Oh, the previous chapter was kind of the prologue :)

Memories - 'But burned into my brain are these stolen images, stolen images, baby, stolen images, can you picture it, babe that life we could have lived'

Chapter 1 - 'Everything I want I have'

January 14th 2012

Carla drummed her fingers impatiently on the marble counter top, her manicured nails producing a pleasant clicking sound against the surface.

She'd formed a slight habit of scattering candles about the place, turning the lights down low, skulking in the dark shadows of her flat as she waited for Peter, which was becoming more and more frequent as the court case neared and their relationship deepened.

She felt her heart jump in her chest as the buzzer rang, the rape still vivid in her mind, but her lips curved into a smile as her heartbeat slowed and she went to answer the bell.

She didn't talk, just buzzed him up, awaiting his presence eagerly. She hoovered by the door, leaning against it as his footsteps became clear and more pronounced. He tapped lightly on the door, and she opened it immediately, greeting him with a broad smile and sparkling eyes.

'Hey, I'm sorry I was a little late' Peter said, slightly breathless from bounding up the stairs, stepping forward, his hands resting on the inward curve of her waist, holding her against him as he leaned in to kiss her. Their lips met, parting slightly, the both of them taking in each other's scents, Peter's rough and smoky, and Carla's rich and expensive.

She answered his question with her kiss, needy and loving, her hands entwined lightly round his neck, locking him in their embrace. She felt safe and loved in his arms, what they were doing may be wrong, but for them, it was so right, and it was what she'd always wanted.

Their meetings were short but frequent and intense, she'd leave each one bubbling over with emotion, her love for Peter grew stronger, more passionate, and yet it hurt more and more; Peter would return to the family he belonged to, leaving his love, alone.

'How long have we got' Carla said, breaking of their kiss, her hand tracing a line down the ridge of his arm, until they were hand in hand and she led him over to the couch.

He glanced at his watch, 'Enough time' he said softly, not wanton got waste time worrying about how long they had to spend with each other.

He lays on the sofa, his arms engulfing her body and pulling her close to him so she is lying across his chest, their favourite position. His chest is warm and she can hear his heart beating in a comforting rhythm against her ear. She feels so could lie like this forever.

'16 days Peter.. it feels like forever' she speaks, breaking the silence.

'Let's not talk about him baby' Peter said, not wanting either of their minds to be infected with the image of that monster, he can't even bring himself to say his name.

'But he's all I can think about Peter, he's there everywhere I look.. until I know he's behind bars, where he can't touch me, look at me, I don't think I'll ever be free' Carla said.

'I won't let him hurt you, I won't let him touch you again Carla, you'll be free, I promise' Peter said, his voice dissipating into a whisper as he pressed his lips against her forehead and tightened his embrace.

He hated what Frank had done, hated that he'd done it because of jealously, because of Carla's feelings towards him. It was so cruel, the women he'd become friends with, fallen in love with was now a ghost, haunting a desolate body. He loved Leanne, he really did and he cared so much for her, but he knew his love for Carla was deeper, he couldn't ignore it, it felt so right, and so natural, he felt as though he was complete with her by his side, and so he knew in his heart that he wasn't making a mistake and that this was his future.

'We're going to make this work, I promise you Car, I won't let you down' Peter said determined to help her heal, to help her love again and to make up for the time they should have spent together, but didn't.

'Big promises Peter' Carla said, looking up at him, propping her head up on her arm which was draped across his chest.

'Big dreams eh' Peter winked, raising his hand and stroking her hair lovingly.

Carla smiled, a part of her wandered if Peter really meant what he said, a few months ago he was so sure when he told her didn't love her, and yet now he said it as often as he good, promised her things that she'd longed for. And then another part of her found his manner heartwarming and comforting, it was the one good thing in her life, the one thing that made her smile, made her believe that she did have a future, when she was with Peter, she had everything she wanted