So, yes, Derek is her knight in shining whatever...but as you pointed out, Meredith was strong enough to get away from Jack on her own. But now she's in need of comfort, and Derek is just the man for that.

Chapter Eleven - Broken and Fragile

"Just hurry..."

With a little sniffle, Meredith hung up, and Derek felt more concerned than ever, as he raced through his house, grabbing his car keys and dashing outside. Dozens of scenarios played in his mind during the short drive to Meredith's house, none of them good. He pulled up behind her car, alarmed to see that she was still sitting inside it, her head resting on the steering wheel.

He wrenched the door open, and she looked up at him, and he sucked his breath in at the sight of her tear streaked face. Her eyes were beginning to bruise, and her lip was split. Dried blood smeared her chin, and her hair was tangled around her face. He dropped to his knees, and put his hand on her arm tentatively. Then he noticed that her dress was ripped, and finger marks were on her delicate skin. His mouth tightened into a thin line, as he surveyed happened to her. "Meredith...baby..." he whispered, reaching in to undo the seat belt.

"Derek...thank god..." she muttered, falling against him.

"Shh...I'm here, it's okay," he said softly, putting his arms around her carefully. Whatever happened to her tonight, he didn't want to make it worse by scaring her. "Can you walk inside?" She nodded against his chest, and he felt the hot tears against his skin, where his shirt was still open. Her body shuddered as she cried harder, unable to say anything. "Never mind, I'll carry you instead," he murmured, picking her up easily and standing up. With a soft sigh, she put her arms around his neck, and buried her face against his shirt. He carried her to her front door, then realized he needed her keys to get the door open. "Keys, honey?"

"Purse..."

Derek set her on her feet carefully, and took his shirt off and wrapped it around her shoulders. "Be right back." He sprinted back to the car and found her purse on the passenger seat, and rummaged in the tiny bag, not finding anything. Then he looked at the keys still in the ignition, realizing her house key must be on the same ring. He grabbed it and headed back to the porch, where she waited, leaning against the door, her eyes closed. His heart lurched as he saw her looking so dejected and defeated, and he shook his head angrily. He fumbled with the door lock, and then swung her back into his arms and made his way inside. "Maybe you need a doctor," he murmured.

"No...I'm fine."

"You're not fine, Meredith." He headed for the staircase, carrying her upstairs, to look for her bedroom.

Meredith clung to him, reassured by the steady beat of his heart under her cheek. Cradled in his embrace, she could feel the heat of his skin, and smell the spice of his cologne again, bringing a sharp reminder of their encounter in the wine cellar. But all she wanted at this moment was his arms around her, keeping her safe. It wasn't sexual, it wasn't lustful, it was just comfort she was looking for.

Derek dropped her onto her bed, and Stormy looked up from his perch on the foot of the bed, blinking at them. He uncurled himself gracefully, and padded over to Meredith, bunting her arm with his head, until she petted him. Then she looked up at Derek sadly. "I'm such an fool..."

"No..." He knelt in front of her again, taking her hands. "Whatever happened, this isn't your fault, Meredith. Did Jack...did he...?" He couldn't even formulate the words that were on his mind.

She shook her head silently. "No, he didn't force me, but he wanted to. I managed to get away before he could..."

Derek reached up to smooth her hair away carefully, and she flinched at his touch, despite the gentleness. "Okay, that's good. Look, how about calling the cops then? You should press charges. That bastard can't get away with hurting you."

"No...please...I just want to put it behind me. I can't deal with anything else right now."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, please, Derek. I'm through with him, I don't want to see him again, no matter what."

Derek nodded slowly. "At least you're done with him."

She sighed, stroking the cat, feeling her body starting to ache now that the adrenaline left her. Tremors shook her again, and she felt unable to look at Derek again, keeping her eyes on Stormy. "Alex was right...I never should have talked to him alone. But…"

"All I know, is that Jack was always spoiled, and he got his own way too much. I just had no idea that he would stoop to using this kind of violence as a means to that, using your vulnerability against you." Cold anger chilled his veins, and he vowed to make his brother pay for hurting her like this. He had stood by far too long, knowing Jack's temper, and he kicked himself again for not staying, despite Meredith's determination to face Jack alone.

"That's me huh?" Meredith sighed. "Damn it...how did I let him do that to me? Why me?"

"Because you're good and decent, and you believe the best in people," Derek said quietly. "And you're sweet and caring..."

Meredith gave a small laugh. "Are you trying to make me feel better or flirt with me, Derek?" She finally met his eyes, and managed a lop sided smile. His heart almost broke at that instant, and he knew he loved her more than he could tell her. Now was not the right time to bare his emotions to her. He would have to be patient, and give her time.

"A little of both?" he laughed. "I'm here for you, okay, Meredith? Whatever you need. You wanted me to be a friend, I can do that..." She nodded again, and he squeezed her hand. "Okay, I'm going to run a bath for you, and bring you something to drink."

By the time he returned with a glass of wine and got the tub filling with water, Meredith was standing in front of the mirror, staring at the bruises forming. His shirt gaped open on her, and he tried to avoid looking at her breasts that drew his gaze like a magnet. "I just wanted it to leave, and he got so mad. He pushed me down, and ripped my dress, and hit me, so hard I saw stars...literally, I know what that means now. I was so scared, Derek...I thought he was going to rape me." Silent tears slid down her cheeks again, and he wasn't sure how to comfort her. He was acutely aware of the fact that he was shirtless, in her bedroom, and that she probably didn't want any man to touch her at this moment.

He took her hand and tugged her gently towards the bathroom, where the air was humid and fragrant now. Shutting the water off, he turned to face her in the steamy dampness. "I know you're hurting, Meredith. I just don't know what to say to you right now. Maybe you need a girlfriend over, instead of me. Is there someone I can call?"

"Not really - my closest friend is Alex, and there's no answer on the cell. I just tried. Please don't leave, Derek. I'm okay with you, seriously. I know you won't hurt me. I just don't want to be alone."

"I'm not leaving, and I would never hurt you, I swear. I'll be waiting for you when you're done your bath, and I'll sleep on the couch tonight, is that all right?"

Meredith peered up at him, suddenly aware herself that he was very male and very well toned, and much too close to her. She remembered how good it had felt to be in his arms earlier, that he kissed her like she was someone to be treasured, mixed with deep passion and desire. Desire that had stirred her to her soul. Not all men were like Jack, she knew that, but she wasn't in any position to want anyone else right now. But when Derek reached to stroke her cheek this time, she met his gaze without flinching. "Thank you for coming over, Derek," she whispered, leaning into his hand.

"Anytime," he assured her, his voice thick with suppressed emotions.

"I just need some time, you know...I know there are things we need to discuss, but..."

"I understand." And he leaned in and brushed his lips over hers, so delicately, she almost moaned. "I'm a patient kind of guy."

She took a shaky breath and moved back a little. "Good, that's good..."

Derek left her alone, closing the door behind him, finally letting his anger return. If Jack ever came close to Meredith again, he would be sorry, Derek would make sure of it. He dropped wearily into the chair, surprised to find Stormy on his lap a moment later. The little cat stared at Derek with his unwavering blue eyes. "Don't worry - I have good intentions with Meredith," Derek chuckled, rubbing the cat's head. As if giving his approval, Stormy meowed and laid down, purring.

Which is where Meredith found them when she came out of the bathroom later, toweling her hair dry. The wine and the hot water had worked their magic, and she felt far more relaxed and calm than before. She stopped short, seeing that both of them were fast asleep, Derek's hand still resting on Stormy's back. Biting her lip to keep from giggling, Meredith crossed the room quietly. Obviously Stormy was much more in tune with Derek than with Jack.

She let herself stare at Derek for a long moment, noting his tousled black hair, the stubble darkening his jaw line, and the strong definition of his muscles. The man was seriously ripped, taut and lean, much more so than Jack. Dark hair on his chest tapered along his flat abs, disappearing into the faded jeans, making her thoughts wander into dangerous territory. She knew she wasn't ready to go that far yet, she was telling Derek the truth when she said she needed time. But someday, maybe he could be the one to make her feel whole again. Touching his shoulder carefully to wake him, Meredith was caught by his deep blue eyes as he opened them. "You must be uncomfortable there," she said softly, leaning closer unconsciously.

"I'm okay," he said, yawning, moving so that Stormy had to vacate his lap. "How are you?"

"Better, just tired..."

She looked younger and more fragile than ever to Derek, and he had an urge to tuck her into bed and hold her until she fell asleep. He wanted to be the one taking care of her, for more than just one night. Patience is my mantra, he thought.

"I'm going to bed. I'll get some sheets for the couch." She was still hovering close to him, and Derek could smell her lavender scent again, mingled with the pure womanly essence of her. Her skin was still damp, where her silky robe was open, and he was finding it difficult to move away like he knew he should.

"Yeah, we should get some sleep," he muttered.

Meredith stood up, sensing his warring emotions, her own breathing irregular. She must be insane, feeling like this so soon, and she hurried away to the linen closet to find sheets to put some distance between them, scooping his shirt from the bathroom floor as well. When he came up behind her to take them, their fingers brushed and a tingle went down her spine. "Good night, Derek, thank you again for coming over and taking care of me," she whispered, unable to meet his eyes.

"Good night, Meredith. Sleep well..." he said, resisting the urge to kiss her again, backing away slowly until he was at the stairs. He waited until she closed the door, finally heading down to find the couch, and cursing himself for wanting her so bad it was like an addiction. Too soon, much too soon, he reminded himself, as he settled against the cool sheets, lacing his hands behind his head. His shirt seemed to have her scent lingering on it, and he closed his eyes. He didn't think he would fall asleep, but he was out cold before he knew it.

Meredith thrashed wildly, tossing her head, whimpering in her sleep. "No...Jack, no...don't hurt me..." His face loomed in front of her, his mouth in a leer, as he reached out to squeeze her breast. She screamed, feet trying to find traction in the dainty spike heels, stumbling away in fear... screaming again...

"Meredith!"

She flinched, feeling hands on her shoulders, shaking her gently. "Don't touch me..." she whispered, before realizing she had been having a dream.

"Shh....it's me, Derek..."

"Ohmigod..." Meredith sighed, looking into Derek's dark blue eyes, concern for her etched on his face in the dim light of her bedroom. The bedside lamp was still lit, casting a warm puddle of light. Stormy mewed from beside her, looking at her with round eyes. With a stifled sob, she let Derek hold her, his hands stroking her back in comfort. "I thought...I thought it was real..."

Derek rocked her carefully, feeling her shake against him. He had bolted awake, hearing her scream and had dashed headlong up the stairs, to find her wrestling with the sheets. He brushed his lips over her head, whispering words of comfort until she relaxed, "You're safe, I won't let him hurt you again."

"God..." Meredith sighed with a shuddering breath. "I hate being so damn weepy. I'm such an idiot..."

"No, you're not." Derek eased her down against the pillow, pushing the damp hair from her eyes. He propped himself up on one elbow, giving her a reassuring smile. More than anything, he wanted to kiss her again, taking away her fears, and making slow sweet love to her until all the bad memories were wiped away. But she was far too fragile and broken right now, though, and he merely took her small hand in his, squeezing it gently. "Do you want me to leave now?"

"Can you stay...at least till I fall asleep again?" she asked softly, feeling strangely safe with him.

Derek nodded, as she curled on her side, her eyelids drifting shut again. I'd stay forever if you wanted...