Chapter six

Kono tossed and turned in the sheets, sweat beading across her body her breathing rapid and uneven. Tension built in her body creases formed on her brow in fear, her hands balled tightly and her nails creating crescent moons in her skin. I'll have you and I'll hurt you and make you because you lied to me! Kono woke abruptly as her screams filled the room. It took her a few minutes to even out her breathing before she realised Adam's arms were around her.

"Kono sweetheart are you okay?"

Kono wiped sweat from her brow and focused on the dressing table as she calmed herself down. Her body still high with tension. She turned her head to face Adam his face filled with concern for her making her feel guilty for lying to him.

"I'm sorry it was a bad dream" Kono mumbled.

"Baby that was a nightmare you were screaming"

"I just…I"

"What was it about…talk to me Kono?" Adam asked softly as he brushed damp hair from Kono's face.

"I just dreamed about what happened to you… It was nothing Adam I promise I'm okay especially that you're here" Kono reassured trying to sound convincing.

"Are you sure that's all Kono you haven't really told me what Carson did to you and the guys won't talk about it either is there something you're not telling me?"

"Baby I'm fine Car…he just beat me around a bit and because of the drugs I couldn't fight back properly. Danny and Steve found me while Chin took you to the hospital…I was okay"

"You sure?"

"Yes Adam" Kono said stubbornly.

Adam accepted what she said but knew there must be more. She was still tense and jumpy and seemed to avoid cuddling or kissing. Just as Adam was about to plant a kiss on her lips she slid out the bed.

"I'm going to grab a quick shower I'm all sweaty go back to sleep" Kono said softly.

"It's the middle of the night babe"

"I'll be quick"

Kono stood under the hot water letting it cascade over her body allowing the heat to relax her shoulders. She slouched under the water letting her head fall. She looked at her body starting from her toes. The nail varnish chipped slightly, her legs bruised at the knees and in need of a shave. Her stomach covered in scratches that were scabbing over. Kono took a breath and looked briefly from her bikini line to her breasts not daring to hold her gaze. It took Kono a moment to realise that she was crying once more her salty tears mixing with the shower water. Her knees began to wobble and she was soon sitting leaning against the shower wall her knees pulled to her chest and her sobs racking her body. I can't keep crying…I can't show weakness.

Adam woke the next morning to an empty bed the sheets cold where Kono had once laid. He pulled himself up wincing at the burn from his rib cage. He walked slowly to the connecting bathroom his whole body aching with each step. He took a few minutes to relive himself, taking note of the wet shower walls and the smell of vanilla body wash. He inhaled the scent and smiled as it made him think of Kono. He headed very slowly outside to the front room where he found Kono in an uneasy sleep on the couch. He slumped down into the cushions and stroked her hair gently trying to rouse her.

"HUH!" Kono all but cried as she sat bolt upright.

"Baby it's me"

"Oh you erm…made me jump" Kono muttered as she swung her legs round and sat next to Adam.

"Why did you sleep out here?"

"I erm…came to get a glass of water and sat down for five minutes, I must have just fell asleep." Kono rambled knowing she had actually chosen to sleep on the couch for fear she would wake Adam with another nightmare.

"Babe are you sure?"

"Yes Adam"

Adam frowned and took a breath, concern filling him at the thought that Kono didn't want to be with him anymore. Something just wasn't right. She was distant, she didn't seem to want to stay with him when he was naked in front of her and she slept away from him. Even when she was in the bed she moved from his arms when she clearly thought he was asleep.

"Is it me?" Adam asked with all the vulnerability of a young boy.

"What do you mean?" Kono asked worriedly.

"You just seem very distant towards me whenever I try to talk or get close to you and you sort of freaked out when I was naked and you moved from my arms last night when you thought I was asleep" Adam said gently.

Kono tensed at Adam's words as tears stung her eyes. She hadn't meant to do any of the things Adam described and she certainly never meant to make him doubt himself.

"Adam I love you I'm still just wrapping my head around what happened and I only moved away last night because I didn't want to hurt you and in the bathroom I was just giving you space I didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable."

"Promise me Kono…promise me that that is all that's going on"

Kono looked into Adams deep dark eyes, the fear and concern evident and it broke Kono's heart but she couldn't tell him what really happened or let him no her fear. She was too scared that Adam wouldn't want to be with her if her knew. She was scared that Adam would see her as being ruined just like she saw herself.

"I promise"