Despite the early hour, the day was already proving it was going to be extremely hot. The old truck bounced up and down from the uneven dirt road as Luda Mae drove them to town. Elizabeth stared out the open window and watched the landscape change. The wind blew through her hair, twisting it up and around. The shorter pieces stung her face as they slapped her skin, but she wasn't about to close the window. The air conditioning was once again broken in the truck and, although the air was hot outside and barely helped, it still was better than having the windows shut.

Almost two weeks had passed since her breakdown from Hoyt's rape. Who would have thought, that his actions would change her life for the better. It was still difficult to believe that things were actually looking up. She didn't exactly trust the sudden 180 degree turn from Luda Mae. Thomas did. But then again, why wouldn't he?

She didn't envy him. She wouldn't want to be in his shoes. The two most important women in his life were having quite a difficult time trusting each other. She had seen his internal struggle on multiple occasions as his mother would tell him to do something and he would go to do it, only to correct himself and look to Elizabeth. It did start to get a little tiring on her end pretty quickly. She didn't want to constantly give him permission to do everything.

"Thomas, you don't have to always look to me to make sure what you're doing is okay. I would just like it that I'm included and consulted on any decisions that will affect me and my life." He relaxed after that.

The first few days he rarely left her side. At first she was okay with it. He was protecting her, after all. Keeping her safe. But then it got to a point where she wanted… no, needed to be alone. The feeling or sensing him nearby had started to irk her.

Elizabeth gulped as her mouth went dry. She'd turned on him a week ago, demanding he stop following her around like a lost little puppy. Not just demanded, she screamed, actually raised her voice in anger, surprising everyone, including herself. She could still mentally visualize the way Thomas looked at her with pain and hurt as her words stung him. But, he didn't try to insist his presence on her. He left.

Those hours that ticked by after that lasted forever and not enough. She was alone, for the very first time in a long while. Actually, alone. No one in the family went to check up on her. By the time she realized it it was dark out. At which point, she started planning her funeral. She wasn't going to apologize for her outburst. She couldn't. She needed more. Craved more. Independence. Freedom.

Thomas was a little wary of her when he showed up to bring her down for dinner. But, that was the extent of it. Neither Monty or Luda Mae acted as if she'd lost her temper.

Elizabeth closed her eyes and let out a sigh. Alright, she did end up apologizing to Thomas for the way she handled things. For her outburst instead of just asking nicely. It wasn't an excuse for her screaming at him, but it felt liberating, freeing, being able to express herself even in a negative manner and not receiving some sort of punishment.

"A week," Luda Mae had told her the next morning. She was given a week to process and try to heal. She didn't say it in those exact words, of course. And a week was hardly long enough, but they left her alone. It was clearly a struggle for Thomas, who still felt like he needed to be around her as if she could forget him.

Alone. A little smile crossed her face. It was only twice. On two separate days last week they had left her alone in the house, and only for a couple of hours. It wasn't that they were in another room. The entire family had left the house, much to her surprise. They made sure she saw them leave in the house. Thomas had looked back, clearly tempted to stay with her. But he didn't.

It was weird, being both happy and terrified at the same time. Terrified that Hoyt would pop up and end her so that his family would go back to the way it was without her.

She'd only caught a glimpse of the old man a handful of times. The swelling on his face had gone down, but the yellow and green colors from the bruises were quite clear. Thomas had really fucked up his face. It would have been nice to see him on the first day. When his face probably looked like a watermelon.

But, then again, she knew she wouldn't have been able to handle seeing his face.

The car took a turn onto another dirt road, causing Elizabeth to perk up. Her body immediately responded with fear of the unknown and she tensed. This wasn't the way to the general store.

Maybe she had fucked up after all. Maybe she was wrong.

"Where are we going?" she asked as she sat up straighter. She felt her voice quiver, but it could have been mistaken for the bumpy road. She couldn't help but glance behind her into the truck bed. Thomas was still back there. She was safe, right?

"Gotta see Mr. Denver real quick," Luda Mae answered, not looking at her. "He's got some produce he's sold us for the shop."

Elizabeth gulped, but nodded her head as if she understood. Mr. Denver? The name sounded familiar.

The truck turned into a long dirt driveway. At the end was a nice large farmhouse and a big red barn nearby.

Luda Mae parked the truck in front of the house and opened her door.

Elizabeth didn't immediately move as she rubbed her arms to calm her nerves. This was the first time they'd taken her to a stranger's home. Someone not related to the family. Her heart thumped painfully in her chest at the thought of what unknown fate awaited her. Last time, she was taken to the doctor. And then Hoyt raped her.

The truck door noisily swung open as Thomas held it for her. He reached out his spare hand. Still her gentleman. It did help somewhat, having him there. Having him look at her with such care in his eyes.

She took his hand and stepped out of the truck. She almost regretted wearing long sleeves. Almost. At least the sleeves themselves were loose and not wrapped tightly around her skin. But, despite her confidence, she still didn't like people seeing her skin.

Thomas leaned across from her and grabbed her hat that was in the middle seat. His eyes creased with a smile as he set it on her head. That, made her smile.

He was wearing his favorite leather mask today. It covered the entire lower half of his face, including his whole nose, leaving only a wide hole for his mouth. The leather strap wrapped around his head, pinning his hair down. His forehead and eyes were the only visible part of his face. Which made sense, it was the lower half of his face that was messed up. Considering they were going out in public, she was not going to ask him to go without it. He didn't ask her to wear those sleeveless dresses he loved seeing her in when they went out. If he respected her decision then she would respect his.

"Luda Mae!" an older man exclaimed.

Thomas pressed his hand to Elizabeth's cheek, his brow furrowed with concern. She forced herself to look up with a smile.

"I'm fine," she whispered, although butterflies filled her stomach. What were they up to?

He pressed a hand to her forehead, as if checking to see if she was sick. She probably did look a little pale. She felt a little light headed.

"Really," she insisted, forcing out a chuckle. She pressed her hand against his broad chest. "I'm fine, Thomas. Just," she paused and looked around. "What are we doing here?"

The crease around his eyes deepened as if his smile had gotten wider. Then, he shrugged his shoulders.

"Oh," she said, shaking her head. "Don't give me that, mister. You know why we're here."

"Lizzy!" Luda Mae called out.

Elizabeth slid her hand into Thomas's and started walking toward his mother. He began to follow, but let his fingers slip out of her grasp. She turned her head to look at him, but he kept his arms lowered. A frown crossed her face and she tilted her head in confusion. She beckoned for him to join her with his fingers, but he only shook his head.

Why? she mouthed.

"Lizzy has been quite the help to my family," Luda Mae said, grabbing Elizabeth's arm.

Swallowing, Elizabeth forced her confusion to one side and plastered her best fake smile. "Hi," she said, extending her hand out to shake Mr. Denver's. "I'm Elizabeth."

"Mr. Denver," he replied. "Luda Mae has told me a lot of interesting things about you."

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows and looked at the woman. She couldn't help but feel a little surprised by that. Luda Mae looked down, almost as if she were shy.

"Why don't you show her?" Luda Mae asked before Elizabeth could ask.

"Of course. Come, dear," he said, waving for her to follow. She turned and glanced at Thomas who started walking toward her. Reaching her hand out to him, she raised her eyebrows. He only dug his hands into his pockets.

She felt a pang cross her heart at his rejection.

"Don't worry about him, dear," Luda Mae said as she wrapped her arm around Elizabeth's shoulders. "He'll follow us."

She didn't want him to follow though. She wanted him to be by her side. Wanted the farmer and anyone else around to know that they were a couple. She clenched her fists and fought urge to cry. This wasn't about her. At least, she hoped it wasn't. She had to hope. Still, she felt her head lower and her shoulders sag as she followed Luda Mae.

They entered the big red barn. To no surprise, it stank of animals and manure and hay. The sound of pigs snorting caused shivers to run down her spine. She still couldn't and probably wouldn't be able to get over the image of Thomas killing a pig. She did her best to look forward and not look at the pink round beasts.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, she thought.

They finally stopped in front of a pen.

"Oh my god," she exclaimed in shock. "They're so cute."

"Anatolian Shepherd dogs," Mr. Denver said. "We had someone back out of purchasing a pup last second. Luda Mae said you were thinking about getting a dog and she said you've been most helpful around her family. Mighty kind of a stranger if you ask me. Especially with the amount of money I'm sure she's paying you. Probably not enough to deal with that brother of hers." He laughed.

Elizabeth and Luda Mae both forced out a laugh as well.

"Poor Monty," he said, shaking his head. Elizabeth silently thanked him for that. At least she knew which brother she supposedly was taking care of.

"Can't imagine losing both my legs in a tragic accident like that. But, I digress. Told her you could have your pick first. Can't take them right away. Still got four weeks before I feel comfortable separating the pup from it's ma. Start weaning them today actually. But, don't mean you can't pick the one you want."

Elizabeth turned her head to look at Thomas, her eyes felt wide with surprise. It was his idea. There was no doubt in her mind. His present to her? Their eyes met briefly before he lowered his head and watched the ground. He shifted his legs and kicked at the dirt.

Shy. Bashful?

Her fingers tingled and her muscles twitched with the urge to jump on Thomas and kiss him with joy and drag him with her to pick the best puppy for them.

"You can go on in," Mr. Denver told her, reminding her that he was still there. "Daisy is pretty friendly for her breed. Thank my daughter for that." He chuckled.

Elizabeth looked at Luda Mae, still unsure if this was really happening or if she was in some sort of weird dream.

Luda Mae smiled. "All Thomas's idea," she said softly.

"I know," Elizabeth replied back just as quietly.

"Let's give Lizzy some time to figure out which one," Luda Mae said loud enough for everyone to hear. "Mr. Denver, why don't ya show me some of your produce. Been meaning to cook some of my famous pot roast."

"Luda Mae, I'd be mighty grateful if you would share some with my family some day."

Elizabeth stopped listening to their conversation. She half turned, expecting to see Thomas standing there. But with a nod of his head at her, he fell into step behind his mother and the farmer. It wasn't long before the three disappeared, leaving her alone.

Elizabeth eyed the puppies. Should she? Doubt settled in. What if Hoyt tried to kill it? Or succeeded in killing it. What if the family got tired of her or wanted to punish her and killed the dog? So many what ifs flooded her mind.

Trust Thomas.

She tapped her fingers against the cool metal bars. A puppy. For her. She climbed over the railing then slowly walked over to the mother dog, who lay in the corner of the pen. Her eight puppies nestled against her belly as they fed.

"Hey, girl," Elizabeth said softly, reaching her hand out for the dog to sniff.

It wagged its tail at her, but looked pretty nervous. She couldn't blame it. She waited for a few minutes, letting the dog smell her hand and crouching near it without touching the puppies. Her eyes slowly roamed across each one. They all looked so similar.

Reaching out, she picked one up. It wiggled in her hands for a moment, upset that was missing out on breakfast. She giggled, letting it go. It scrambled back to join its siblings.

"Sorry, mama," she told the mother dog, petting its head.

"They are rather cute, aren't they?" a familiar voice asked.

Her body automatically tensed and she gulped. Slowly, she turned her head and toward the gate. "Handsome" Jack flashed her his most charming smile.

"You had me worried for a second there. Thought I'd never see you again," he said.

He leaned against the bar, gripping it with both hands. Without an invitation he hoped over the railing and into the pen with her. He was stupidly graceful. It took all of her instincts not to rush off. He would jump on that. See her fear. Her weakness and try to exploit it.

Jack looked at the puppies and tilted his head. Dropping to a crouch, he grabbed one and flipped it over. Setting it back down he did the same to the next two.

"This one," he said as he held out the fourth pup. The puppy struggled in his hands to escape. "Pretty little boy. He'll grow into a big strong dog for ya. Exactly what ya need around these parts. Someone big and strong to protect ya."

Big and strong. That's why I have Thomas, she wanted to bite back. But, she kept her mouth shut instead.

She took the puppy from him, but didn't say anything. It's soft warm tongue brushed her lower jaw, making her chuckle.

"See, he likes you," Jack said.

The rest of the puppies started to crowd around her, inspecting the new human in their pen. Their bellies clearly full. She giggled and plopped down onto her ass. It was a silent invitation to swarm her. The eight quickly surrounded her, each one jumped on her in a bid for her attention, shoving their sibling off.

She let out a joyous laugh. One she hadn't heard from herself in a long time. They were all so soft and warm.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, picking one puppy up to hold it. She hadn't seen him in a while. After their first official meeting, she could only remember seeing him once. And it was an extremely brief encounter.

"This is my gramps's farm," he said. "Gonna be here for the next couple months before next semester. By the way, been trying to get a hold of ya, but Luda Mae kept telling me you'd work one day, but then you weren't there."

"Ah," she said, lowering her head and nodding. She did notice how her days at the store, before the rape, had started to become more random. Now it was clear that they were keeping her away from Jack. A worry they didn't have to have.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jack smile. With a grunt, he sat down as well. Two puppies immediately turned their attention to him.

"Guess you changed your mind?" he asked as he picked up a puppy. "Old biddy said you probably weren't going to be working there anymore. Made it seem like we wouldn't be seeing you."

Chills ran through her body. "She did?" Elizabeth asked. "When'd she say that?" Not working there anymore? That could only mean a couple of things. Either they intended on never letting Elizabeth out again. Or, Luda Mae didn't think she was going to live much longer.

Jack shrugged. "Couple weeks ago," he said. "Glad she was wrong," he said.

Couple weeks. So, before Hoyt raped her.

She cocked her head and studied him.

He was rather handsome. She had to give him that. His charming smile matched with his gorgeous face and nearly perfect body, could undoubtedly cause any woman to swoon over him. And maybe, had she met him before she fell for Thomas, she would have swooned over him too. But, she saw something. Behind that smile. A falseness to it. He was out for one thing, and he was the type of guy who would put in the effort till he got it.

He wouldn't have done it or picked up on it. If she had the same conversation with him that she did with Thomas about her brother and briefly mention a dog, he wouldn't have taken her out to get one.

Elizabeth gently combed her fingers through a puppy's fur.

"Yeah," Elizabeth said, lowering her gaze to examine the puppies. "Me too." For different reasons though, she thought.

Cocking her head to one side, she watched as one of the puppies struggled to get through its siblings and get to her. It wasn't being very successful as its siblings kept knocking it over and pushing it away. Reaching out, she easily picked it up.

It was smaller than its siblings. Not by a lot, but enough to be noticeable. The pup wagged its tail and stuck its tongue out to lick her nose.

"Runt of the liter," Jack stated. "Wouldn't get that one. He ain't gonna grow up strong. Probably won't last long either. They usually don't. I'm telling ya. I know this breed. Gramps has been breeding them since before I was born."

Runt. Perfect. She ran her fingers through its fur.

"Anyway, we should get together some time. I'm sure you've been dying to hanged out people your own age. Not with all those old geezers and that brute. And don't think it'll bother me to swing on by your place to pick ya up. Or after work, if that's what you prefer. Give you a tour of town like I told ya I would."

Daisy snarled. She jumped to her feet and lowered her head as her haunches rose. Her puppies started shrieking and yelping in terror, rushing behind her for their protection.

Elizabeth and Jack both turned their attention to where the dog was looking.

Thomas stood by the railing. His wide eyes were on the terrified dogs.

Oh, she thought. That was why he didn't want to be around. He wanted her to have a puppy, but he also knew how the animal would react with him around.

"Hey, big guy," Jack snapped. "You're scaring the pups and your employee. Why not go make yourself useful and disappear again." He chuckled, waving his hand dismissively at Thomas. She felt Jack switch his gaze to her as if hoping she'd laugh too.

Elizabeth didn't look at Jack. Keeping her eyes on Thomas. He lowered his gaze and tightened his grip on the railing.

Jack stood up. The mood shifted slightly. "He hasn't hurt you has he, Lizzy?" Jack asked, his tone suddenly serious and deadly.

She glanced up at Jack. The man puffed out his chest as if he was ready to pick a fight with Thomas. As if he could win. Her eyes moved to Thomas who focused on Jack. He didn't look scared or shy. Determined. Determined to take the man on and win her love if he had to.

"Listen, freak. She's trying to figure out which puppy she want's and you're scaring them with your disgusting presence."

The puppy in Elizabeth's hands wiggled, trying to get to her face to keep on licking her. She looked down at it. Either it didn't notice Thomas or it didn't care.

Thomas took something that Jack said to heart, because she saw his shoulders sag. He turned away from the two.

"Tommy," Elizabeth said, standing up.

"Eh, don't worry about hurting his feelings," Jack said. "He can take it. Been taking it all his life. Haven't you, big guy?" He dropped his voice as if he were talking to a baby.

Gripping the puppy just a little bit tighter, Elizabeth stood up and walked to the railing.

Thomas didn't look at her, keeping his head turned away.

"Tommy?" she probed, nudging his arm.

It took him a moment, his eyes closed as he exhaled deeply. Then he looked at her. She lifted the runt. It immediately cowered when it saw him and wiggled in her arms. But she kept a firm hold.

Thomas's eyes glistened slightly at the clear rejection of another creature.

She brought the puppy back to her chest. "It's okay," she said soothingly as the puppy tried to wiggle away. "You're okay. He won't hurt you."

Jack snorted behind her. "Luda Mae wasn't kidding when she said you had a sweet heart. There really is no need, Lizzy. Pretty sure he doesn't understand half the things we're saying anyway. It's about the way you say it. Besides, I'd be mighty worried that he'll end up accidentally crushing the pup somehow. Being the clumsy oaf that he is."

Elizabeth ignored Jack and lifted the puppy up again. It wagged its little tail furiously as she made it face Thomas.

His eyes widened slightly as the puppy licked the air nervously.

"I think you should hold it," Elizabeth said.

Thomas hesitated. But then, his fingers slowly left the railing and he raised them, wrapping them around the puppy. He didn't need both hands, but he still used them. He was trying his best to be gentle with the creature.

"Find a pup?" Mr. Denver's voice boomed.

"Yes," Elizabeth said excitedly. "That one." She pointed to the puppy in Thomas's hands.

Mr. Denver frowned.

"The runt, gramps," Jack shouted, sounding somewhat annoyed.

"Runt? Miss. Lizzy, you don't need to settle for the worst one. You can have any one you want," Mr. Denver started to object.

"I like it," she said firmly. "I want that one."

Jack snorted behind her, but she ignored him. Taking the puppy from Thomas she kissed its forehead. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she raised it up again, close to Thomas's face. The puppy automatically licked the small bit of exposed skin just under his eye.

"Done and sealed," she said.

She put the puppy down next to its mother then went to the edge of the pen. Jack was already on the other side by the time she got there. Thomas didn't move. It seemed that he was looking at the dogs, but his eyes were a little vacant. As if he were thinking or in shock.

Jack reached his hand out to her. "Need help?" he asked, sounding gallant.

Elizabeth raised her hands out to Thomas.

"Help me over, love," she said.

Thomas's head jerked. She would have laughed, his wide eyes were filled with shock. He moved automatically. Reaching over his hands, he wrapped them around her waist. She gripped his arms and hopped over, allowing him to pull her to the other side.

She giggled and hugged him.

"Thank you, Mr. Denver," she said. She raised her right hand to shake the old man's. "I know we'll be very happy with the runt."

Mr. Denver looked slightly stunned. "Uh. Right," he said, pushing past his feelings.

Elizabeth jumped for joy next to Thomas. "A puppy, Tommy," she exclaimed. She wrapped her arms around his neck and rose up to her tiptoes. Without hesitation, she pressed her lips to his leather mask. Then tilted his head so she could kiss his lips between the leather.

"Thanks, baby," she said. She dropped back down and wrapped her arms around his. "Four weeks you said, right?"

The farmer nodded his head. He still looked stunned, confused. Jack glowered.

His glower disappeared and was replaced by a fake smile when her eyes fell on him.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Denver," she said. "And Jack. You'll probably see a little bit more of me at the shop. Monty's doing a lot better now. But, we better go. Don't wanna open up any later than we're gonna be. Bet your ma's getting ready to honk that horn," she said, addressing Thomas.

She partially pull him out of the barn.

"A puppy," she said softly as they headed to the truck. She tilted her head up, smiling at him. His eyes were still wide, slightly confused, with a hint of worry. He stopped, making her stop.

"What?" she asked.

His rough fingers reached out and he touched her face as if he were examining her for the first time. Making sure she was real.

"Tommy," she said softly. She placed her hands into his and made him lower them. "What are we gonna name it?"

His eyes creased in a clear smile.

He had an idea.