Elizabeth stared at her reflection and ran her fingers through her short brown hair. It was a complete disaster. Some pieces were far to short while others were too long. It appeared as if she'd taken a knife and hacked at her hair without looking at what she was doing. And she had.

"No regrets," she whispered to herself as she combed her hair. Truth be told, she had no regrets. Long hair, short hair. She'd never particularly cared what length she had. Her hair would eventually grow out again. She used to like trying out new hairstyles.

The thought had come to her quite suddenly the other day. She was down in the basement and suddenly she had his knife in her hand. It wouldn't take much to end her life. That she could control. Except, her brain gave her another option. Her hair.

She didn't even think twice about it, making an absolutely awful mess out of pure desperation. She wanted to be done cutting her hair before anyone found her and stopped her. She needed it to look terrible. One real act of defiance. Her body, her choice. If they wanted her to have long hair then they would have to wait for it to grow out. If they chose to "punish" her by shaving the rest of her hair off, then that was a decision she forced upon them.

She twirled some strands between her fingers.

She had yet to face any consequences for her actions. It was hard to believe. She expected them to ruthlessly finish the job, not caring if they nicked her skin. She had mentally prepared herself for awful things to happen. She didn't care.

There is still time. It's only been a couple days and you haven't seen the family yet.

Her heartbeat picked up slightly as butterflies filled her stomach. Thomas was keeping them apart for now but, sooner rather than later, they'd meet up again. Would things go back to the way they were? Hoyt leering at her with eyes full of lust? Luda Mae talking about her as if she weren't there?

She gritted her teeth.

There were now more ways for them to beat her down and destroy her. Thomas gave her back her suitcase. A blessing she had thought, but now she was worried that it was more of a curse. What if they took the Scooby Doo that belonged to her brother? Or her album and destroyed them in front of her?

Thomas won't let that happen. He'll protect them. Protect you. You need to trust him.

I'm going to trust you. Her words echoed in her mind. She closed her eyes and took in deep breaths, releasing each one slowly. As long as she knew Thomas would fight for her she could survive whatever the family threw at her.

Opening her eyes, she stared at her reflection. The dark circles under her eyes had lightened a little bit. She looked a bit more refreshed. There was a small spark in her now. One that Thomas had reignited the night before.

She'd actually gotten a full night sleep. The previous nights her mind kept her awake with every single negative thought it could have. Even when she gave up, her mind kept her awake, berating her for being such a coward.

But, last night was different. Thomas held her in his arms and she felt protected. Safe. If he wanted sex he gave no indication. He was willing to wait for her. For her signal that she wanted him.

How strange. Her rapist waiting for consent.

Her eyes wandered the bathroom to the shower. That's where sex between her and Thomas had changed, had gotten better. It wasn't supposed to happen. She had been determined to test him, see if he could resist his urges. See if he actually meant it that he saw her as a person. But in the end, it was she who couldn't resist. The way his fingers felt on her scalp and then eventually how he fingerfucked her.

She bit her lip and took in a deep breath as she felt her body tingle all over. There were still times he'd fuck her when she wasn't in the mood. But he did his best to take care of her, get her to come and at least enjoy herself. It was interesting that he didn't fuck her when she was sick. He waited then. Waited for her to let him know she was ready.

The doctor popped up in her mind, making chills run through her body. She gulped as she tried to control her sudden rapid breathing. Her knuckles turned white as she clenched the porcelain sink.

They'd brought him to look at her. How could she be so stupid and think she could open up to him? That she could trust him? She should have lied. Would he have noticed? Maybe. Hoyt had suspected her was on some form of birth control.

Closing her eyes, she pushed those thoughts away. It didn't matter. Hoyt probably would have still raped her even if she didn't have the IUD. The man never once disguised his interest in fucking her. He probably wanted her from the start. For whatever reason, she'd been given to Thomas, saving her from Hoyt for a short while.

She gulped and gripped the sink as her world swayed a little.

He wanted to break her. He nearly succeeded. No, not nearly, he had succeeded. She'd given up. She was willing to just lay there and take it. Willing to become an absolute shell of a person. She couldn't fight the whole family. But, Thomas loved her more than she realized. More than Hoyt realized.

He fought to avenge her. Fought to bring her back. He most likely never intended to give her back her items, but he did. They reminded her of her past. Of her life without him. He knew that. But, he didn't want her to be a shell. He wanted her to be a person for him. He gave her real hope for a better future.

Her cannibal rapist turned cannibal lover. Husband.

She let out a sigh. Life was strange.

She released the sink and lowered her hands, smoothing the pink floral dress she wore against her body. It was the one he'd given to her the day he proposed to her. He had pulled it out of the closet and handed it to her after they woke up.

The thought of wearing a dress still made her uncomfortable, but she put it on just for him.

Her fingers twitched as she fought back the urge to clench the fabric.

The dress she'd worn the day Hoyt raped her still hung in their closet. She had caught a glimpse of it when Thomas handed her the other one. She had forced herself to walk away before she lost it. She wanted it gone. Destroyed. Would he let her?

Stepping out of the bathroom, Elizabeth leaned against the doorframe and watch Thomas. He sat on the bed all dressed in his suit and ready for the day. He was fiddling with something on his nightstand.

"Do you think we can have a bathtub?" she asked, pushing away the thought of Hoyt and that dress.

He spun around in surprise at her voice. Red flushed through his cheeks and he gulped before putting whatever he had in his hand in the nightstand, closing the drawer.

"Like, a big one," she continued, pretending not to feel slightly worried about what he was hiding. She stepped out of the bathroom and headed over to him. "Like, one that both of us can fit in. I think it'd be fun to take a bath. Together."

His pupils dilated with interest then he gave her a smile and nodded his head enthusiastically.

Lifting up her skirt, she sat down on his lap. His body stiffened in surprise as she adjusted her body so that her knees were on the bed on either side of him. Once she was comfortable, she wrapped her arms around his neck and focused on his hazel eyes. His hands slowly wrapped around her waist to hold her in place.

"What are we going to do today?" she asked. Her voice sounded carefree for once. His fingers gently rubbed her sides. He opened his mouth as if he could answer then shrugged his shoulders. His eyes sparkled with mischief.

She combed her fingers through his hair. He let out a hum of approval and closed his eyes. A tiny smile crossed her lips before she leaned in and lips to his. It was a soft, short, and simple kiss.

Leaning back, she brushed her fingers through his hair some more.

His hands tightened around her waist as his chest rose from a deep breath. He slowly let it out before leaning in for another kiss. She allowed their lips to stay pressed together for a little bit longer. Her body relaxed against his as her hands absentmindedly moved down to roam his arms. The smell of his cologne filled her nostrils. Something he'd either been given or found and had started wearing a couple months ago. She had no complaints. She rather liked the smell.

His warm lips parted allowing her tongue to slip inside. She loved the feel of his tongue against hers. Her heart started to thump harder against her chest. She moved her hands back up and interlocked her fingers behind his head. He wasn't about to break their kiss, but the back of her mind wanted to make sure he couldn't. She pressed his face harder against hers and scooted her body even more to his. One of his hands ran down her waist to grip her ass, and she moaned into his mouth.

He felt so warm. His hand on her ass moved down to rub her leg. After a minute, she broke their kiss. Their lips separated with a loud smack.

She rested her forehead against his as they both took in deep breaths.

"Thomas," she whispered, tilting her head a little to gaze into his eyes. She couldn't help but give his lips another light kiss before leaning back. She unlocked her fingers and brought one hand down to caress his cheek. His chest continued to move with deep heavy breaths as he tried to control himself. He ran his hand up to cup her hand that was on his cheek.

"What do you call me?" she asked. "In your head?"

He looked away for a moment, clearly trying to figure out how to explain to her.

"Is it my full name? Elizabeth?" she asked. She would have to figure out a better way for the two of them to communicate. Simple "yes or no" questions were okay for now.

She couldn't help but send out a little wish that telepathy was a thing.

He nodded his head.

"Your family like to call me Lizzy. You never do that? In your head?"

He shook his head.

She let out a content sigh and leaned in. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she hugged him. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

She felt protected, safe, with his arms around her and his body pressed against hers. Her fingers absentmindedly played with the buttons on his shirt.

"I wanna stay like this for a while," she admitted. She didn't want to see his family. She didn't want to leave the room. She wasn't ready to face the world.

He took in a deep breath. One of his hands went up and he massaged her scalp. She hummed, enjoying his fingers.

"But," she finally said. She kissed his neck then leaned back. "I have a feeling you have something planned for us."

His eyes sparkled and a small smile crossed his lips. She teased the buttons of his shirt for a moment, half tempted to take it off. Perhaps… perhaps she could. Butterflies filled her stomach at the thought of riding him. Right there. Connecting with him. Becoming one.

"Hot damn, no wonder Thomas likes you." Hoyt's voice came unbidden into her mind.

She immediately pulled away from him and tried to get off his lap. He tightened his grip around her, refusing to let her go. He let out a little coo as if questioning what was wrong. His head moved as he tried to get her to focus on his eyes.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, shaking her head, unable to look at him. "It's nothing."

Shame pulsed through her body. She gritted her teeth as tears of frustration stung her eyes. It wasn't fair for her to feel that way. Feel ashamed for something that wasn't her fault. She tried to fight back after all. But, Hoyt had easily overpowered her. Handcuffed her. Felt her up. Invaded her.

A shudder ran through her as she felt his phantom body pressed against her. In her. He didn't make her come though. She at least had that. He raped her. Came in her, although, he was wearing a condom, thankfully. But he didn't give her any pleasure.

She turned her head and stared at the wall, willing her emotions to settle. She couldn't cry in front of Thomas. Her fingers curled into a fist as she focused on the wall.

He didn't make her come. He didn't feel good at all. She needed to focus on that. Keep that in her mind.

Thomas placed his hand on her cheek, making her turn her head to look at him. She sniffled.

"Sorry," she whispered again, wiping her nose with the back of her hand. She tried to look down, but he brought his hand up to her chin and forced her to look at him.

He kissed her lips and shook his head. Taking in a deep breath, she let it out. She needed to think about something else.

"Liz," she said, wiping her eyes. She forced a smile to cross her face. "Or Lizzy."

He frowned.

"In your head. If you haven't been calling me that. You can call me Liz or Lizzy in your head."

His eyes widened in surprise.

"Or baby or babe, Tom-"

He placed his finger to her lips, making her mumble the last half of his name.

"Tom," she said softly. It wasn't hard to understand that she didn't need to call him by his full name.

He nodded his head.

"Tommy?" she asked feeling a bit bashful for asking.

He quirked a smile in response. Her heart jumped at the way he looked at her. He loved her. She knew that. Probably had from the first day he saw her. He beat up Hoyt for her.

She leaned in again and gave him a light kiss. He returned her kiss with equal pressure. Her fingers curled into his shirt. She wanted more. Needed more. Needed to connect with Thomas now that she knew just how much he loved her.

Once again, shame rushed through her body as Thomas's hand clenched her ass. Hoyt had ruined her. Ruined this.

She pulled away from Thomas again, breaking their kiss. A little sob came out of her as she placed her forehead against his chest.

"It's not fair," she whispered, clenching his shirt in her fingers. Thomas ran one hand up to massage the back of her head again. His other arm tightened around her.

"He ruined me," she whimpered. She felt Thomas shake his head, but she couldn't look at him. Hoyt may have worn a condom, but she still felt dirty.

"What do you think he'll do to me?" Hoyt's voice echoed in her mind. "Nothing. He's loyal to family."

Loyal to family. But, Hoyt was wrong.

Thomas did do something. He avenged her. He may not have killed his uncle, but he still hurt the man. Thomas knew how far Hoyt had gone, yet he didn't treat her as if she needed to be reclaimed by him. He didn't know what happened when they returned. And the sex then, thinking back on it now, wasn't about claiming her. It was just sex.

She was letting Hoyt win. The thought sparked something inside of her.

Anger.

Anger at herself. How could she let that man worm his way into her mind? Make her weak? The spark of anger turned into an inferno of various emotions. Her fingers slowly curled into the fabric of Thomas's shirt.

No! She wasn't about to let him win the mental battle. She wasn't going to let him ruin sex for her. Let him pop into her head like that.

Her fingers desperately moved to the buttons on Thomas's shirt.

"We have time, right?" she asked, not really expecting an answer as she started to undress him.

His big hands grabbed hers, forcing her to stop. She felt her body shake with a little fear. Raising her eyes, she looked into his.

"I… I need you," she whispered. "He's in my head and I need him out. I don't know if this will help, but…" she had to try. She knew she has a long road to recovery and she probably would never get over it. But right now, she needed Tommy.

He leaned in and gave her a short kiss. Pulling back, his eyes searched her face.

Are you sure? he seemed to ask with his face.

She wasn't. "I think so," she said.

He nodded his head. She immediately unbuttoned his shirt and pull it off him. The less she thought, the easier it would be. His fingers went under her dress and she raised her arms so he could pull it over her head. His mouth was quickly back on hers. She fiddled with his pants, unbuttoning and unzipping them. Her fingers easily found his already hard cock and they both moaned when she touched him.

"Tommy," she whispered.

He wrapped his arm under her ass and stood up, making her yelp. She had to quickly wrap her legs around his waist and arms around his neck to not fall. He turned her around and laid her back on the bed. She didn't hesitate and slipped off her underwear as he dropped his pants the rest of the way down.

She couldn't help but bite her lower lip the moment her eyes focused on his cock. Scooting to the edge of the bed, she reached out. Grabbing his cock, she guided him to her mouth and wrapped her lips around the base of his head. He moaned and rocked his hips forward. She glanced up at him, checking his face. His hands moved down to roam her hair. She moaned, swirling her tongue around his head before swallowing more of him. She loved the taste and feel of him in her mouth.

She felt a light pressure on her forehead as Thomas pushed her back, before she could go any further. She frowned, but then scooted back onto the bed, expecting him to crawl on top of her. But Thomas dropped to his knees and pulled her legs to the edge of the bed, making her yip in surprise.

He placed her legs on his shoulders. There was no way he was going to eat her out.

"Tommy, you don't-" He firmly pushed her back with one hand, using his other hand to hold her thigh. She arched her back and let out half a moan. Her legs tensed around his head as his mouth easily found her pussy. She reached one hand down to run her fingers through his hair while she bit her other hand to keep her moans in check.

He didn't recoil or hesitate. His warm tongue explored her as if he hadn't eaten her out in a while. He seemed desperate, in the right way. Her hips rolled automatically as her body demanded release as soon as possible. There was a part of her that was worried. Worried he'd stop before she came.

"Tommy," she moaned. She moved one hand to rub her breast. "I'm getting close."

There was a part of her that expected him to stop. He liked it when she came on his cock.

"Fuck," she moaned and grounded her hips against him as he sucked on her clit. He gripped her thighs firmly, keeping control over her body. The tension inside of her snapped and then a wave of euphoria washed through her. Her fingers gripped his hair and the bedding while her legs tightened around his head.

"Awe, fuck," she moaned as she rode her orgasm. She hadn't expected to come so quickly. All too soon, her body relaxed and she let him go.

Thomas smirked the moment she released him. She probably would have felt a little embarrassed. But her brain demanded more. His cock was hard and she needed him in her.

She grabbed his wrist and pulled him onto the bed as she scooted back, kissing him at the same time. The bed dipped as he got on. Butterflies rushed through her in anticipation at what was to come as he settled between her legs. She laid back and pressed her legs by his sides. Her fingers ran along his chest hair.

His body stopped moving as he hovered over her. She frowned. His hazel eyes slowly examined her.

"What?" she asked as she brought her hands up to cover her breasts. Embarrassment pulsed through her. Maybe he was having second thoughts now. Or was there some mark Hoyt had made on her that she missed? Had he sucked on her breast and she didn't remember? She had examined herself the other day and thought she saw nothing. Only mental scarring.

"Tommy, I'm sorry. I-" Her fingers pressed against his chest and she gulped, unsure why she felt like she had to apologize.

His lips moved to her cheek where he gave her another kiss before he reached over and opened the drawer to his nightstand. He easily found what he was looking for and pulled out a small packet.

"What's that?" she asked, raising up onto her elbows.

He sucked in a breath then slowly moved his hand so it was in front of her face. She snatched the object from his fingers.

"A… a condom?" she asked, unable to believe her eyes. She stared at the small packet then looked up at him in disbelief. He was already breathing heavy and looked quite desperate. Despite that, there was a look of embarrassment on his face, but he nodded his head.

She didn't think, only acted. She interlocked her fingers behind his head and pulled him to her. Her lips smashed into his with a desperate kiss as her body shook. He rested a little more weight on her and rolled his hips. His bare cock rubbed against her slit. So hot and hard and ready for her. One of his hands gripped the bedding by her head while the other moved up to grab the condom that was between her fingers.

A condom for her. He wanted kids, but she didn't yet. He was willing to try and protect her from that too. Wait for her to be ready. How much had changed between them in a short time. All thanks to Hoyt. He'd used a condom because the babies had to be Tommy's. She was grateful for that now. Her grief stricken and horrified mind wanted to show Thomas proof of her rape because she didn't think that her word against Hoyt's was good enough. Yet, her words was enough. And now she was grateful that he had covered himself up. He had been in her, but there was a barrier between them.

She shook her head as Thomas grabbed the package.

"I need to feel you, please. All of you. Inside of me," she begged. "It's okay. If I get pregnant that is. We're going to have kids eventually. And we'll have nine months."

He knitted his eyebrows with a questions. Are you sure?

She nodded her head. His lips met hers in another desperate kiss as his hand went down between them to steady his cock. They both let out a moan as he filled her up without hesitation.

She wasn't alone like Hoyt tried to make her believe. She had someone. Probably the most important member of the family. They needed him. They wouldn't turn their back on him. And he wanted her. He wouldn't go through all the trouble he was going through just to get her pregnant. He wasn't that kind of man. He didn't need to go through all that trouble. He could tie her up in the basement and rape her to get her pregnant. He didn't have to eat her out. Didn't have to make her come. He didn't have to make her feel safe.

"You want me," she whispered for herself. Her fingers dug into his back as she clung to him. His teeth scrapped her jaw, making her shutter and moan. She arched her head back so he could kiss her neck.

Thomas grabbed her hands and moved them over her head. He easily pinned her wrists together with one hand. His eyes closed as he focused on fucking her hard and fast. She met his thrusts, grinding her clit along his pubic bone, sending feelings of pleasure through her body. The sound of his heavy breathing and balls smacking her ass filled her senses.

She winced slightly as the pleasure started to fade. He was starting to go too fast and too hard. He felt almost desperate. As if he hadn't fucked her in ages. Or, now he was reclaiming what Hoyt had taken? Trying to fuck himself deeper than Hoyt did?

"Wait, wait, slow down, please," she whimpered, twisting her hands as she tried to get them out of his grasp. He wasn't hurting her quite yet, but it wasn't starting to feel good anymore.

Thomas suddenly rolled his hips forward, pressing his pubic bone against her clit harder. Her eyes fluttered and she stared up at him in disbelief as he slowed down dramatically. Of course she couldn't completely believe that he'd listen to her.

"Sorry," she whispered as she tried to discern his facial expression. He didn't look angry. A little worried, if she read his face correctly.

He shifted his hips, moving just a little bit higher so that his pubic bone pressed against her clit. She let out a gasp and her mouth dropped at the feeling. He studied her facial expressions as he moved back and forth in her.

His cock was no longer as deep inside her, but the way he moved allowed his pubic bone to press against her clit. She needed more of that.

She bit her lip and nodded her head in approval. Wrapping her legs around his, she dug her heels in and pulled him to her every time he rocked forward. His thrusts were smaller and more shallow, but his body pressing her clit was driving her brain wild.

He leaned down and kissed her again. Slow and deep. His tongue explored her mouth.

"Deeper," she moaned.

He let her arms go to grab her legs and moved them up to his shoulders. Her fingers roamed his chest as he placed both of his hands by her head. His eyes focused on hers. She moaned then let out a little yelp as he plunged deeper into her.

"Fuck," she whimpered. "Shit!"

Her toes curled and she sucked in her breath as her body reached that edge. He grounded his pubic bone against her clit after each connection, not letting her sit on the edge for very long. Her fingers dug into his back as another orgasm washed over her. He moaned into her ear as her walls pulsed and rippled around him, gripping him even tighter.

His thrusts became erratic, more desperate, matching his grunts and moans. But this time, she was okay with it. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he continued to plunge deep within her.

"Tommy. Baby," she moaned in his ear. "Cum in me." One hand gripped his hair while the other dug into his back.

He let out a grunt and his whole body stilled over her. She felt his cock pulse as he released inside of her. His mouth found hers again and he gave her a deep kiss. She locked her ankles around his waist, trying to hold him in place as his hips rocked over her. There was a part of her that wished it were nighttime. Wished that the two of them could stay in bed the way they were. More kisses, more lovemaking. She let out a little sigh of disappointment as his deflating cock slipped out of her.

His fingers brushed her hair back and out of her face. There was a look of pure love in his eyes. She couldn't help but smile at him. His hand automatically went down to her stomach. He gave her belly a little rub.

With her emotions settling down, she couldn't help but feel a little bit of panic by that move. Thomas kissed her lips, then her cheek and finally her neck before he rolled off her. With a satisfied sigh he laid back and stared at the ceiling.

She slowly raised her gaze to stare at the ceiling with him. Of course he would rub her belly. And she did forego the condom that he had just for her.

Children? She could handle that now. As long as Thomas was by her side. She didn't have to worry about sitting in the corner and having to watch someone raised her children under her nose. As long as-

Trust. She promised she'd trust him.

"We need a fan too," she said, breaking the silence. "Over our bed in our home. A strong one. This one doesn't give us nearly enough of a breeze"

Thomas pulled her over to him and kissed her forehead. She giggled and tilted her head up to kiss his lips.

"I'm guess we can't spend the whole day in bed," she said.

He shook his head.

With an exaggerated sigh, she rolled away from him and out of bed. She walked to the foot of the bed and grabbed her dress. It didn't take her long to clean up and get dressed again.

Stepping out of the bathroom, she once again leaned against the doorway and looked at him.

This time, Thomas stood by the bed. He slowly buttoned his shirt back up. He paused and turned, sensing her stare. His eyebrows raised with a question.

"I hope you plan on us eating breakfast first," she said as she walked over to him. She helped him with the last couple buttons then smoothed out his shirt. "You look so handsome today," she commented.

His eyes sparkled with joy at her words and he nodded his head.

She kissed his lips and smiled.

"Good," she said. "Because I'm starved." She wrapped her arms around his arm, hugging her body against his. "I hope it'll just be the two of us today," she added.

There was still a lingering feeling of unease at the thought of seeing his family. Was he able to be this strong around her because it was just the two of them? Would he slip back to how he was, now that they'd had sex again? Did he think everything was going to be alright again? She wasn't quite yet mentally prepared to see him follow his family's orders again and let them walk all over her.

You said you'd trust him, she reminded herself. She gulped and tightened her grip on his arm as he led her out of their room. It was easier said than done. But, the condom popped back up in her head. He'd found a condom to use for her because he listened.

No. Things were going to be different this time. The family dynamic was about to change.