just wanted to say that I'm glad you're both okay," he pushed the hair out of his face.

"Thanks, man, I owe you an apology. I'm sorry that I thought you were the one stalking Sofia," I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck.

"It's okay, really," he patted my shoulder, "I was kind of a dick,"

"Yeah," I chuckled, "Kind of,"

"I was hoping we could hang out sometime," he smiled, "I'd really like us to be friends,"

I suppose being friends with Nick won't kill me.

But he'd better keep his hands off my girl.

That will get him killed.

"Sure," I shrugged, "Maybe next weekend, I'm taking Sofia out for our one month anniversary this weekend,"

Yeah, no problem," he nodded, "Where are you taking her?"

"To a concert in Indianapolis," I put my finger to my mouth, "She doesn't know yet,"

He pretended to zip his mouth and laughed.

I looked across the field and saw Sofia sitting on the bleachers staring at me with her elbows on her knees and her chin in her hands.

"I'll be right back," I patted him on the back and ran to her.

"Hey gorgeous," I picked her up and spun her around.

"Hey handsome," she giggled, kissing my cheek, "What were you and Nick talking about?"

"I apologized to him," I rubbed my nose on hers, "He wants to hang out next weekend,"

"Oh, James," she smiled, looking into my eyes, "Thank you,"

I'm glad I could make her happy.

"Of course, baby," I rested my forehead on hers, "I know how much it means to you that I give him a chance,"

She nodded and kissed me before jumping out of my arms.

"Look what the girls gave me," she giggled, picking up a red velvet bag off the bench.

She pulled out four items and handed them to me.

There was a silver necklace with pearls around it, a pair of pearl earrings, a blue garter with teardrop pearls hanging down, and a silver bracelet that matched the necklace.

Jewelry?

Why?

"They're beautiful, but why did they give them to you?" I asked, running my fingers over them.

"They're for our wedding," she giggled, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. The pearls apparently symbolize perfection, and they picked them because we're the perfect couple,"

I felt my chest tighten as I watched how brightly her eyes sparkled.

I can't wait for Sofia to be my wife.

And she is obviously excited for me to be her husband.

Husband.

I'll be Sofia's husband.

Oh God.

I wish we were older.

I'd marry her right now.

"I want you to start planning our wedding," I placed the jewelry back in the bag and wrapped my arms around her waist.

"But you haven't proposed yet," Sofia pouted.

Still trying to get me to change my plans, huh?

Sly girl.

"Technicalities, my love, plan it for February 13th,"

"The day after my birthday?" she giggled, "Why not on my birthday?"

"You deserve a day all about you," I whispered, cupping her chin in my hand, "And I want to have three days dedicated to you; your birthday, our anniversary, and Valentine's day,"

I leaned down and kissed her, running my hands along her arms.

"You're going to have to get the whole football team to be your groomsmen," one of the cheerleaders giggled, interrupting us, "We're all going to be bridesmaids,"

Does she want a big wedding?

That's fine with me.

Whatever she wants.

I raised an eyebrow at Sofia, "Is that what you want?" I asked, and she burst into laughter.

"She's joking! I'll pick four," she shook her head and held her stomach through her fits of giggles.

She seems to be in such a good mood.

I don't believe it, but I won't spoil it.

She'll talk to me when she's ready.

"Would you really let her have all of us as bridesmaids?" one of the girls asked, and I nodded.

"If that's what she wanted,"

Sofia smacked my arm playfully, "Go practice before you get in trouble,"

"Fine," I groaned, kissing her again, and ran back to the field.

I got changed and met Sofia before walking her to class.

We walked into the school building, and everyone turned to cheer and crowd us.

"Good job, Talbert!"

"What happened to your face, Sofia?"

"Oh my god, tell us everything!"

Sofia frowned and hid under my arm, rushing us to class, where our classmates met us with more applause.

They need to stop.

Sofia doesn't like this much attention.

She's going to have another panic attack.

Sofia blushed and sat in her seat, staring at the desk.

"Hey, is it true that guy tried to kill you?" one of our male classmates casually asked her.

"Leave her alone," I warned him, pulling her chair next to mine.

What the fuck kind of question is that?!

Dick!

"I'm just curious," he shrugged, "I heard he killed some kids a few years ago too,"

"Yeah, he killed my friends a few years ago, but no, he didn't try to kill me," I watched her lip tremble, and I could feel the blood boiling in my veins.

THAT'S ENOUGH!

DAMNIT!

"Get the fuck back!" I barked, grabbing Sofia's hand, "Come on baby, let's go home,"

I pulled Sofia from the room, ignoring the concerned looks of other students and teachers.

"We should stay," she frowned, blinking back tears.

The hell we should!

These people are inconsiderate douchbags!

"No," I shook my head and opened her door, "Let me take care of you, Sof, please,"

"Everyone knows, James," she whispered, looking up at me, "We can't avoid them forever,"

"Not forever, angel, just long enough for it to run its course," I cradled her cheek in my hand, "None of them understand how sick it is to be treating us like celebrities after everything that happened, they will forget soon, and we can go back to normal,"

"I'm glad they're calling you a hero, baby," she smiled, "You are; I just don't like that much attention and got upset when that guy brought up Ryder and Natalie. I'm fine,"

Stop lying to me, please!

"Sofia," I grabbed her shoulders, "I know you're lying; I just don't know why you're lying to me. You don't have to hide your feelings from me, baby,"

Her face fell, and her eyes adverted to my chin.

"I want to be okay," she took a shaky breath, "I don't want this to be something else I have to 'work through.' Everything that happened led to getting Sam away from you, and even though I'm still having nightmares about him and think about him and Miranda too much, I am seriously happy, James. I'm so glad that I'm back with you; I want to be normal with you, I want to go to school with you, I want to be able to accept everyone's compliments and be able to answer their questions," she started shaking, "I'm trying," she looked up at me as tears streamed down her face.

"Come here," I pulled her to my chest, "I'm sorry, baby. I know you're trying, but I don't want you to try so hard that you forget to feel something,"

"I just want us to be happy," she cried, burying her face in my chest, "I want you to be happy,"

"Don't forget that I can't be happy if you're not," I kissed the top of her head, "Don't keep anything from me, baby, I want to help you through it all,"

"Can we stay?" she asked, wiping her eyes.

"No, you need one more rest day," I chuckled, pulling her chin up, "We're going home, and we can do whatever you want,"

"Okay," she frowned, climbing into the cab, "What about our bags?"

"We'll get them when we come back," I assured her.

Whenever the fuck that will be.

I don't want to come back here.

I jumped in the driver's seat and pulled her close before calling mom and letting her know what was going on.

We got home, and I made popcorn as Sofia chose a movie.

"What did you decide?" I asked, pulling her across my lap.

"Doctor Horrible's Sing-Along Blog," she beamed, pressing play.

Sofia rested her head on my shoulder as we watched the movie, and I ran my hand along her thigh.

I listened to her sing the songs and smiled.

We should be doing homework, but I can't bring myself to do anything but hold my girl.

She's safe in my arms, exactly where she needs to be.

I wish I could erase her memory of everything except for the love I have for her.

She's still tormented by those monsters every single day, and all I can do is hold her as she screams for me to save her.

I'll always save her.

"I love you, baby," Sofia sighed, nuzzling my neck.

"I love you, princess. So fucking much,"