February 2018

Stevie had fallen asleep, she had sobbed, she hadn't let go of Smithy, she needed him so much, she couldn't imagine not having him supporting her, she would be so lost without him. She woke to an empty bed and she instantly felt an ache for him. "Smithy" she called as she pushed herself out of his bed and crept out the door "Smithy".

"Oh hi" Callum appeared in the living room door way

"Where is Smithy?" she asked

"He has gone to the station to see Manson, to get a couple of days off" he smiled gently "He won't be long, do you need anything?"

"No" that was a lie, she needed Smithy. She followed Callum into the living room. "You didn't have to stay"

"Smithy is worried, we all are"

"I know you don't believe me Callum"

"That's not true Stevie, I know you but I also know Dec but what I don't know is what has happened behind closed doors".

"That's fair enough" she sighed "I get it, he is the perfect man, he has a good job, he protects people and to the outside world he is loving and attentive".

Hearing the door, she almost ran from the room, he cuddled her into his body. "Hey, I got you Stevie, you are safe". Callum appeared behind her "Watson is interviewing Dec, can you let me know when he gets bail?"

"Course mate, take care Stevie". Smithy pulled the door open and Callum left.

Smithy turned back to face her "I have a surprise for you".


They had walked for about ten minutes, he had been talking at her, but she wasn't taking much of it in. She was frightened outside, Callum was going to let them know when Dec was released but she still felt frightened at every turn. "Here we are" he led her to a house and knocked on the door. "You okay?" he asked, but the door opened before she could reply. "Still good?" Smithy asked and the man nodded, Smithy took her hand and led her inside. "Stevie, this is Andy, we were in the army together and that is Lexi, his wife, this is Stevie" Smithy spoke. Both smiled to her and she tightened her grip on Smithy's hand. "Lexi is a marshal arts teacher, she can give you some lessons"

"I don't understand" Stevie whispered

"I thought it might help you to feel safer"

"We can just see how you like it today" Lexi spoke "I can just teach you some basic moves to help you feel a little safer"

"Okay" she agreed and Lexi gestured for her to follow her into a room down some stairs. It was a fully fitted studio, it was an incredible space. "Do you teach many people?" Stevie asked

"Usually yeah, I'm having a break at the moment, I had a baby six weeks ago"

"Oh congratulations, we don't have to do this now"

"Smithy, he was quite insistent, he said it was important and for him to describe anything as important, other than his job, he obviously thinks it's a good idea". The lesson had made her feel safer already, she had picked up some real basic moves and had actually had a lot of fun, Lexi was lovely and had spoken about a violent relationship she had been in and that Andy was the only man she felt truly safe around. It was nice to meet someone with similar experiences.


She had spoken non stop on the walk home, she was actually excited about something, she was going to see Lexi again tomorrow whilst Smithy was at work, Lexi said they could do a bit of training and then have a bit of pampering, nails, hair, eyelashes, this has been Lexi's career before she has moved into self defence. "Lexi seems lovely and Andy, thank you so much for introducing me to them".

"Of course darling, it will be good for you". He bent down by the front door, as they arrived home, and picked up a package. He let them inside and walked through to the kitchen and flicked the kettle on, she sat on a kitchen chair watching him as he made their drinks. "I think if you feel up to it, I might take you up the shooting range at some point too, it gives you confidence, all that power" he smiled as he put the drink in front of her on the table before resting opposite her and taking a swig of his own drink.

"Is that why you do it, the power?"

"Partly yeah, it also reminds me of my past and it relieves tension"

"Has it been that long Smithy?"

"Not what I meant DS Moss and my sex life is none of your concern". She giggled as she started to drink her coffee, Smithy had got it down to a fine art, he made coffee just the way she liked it. He pushed the parcel towards her "This is for you" he changed the subject"

"What is it?"

"Open it". She opened the package and smiled as the dress came into view. "It's not exactly the same as the one your mum got you, and I know it would never replace it, but I wanted to try. Jo helped me with the size, so if its wrong blame her and if you don't like it"

"It's perfect" she interrupted as tears streamed down her checks "Smithy, I don't know what to say"

"You don't need to say anything Stevie"

"You are such an amazing man Smithy"

"That is the coffee speaking" he laughed as he took a sip of his own drink

"No, it's not, I have never known anyone as amazing as you, you mean the world to me, I hope you know that, I really don't deserve you in my life". He smiled, it was very shy and she felt butterflies as he took her hand and pressed a kiss to it

"Stevie, there is no where in the world I would rather be and definitely no one I would rather be with". She saw the realisation of what he said and he cleared his throat nervously "I'm going to give Neil a call, see if there are any updates".


Stevie had a nice relaxing bath, she still asked permission but she needed it. Neil hadn't been able to give an update, which had frustrated Smithy, he had a strong desire to keep her safe and not knowing what was happening prevented that. She tried her new dress on and headed towards the living room. Hearing Smithy's voice she paused just along from the door. "I knew he would get bail, if he comes here again though I won't he held responsible for my actions"

"Just chill out mate" the voice of Callum Stone made Stevie realise they weren't alone in the flat. "He has been told if he comes near again, he won't get bail, how is she doing?"

"She is okay, she is stronger than she thinks, I just wish I could turn back the clock"

"Smithy, she is safe now, that's the main thing"

"I should of realised sooner, helped her sooner, I won't ever forgive myself"

"Smithy, give yourself a break, you are the reason she is safe. Have you told her how you feel?"

"Oh yeah Callum, I just thought whilst she is in pieces and I am meant to be supporting her, it would be a perfect time to slip in, oh by the way I'm in love with you Stevie". Stevie stood completely dumbstruck, the conversation continuing without her. People had joked about him having feelings for her but she had never considered there to be real truth behind it, but now she had heard it for herself, Smithy was in love with her.


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