Okay, sorry for the lateness. I know I said I'd get this out sooner but some stuff came up and I couldn't find time to write. So very sorry, but here it is finally.

Leon lookedup to see the bathroom door open with a burst of steam. Erin came out a second later, rubbing a towel through her hair.

"Hey," he said and then shot out of the bed, rushing over to her side. "What happened?" he asked as he took in the few bruises on her arms and the one peeking out from beneath her shirt. Now that he looked closer, he could see faint marks on her neck.

"Nothing," she snapped at him as she put her sweater and zipped it up.

"Aw, come on, that isn't nothing," he said trying to look her in the face but she stared down at the ground. Instead of answered him, she ignored him and finished getting read.

"Let's go," she ordered a couple minutes later, holding open the hotel door for him.

Leon exited out the door without saying a word. He heard her close the door and felt her catch up to him. He flowed her blindly, not ever asking where they were going. There was a story behind the bruises, now it was just a matter of figuring it out.

Not wanting to venture too far from the hotel, Erin had picked a diner across the street. They entered, finding the air warm inside, the spinning fans doing nothing more than move the stifling air around. It was around 11, the sun shined in through the window. They sat down in a booth and a waitress came over to them.

"Well ain't you two just a cute couple," the waitress admired, her voice carrying a bit of a southern drawl. Erin fidgeted in her seat as Leon sat across from her, chewing on a toothpick, amusement showing through his smile.

"Uh, we're not together," Erin corrected her, a blush forming.

"Well that's a shame, ya'll look good together. Here the menus, I'll be back in a bit to get your order."

Erin nodded and stared at the menu, her cheeks still red. She heard Leon chuckle and silently cursed him, resisting the need to kick him underneath the table and busied herself looking at the different dishes.

The waitress came back a few minutes later, took their order and left again. Erin looked up to see Leon staring out the window. She felt bad at the way she had snapped at him but she didn't know him, there was no way she was telling him what happened.

"So you new around here?" Leon asked tentatively, finally breaking the silence.

"Kind of. I use to live here but then moved and now I'm back sort of," she answered, keeping her tone light.

"So you're living here sort of," he repeated with a quirked eyebrow.

"Well, I was staying with my grandparents but I kind of got kicked out, so now I'm staying in that hotel for the moment."

"What did you get kicked out for?" he asked and regretted it as soon as he saw her demeanor clam up.

"It's complicated," she replied, hoping he wouldn't push the subject and let out a sigh of relief when he didn't.

"You can't just live in that hotel forever you know," Leon said after a moment.

"I know. I'll figure it out. And no, I don't need your help," she said, saying the last part defensively.

Leon held his hands up in surrender and Erin let out a sigh and apologized.

"Didn't mean to snap, it's just everyone always wants to help," she sighed, grabbing her cup of water and twirling the ice with the straw.

"I know what you mean. After my mom left, everyone was always trying to help and it just made things worse," he said watching her carefully for a reaction. The straw instantly stopped moving and she finally looked up at him.

"You're mom left?"

"Yeah, when I was 16. It was 'cause of my old man. Use to beat up on her and finally she couldn't take it anymore and left."

"Sorry," she said realizing there was more to Leon than she thought. Her heart leaped at the idea that they probably had many things in common but she quickly stomped it down. Remember, this is just breakfast, nothing else.

"I'm over it, well, as much as I'm going to be. So where you going to stay then?" Leon asked changing the subject.

"Here you two go," the waitress interrupted as she set down their plates of food, saving Erin from answering Leon. The smell of bacon wafted to her noise and she realized just how hungry she was. She put some ketchup on her hash browns and scrambled eggs and then dug in.

"Damn girl, slow down there. Heck, you could probably give V a run for his money at that rate," Leon exclaimed a few minutes later, his hazel eyes laughing at her. Erin chewing slowed down and then swallowed, a faint blush spotting her cheeks.

"Sorry, I didn't realize how hungry I was," she said quietly as she picked at her food.

"Hey, at least you're not afraid to eat in public or in front of a guy. I can't tell you how much it bugs me when chicks are like that," he replied and Erin found herself blushing again from his compliment.

They continued eating on in silence and it wasn't broken until the waitress came back to pick up their plates and drop off the bill. They both reached for it at the same time, their hands colliding. Erin scolded her body as a tingle ran up her arm from where they had touched.

"I got it. Remember, I was taking you out as a thank you," she reminded him as she reached for the bill. He caught her hand and held it as the tingles started again.

"I know, but a true gentlemen never makes the women pay," he said grabbing the bill with his other hand. He let go of her hand as she scowled at him.

"At least let me pay for me," she suggested.

"No," was his simple answer. She watched as he pulled out his wallet and placed some money on top of the bill. Erin tried to be mad, she really did, but when he looked up and flashed her a smile, she felt her anger melt.

They both got up without saying anything and walked back to her hotel room in silence. They stopped outside her door, Erin's hands playing with her keys.

"Thanks again. Last night could have gotten really ugly and it was pretty stupid on my part, so thanks for looking out," she said, staring down at her hands.

"No problem," he replied, playing with his own set of keys. "Guess I'll see you around?" he hinted, giving her another one of his smiles.

"Maybe," she said before opening her door and slipping inside. She rested against the closed door and took a deep breath. If she would have stared into those eyes any longer, or looked at the smile, she would have caved.

The sudden knocking on the door startled her and she jumped around, opening the door.

"Leon?" she said in confusion.

"Yeah, um, I kind of left my cell phone on the night stand," he answered, looking a bit sheepish. Erin turned and found it sitting next to the lamp. She retrieved it and held it out to him.

"Thanks," he said, his fingers brushing her as he grabbed it. "So, here's my number incase you decided you want to go out again. Just call me and I'll hang with you. Or you know, if you ever just want to hang out." He offered her the slip of paper in his hand. Erin slowly reached out and took it even though her mind protested at the idea. A sly grin came to his face.

"What?"

"If you still want to make it up to me, you'll let me take you out tonight. You can buy me a drink," he suggested. Erin found herself nodding in agreement; it was like she had lost complete control of her body.

"Sure, see ya at 8?" her mouth said.

"Sounds good, see ya then," he replied and began walking out towards the parking lot.

Erin closed the door and rested her forehead against it. She slipped the paper in her pocket. Why did I agree to let him take me out? She thought back on those hazel eyes and smile, making her insides turn to mush. This was not good, not good at all. A few quiet seconds went by before a knock sounded on the door again and she opened it.

"What did you forget this time?" she started to ask but the question died in her throat as she saw who was on the other side. It wasn't Leon. A shiny badge and police uniform greeted her and she looked up. A grin broke out on her face as she launched her self at the person.

"Uncle Ray!" she cried, her arms wrapping around his neck, his arms wrapping around her in paternal protection. She let him go and watched as he took off his sunglasses, his eyes were solemn.

"We need to talk," he said, his tone even, not giving away any emotion but she could see the mix of happiness and confusion within the depths of his brown eyes.

"Okay," she replied in a small voice as she stepped aside and let him in. She closed the door and sat on the bed as he looked around. He was still the same Uncle Ray. His hair color was the exact same auburn color as hers. His uniform fit his lean build and he stood about half a foot taller than her. Ray turned towards her, his normally smiling face looking old despite his youngness.

"Something wrong?" she asked. He let out a sigh before grabbing one of the chairs in the room and setting it down in front of her and sitting down.

"I talked to your grandma," he said quietly. Erin's face fell and she closed her eyes, trying to push back the tears she knew were coming.

"It's not true," she croaked out.

"I never said it was. Why don't you tell me what happened?" he asked, his eyes staring at her. Erin let out a small sob before the whole story exploded from her lips. By the end, her uncle sat down next to her, cradling her, as her salty tears fell. He rubbed her back as she continued to cry, her tears finally letting up after a few more minutes. If felt so wonderful to finally be talking to someone about it. Her only fear was that he wouldn't believe her the same way her grandparents hadn't.

"Erin, could you please take off your sweater?" he asked, his voice wavering slightly. Erin slowly pushed her self up and unzipped her sweater. She pulled it off and closed her eyes as she felt him exam her exposed skin.

"The scars?" he questioned as his eyes spotted the various ones on her body.

"From him," she whispered.

"Even the one on your lip?"

"It was the very first one I ever got from him," she answered with a bitter laugh. He stared at her, his eyes continuing to look down at the bruises on her.

"You don't believe me, do you?" she asked, tears filling her eyes.

"No Erin, I do. It's my brother, I know what he's capable of," he answered and Erin stared at him before completely breaking down again.

"Grandma and Grandpa, they don't He told them I hit him first and they believed him. Why did they believe him? It hurt so bad. I was all alone. I don't want to be here anymore, it's all my fault," she cried.

"No Erin, don't think that way. They were just confused. But Erin you need to understand, you did nothing wrong. You hear me? Nothing. This is not your fault," he stressed as he stared into her face.

"Then why do I feel this way?"

"Because…" he faltered, unsure of what to say. He'd dealt with this situation before but now it hit too close to home. None of his police training could have prepared him for his. "Because he probably always put the blame on you and you see it as your actions causing this when it's not. Erin, people make mistakes, it's natural, but what he did, what he's doing, is not. So I need you to listen to me when I say it's not your fault okay?" His gave unwavering as he continued to stare at her.

"I'll try," she promised, looking down at the floor. Ray let out a deep sigh, his hand rubbing circles on her back.

"How'd you feel about staying with me? I know Fiona would love to have you. And Olivia has been asking about you lately. So what do you say?

"Sure. I'd really like that. I was going to call you later, but you found me first," she answered him and stood up, starting to pack her things. "So how did you find me anyways?"

"Erin, cop here," he said polishing off his badge. Erin laughed at him while she picked up her things.

"I think that's it," Erin said as she zipped up the last bag.

"That was your red car in the parking lot, wasn't it?" Ray asked and Erin nodded. "Kyle did a good job," he commented as he picked up her bags.

"Wait, you knew?"

"Where do you think he got the custom parts from?" Ray lifted an eyebrow at her.

"I should've known," she said as she put back on her sweater.

"I'll take the bags to the car while you check out." Erin gave him her keys and then he disappeared out the door.

Erin looked around the hotel room, making sure she hadn't forgotten anything and then headed out to the main office. She turned in her key and strode back out to her car. It was strange to see the squad car parked next to her and she could feel a couple sets of eyes on her.

"Man, you really draw attention," she commented, taking back her keys.

"What can I say, I'm an attractive guy," he shot back and smile when she laughed.

"Sure. I guess I'll just be following you then," Erin said and got into her car. Ray got into his squad car and Erin followed him to his house. Ray's house was on the oceanfront, his property extending down to the shore. Their house was like a little alcove among the green foliage. The houses were spread far apart from each other; the next house was about a half a mile away.

Erin pulled into his driveway and got out, bringing her bags with her. She took a deep breath of the ocean air, the smell comforting her. Ray pulling her bags from her hands brought her out of her daze and she followed him inside the house.

"Honey, what are you doing home?" Fiona said as he stepped through the door.

"I brought a little surprise," was he answer as he stepped aside, revealing Erin.

"Oh Erin!" Fiona exclaimed as she wrapped her up in a warm hug. Fiona was about as tall as her, with blonde hair and dark blue eyes. She was one of the nicest persons Erin knew and she returned the hug with equal favor.

"It's good to see you," Erin replied and let her. Erin froze when she became aware of the person standing behind Fiona. Her chest felt restricted and her palm began to sweat.

"Erin, good to see you," her dad said, a white bandage over his nose and the area under his eyes were purple. Ray immediately stepped in front of Erin and squared off with his brother.

"Art, I think it would be best of you left," he said while Fiona stared in him in confusion.

"I don't think so baby brother. My daughter and I still have a few things to settle."

"No you don't. Now please leave my home or I make you," he said as he felt Erin tremble slightly behind him.

"Fine, I'll leave. But I will talk to my daughter sooner or later," Art threatened before storming out the door. Erin jumped as he slammed the door behind him.

"You okay?" Ray asked turning around.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she replied just as a small body attacked her.

"Erin!" Olivia screamed as she latched herself to her. Erin smiled down at the brown head and picked her up, her nerves settling.

"Hey Olive," Erin greeted as blue eyes stared into hers.

"I missed you. You shouldn't go away anymore," Olivia said with a stern demeanor and crossed her arms. Erin couldn't help but smile at her seriousness.

"Erin's going to be staying with us for a little while honey," Ray told her.

"Yay! Can Erin come to school with me one day?" Olivia asked.

"We'll see sweetie, now go finish working on your homework," Fiona said. Erin let Olivia down and watched as she walk down the hall and went into her room.

"I'm going to go put your stuff in the guest room and then we'll all talk," Ray said, looking pointedly at Fiona and then trailed after Olivia.

"Here, let me take your sweater, you have to be warm in it," Fiona said making a grab for it but Erin jumped back.

"No! I'm fine."

"Alright," Fiona said eyeing her warily. "Come on in the kitchen and I'll get you something to drink."

Erin followed after her into the kitchen and sat herself down on one of the stools at the counter.

"Ice tea?"

"That'd be fine," Erin said automatically and sipped at the cup Fiona passed her.

"Hungry?"

"No, I just ate, but thanks."

Ray entered the kitchen and sat down at the counter next to Erin.

"Are you going to explain why you were so rude to your brother?" Fiona snapped.

"Is it alright if I tell Fiona?" Ray whispered to Erin. She looked up at him and then back at the counter.

"Yeah," she answered quietly. Fiona was going to find out one way or another and it'd be better if she knew, things would probably make more sense. Plus, Erin was tired of sneaking around, it made her feel dirty.

She sat quietly as Ray explained everything. Erin could practically feel the pity rolling off of Fiona and it bugged her but she didn't say anything. The three of them sat in silence once Ray finished talking.

"Is that why you didn't want me to take your sweater?" Fiona asked and Erin nodded. "Sorry I snapped at you honey," she said to Ray, who just nodded understandingly at her. "Can I, would you show me?" Fiona asked Erin.

Erin looked up at her unsure. She bit her lip as she zipped off her sweater and let Ray help her pull it off.

"Oh my god," Fiona murmured coming over to Erin's side. "Some one these have reopened."

"I think when I picked up Olivia."

"Why don't you come into the bathroom and I'll clean them up," Fiona suggested. Erin reluctantly agreed.

"Erin, I have to ask you something first," Ray called after her.

"What?"

"Do you want to press charges against your dad? You'd have to go to court and testify and do all the paper work, and I'll understand if you don't want to, I hope you do, but it's up to you."

"I don't want to. I don't want anyone to know. I just want it to go away and pretend it didn't happen," she answered, tears gathering in her eyes.

"I'll make sure that he doesn't stays away from you, but I won't be able to protect you 24/7, so you're going to have to be careful until he leaves," he said putting a hand on her shoulder and noticing her reflexive flinch.

"I know. Thank you. I don't…just, thank you," Erin replied, giving his hand a squeeze before walking into the bathroom. Ray stared after her, a new resolve to keep Erin safe growing.

Erin kept her eyes closed and tried to think of other things as Fiona cleaned her cuts with disinfectant. A light blush colored her cheeks as she stood in her bra in front of Fiona.

"Are you okay?" Fiona asked and Erin's eyes snapped open.

"I'm fine, just hurts."

"I'm sorry. Okay, I'm done," she stated and put things away as Erin dressed again.

"Are you guys about done in there?" Ray asked through the door.

"Yeah, we're coming out," Fiona said as she opened the door.

"Well, I've got to get back to work. Are you going to be okay here?" he asked Erin.

"I'll be okay," she answered, wrapping her arms around herself. "I'm going to go change." Erin walked passed them, down the hall, and into the guest room. She opened the window and laid down on the bed as she listened to the surf crash. The sound soothed her, and she closed her eyes trying to image being in her willow tree. Slowly, as wave after wave broke, she was lulled to sleep.

Didn't you just love the waitress? So review and let me know what ya thought about the chapter.