Her Innocence

Hell Fire

Why? I thought as I curled up on the sofa, why would my father do this to me?

I felt like I had been whipped. I felt like a child. the way he smacked me on arse. it would have left me with more dignity if he'd just punched me in the face.

I was only joking around, I didn't mean for it to go that far. I'd never really been around another guy apart from my dad before. No one had ever done this to me before.

I heard the sound of soft footprints as Leo made his way to the kitchen. I heard the soft click of him turning off the stove.

I closed my eyes, wishing I would just die.

All of a sudden, a freezing sensation was spreading across my bruise. I squealed and stood up.

There, Leo stood, holding an icepack out. His dark eyes wide, like a guilty dog.

"f**k off!" I scoffed, grabbed the icepack and ran back to my room before locking the door.

I spent the next two days locked in the room. I didn't eat and I barely slept.

On the third day the door was unlocked from the outside and a letter was left with a tray of food.

"A stylist and wedding planner will arrive soon to organise everything." Was all it said.

I caved and ate some of the half melted ice cream.

Sure enough within the hour a man and women showed up and ushered me downstairs. Around the room were samples of all sorts of things. Flower arrangements, dresses, wedding cakes, decorations and tiaras.

"Hi, I'm Samantha, I'll be your wedding planner!" the chirpy women beamed at me with wide eyes, her blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail.

"Hi," was all I said back, but her smile never wavered.

"And I'm your stylist, honey." the man held out his hand to shake and I limply took it.

"Don't worry, I'm not crazy like her." he whispered, trying to lighten the mood.

it didn't work. I just gave him a little smile.

"So, where do we start?" I asked.

We'll need to get you out of this, may I?" The man gestured to my nightdress as if to take it off.

"Oh, I can do it myself." I pulled up the silky fabric and heard a gasp.

The hand print Leo had left behind was green, yellow and blue. Covering pretty much my whole left butt cheek.

The stylist looked at me and then fixed his facial expression. I guessed he knew exactly who Leo was.

"Don't worry, if it's not gone by the wedding, we can cover it with makeup.'

I tried on more than half the dresses before I found the one I liked. It was white, of course, with a simple but quite pretty design. it was a shilouette shape with a plunging neckline. Pretty pearls and crystals covered the bodice and eventually faded away to the train.

"I don't really care about much else," I shrugged as I looked around.

"Are there any flowers in particular you do or don't like?" they asked.

"I don't like roses or lily's, I like wild flowers." I looked at the flower arrangements, "I like that one." I pointed to the one at the very end of the line.

there were big white Daisy's little blue baby's breath and lavender strewn through thick leaves.

"And the cake?" they guided me towards the table they'd set up.

"a sponge cake with a Berry filling of some kind, can the outside be decorated with the same flowers at the bouquet?"

Samantha nodded, "Yes, of course, whatever you want."

"Okay, so is that all?" I asked looking around.

"Yep, It will all be ready within..." Samantha checked her phone, "three days." She looked at my shocked face.

"Leon said the dates in three days from today." She assured me.

"Oh," was all I said before leaving the room still in nothing but my bra and undies.

I ran back to my room and googled ways to get bruises to heal faster.

After a bit of research I left a note at Leo's door. I asked for Aloe Vera gel and Hirudoid cream.

When I woke the next morning I couldn't be bothered moving. I just laid in bed and watched the sun move across the sky.

Quite a while after the moon had appeared, there was a knock at my door.

I didn't reply, whoever it was would come in anyway.

"Uh, hey." Leo's voice almost whispered from the door frame. I rolled on my side and glanced at him.

"You changed the date." I stated.

He held out the gel and cream I'd requested.

"Can I put it on for you?" he asked.

"Like I can stop you." I huffed.

He stepped into the room and sat down on the bed next to me. Since I was lying on my stomach, all he had to do was pull down the sheets to see me. I'd only changed my undies and hopped back into bed. I didn't have the energy to protest about him seeing me so naked.

I knew when he'd laid eyes on me because I heard him stop breathing before he let out a grunt sort of noise.

the rattle of the plastic lid to the tub of gel was the only sound that filled the room.

His huge, warm hands spread handful after handful across my bruise.

When he was done, he just sat there for a moment.

"I wish I didn't do it." He sighed.

I continued to stare across the room at the wall. Not moving, not speaking.

"Is that you saying sorry?" I asked when he didn't get up to move.

"Yeah, I guess." He stood up to leave, "I am sorry, you know."

"We'll see." I muttered as he left the room. I wasn't going to be surprised if he did it again. I expected it.

"Wait!" I yelled out, and he came back, why did you move the date?" I asked.

"Da wanted it to be sooner since I told him what happened."

Figured. His dad didn't want mine backing out of the deal, he was worried I'd contacted him.

"I picked out my dress today." I blurted out, as if we were some sort of couple, catching up on our day.

"I hoped you'd like one of them." He smiled.

"What do you mean?" I looked at him face for the first time in days and realised he'd stopped shaving. thick stubble covered his jaw.

"I picked them all out," He leant across the door frame while he spoke.

"Oh," I was a bit disappointed, "So you know which one I chose?"

"Oh, nah, I want that to be somewhat a surprise." He nodded his head before leaving.

That night, I lay awake in my bed, restless. I needed to sleep but I couldn't. I needed something but I didn't know what.

All I could think of was Leo. His voice, his dark eyes, his lips.

After everything I was still thinking about that kiss. I wanted, no, craved for that feeling.

I crept from my room and slowly pushed open Leo's door. It silently swung open to reveal his sleeping body. He wore nothing but his boxers, just like the other night.

I stepped closer to his bed until I stood at edge.

His eyes were squeezed shut as if he were concentrating on something important. I felt the impulse to run my fingers over his worry lines.

Lightly, so, so lightly, I ran my finger across his forehead.

Darks eyes stared back at me as a strong arm grabbed my wrist.

"s**t!" I gasped.

As his eyes focused he let go of me and sat up.

"What're you doing?" His horse sleepy voice crackled.

"I just, I don't know?" I looked around the room nervously, "I couldn't sleep." I shrugged.

"Oh, do you need something?" he asked, rubbing his eyes.

"No, I don't think so."

we stared at each other for a few minutes before I tried to make my body co-operate with my brain.

"Do you want to sleep in here?" he asked.

"I can make a pillow fence." he offered.

"No, I'll just sleep in my room." I decided.

But I didn't sleep, I just paced the bedroom until my feet hurt and then I had a bath. I sat in the bath until it was stone cold and then finally got out.

I ended up falling asleep watching the sun rise.

I was like a child, needing the comfort of light and warmth to feel safe enough to fall asleep.

The Next few days melted together and passed on while I stayed hidden in my room beneath my pile of soft plankets and silk pillows.

Eventually a knock sounded at my door.

"Yes?" I called out softly.

"Cat?" A all too familiar voice spoke from the door.

"Dad?" I sat up.

His tall figure stood in the doorway, On his face he wore a wide smile that quickly died. "What's wrong?" He came closer.

"He hit me," I glared at him.

He didn't say anything he just stood there for a second taking in my appearance.

My unwashed hair and my tired eyes.

"I guess today's the wedding huh?" I noticed his suit. A flower sat in his pocket, from the bouquet I chose the other day.

"Yes, it is, You need to get up and get ready." He sighed as he looked down the hallway, the sound of chatter getting closer, "the makeup people, or whatever you call them, are here." He nodded to me before leaving the room.

Nails and eyelashes were applied. My hair was curled into a beautiful wave. Make-up was covering every pore on my face. The dress was pulled up over my body and zipped tightly. It was like a second skin.

"Here," someone held out the white heels for me to step into.

As I stepped down each stair I felt my knees buckle. Taking a deep breath I willed myself to hold steady. I would not fall, I would not falter. I would do what had to be done. My father could go f**k himself. He'd betrayed me and lied to me.

I made my way out the front door to the waiting car. The stylist followed behind me, tucking my train into the car nicely.

"There'll be cameras when you arrive, so don't forget to smile." He gave me a sympathetic smile before closing the car door. Leaving me in silence for the car ride.

When the car opened again I was blinded by camera lights. Flashes from every direction. I put on my best smile and began my walk. My decent to hell.

At the door of the church, my father stood waiting.

He didn't speak and neither did I. He just stepped in line with me and we continued towards the alter.

When I came to a stop before Leo, I realised I'd been holding my breath. I let it out shakily and stared at Leo. His furrowed brow made it seem as if he were concerned.

I knew better, he dosent care about anything but his pride.

I stood like a zombie throughout the ceremony as we recited our vows.

When the time came for Leo to kiss me he didn't skip a beat. He gave me full toungue action and the crowd loved it. I felt sick to my stomach. I wanted the ground to swallow me whole.

"At least try to look happy," Leo whispered into my ear as we walked back down the asile.

"I don't think I'll be able to stand the reception." I whispered back, holding tears at bay.

"I didn't think you would, so I decided to just do the ceremony. There's no reception."

"So where are we going then?" I asked as we drove away in a white limo.

"We're going to the airport, straight to our honeymoon." He smirked.

"Oh." That's why he didn't want a reception, "Where will that be?"

"We're going to my private island," He looked me up and down in my dress, "There'll be something more comfortable for you to change into." He smirked.

"Is it a private Jet?" I looked out at the plane on the tarmac.

"Yea, we have the whole plane to ourselves."

"Oh, cool." I sighed and tried to hide my panic. I knew what a wedding night entailed. Well, the very basics of it, really.

"Come on," Leo stepped out of the car and held his hand out to me.

I took it, he seemed shocked when he realised how shaky and sweating my palms were.

"Sorry," I stared at the ground embarrassed.

"It's fine." He held his hand under my chin.

Looking up at him I realised he was trying to seem comforting, he was smiling. At me.

He led me from the car and across the windy landing strip to the waiting jet.

He motioned for some men to come over and carry my train up the stairs as he led up.

"Thanks," I sighed with relief once we were in the silent air plane.

"There's a different dress in here," He handed me a Chanel suit case, "I had the stylist pack it for you, if you don't like anything though you can order whatever you want."

"I reckon it'll be fine." I stared around for a second not sure what to do.

"I can go to the back with the curtain while you change?" he offered.

"Oh, I kinda need help getting out of this though, if you don't mind?" I asked. and turned my back to him.

He undid the top button before unzipping the dress.

I tried to wriggle out of it but I just couldn't.

"Could you pull it down?" I asked.

He didn't say anything he just held onto the top of the dress and pushed it down. His strong hands ran down my body pushing the pile of white tulle and gems to the floor.

I stood with nothing but a white thong on, since the dress had a built in bra. My arm desperately covered my chest. As I bent down and opened the suit case with my other hand. I found a bra and fumbled clumsily with clasp because I was so flustered.

"Here," Once again he helped me dress, clipping my bra at the back for me.

I looked through the suite case. I pulled out a silver halter mini dress and slipped it on.

When I looked back up, I noticed Leo was just standing there staring at me. His brown eyes wide.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, smoothing down my hair. The curls had pretty much fallen out by then.

"Ye-" he cleared his throat, "Yeah, of course." he gestured to the recliners next to the window.

"Sit down."

After the take-off, I watched the ground beneath us grow smaller and smaller until it looked like a little lego town.

"Do you want something to eat?" Leo looked at me expectantly.

"What's there to eat?" I looked around for a hostess.

"Whatever you want, there's a cook on board, but there's a menu here." He handed me a laminated piece of paper.

"What's this?" I pointed to a word I couldn't understand, I think it was French.

"It's like a chacuteri board, different cheeses, smoked meats, and fresh fruits." He explained.

"Can we get that?" I asked.

"Of course, I'll just go let them know." He pressed a button and a waiter came out from the c**k pit.

After speaking with the waiter, he turned back to me.

"What are your favourite meals?" he asked as the waiter walked away.

"I'm not sure, I love seafood, sushi, Pasta or a good medium rare steak." My mouth began to water at the thought of it.

"When I was growing up we grew our own livestock and at the end of the year we would have the freshest steaks and roasts." I explained remembering all the things my father taught me.

"And at the end of the year who killed the livestock?" He asked.

"Me and my father of course." I replied and he nodded.

"Why?" I was curious then, why did he want to know that?

"I was just woundering if you've ever handled a gun or anything before." Leo shrugged.

"Of course I have, have you meet my father?" I scoffed shook my head, "I think the first time I held a gun was when I was five, Daddy let me play with his glock." I looked at Leo and noticed he squirmed a little.

"Please don't call him Daddy," He murmered.

"Oh," was all I said before we were interrupted by the giant platter that was sat at the table between us.

"What's this?" I held up a slice of fruit that was bright pink with heaps of tiny black seeds.

"Dragon fruit, it's sweet, taste it." Leo watched me take a bite.

"And this?" I asked, holding up a bright red spikey looking ball.

"It's a lychee," Leo gently took the one from my hand and peeled it, "there's a pip here too see?" he opened the whole flesh of the fruit and out popped a little brown stone. He lent across the table and fed me a bit of the fruit.

"Mmm," I nodded happily, it tasted really good, "It's so sweet!" I gasped and took another one peeling it and de piping it myself.

For a little while longer I tired more fruits and cheeses before I was full and decided to have a nap. When I woke again it was night and the moon was watching me through the window.

"Hey," Leo had been nudging me awake, "We're here." He held his hand out to help me up.

The air outside the plane was so warm considering it was night. The floral earthy smell of the earth made me feel like I was truly in the middle of nowhere. It was too dark to see much but there seemed to be trees very close by and there was no sound of cars or planes or even people really.

I heard night birds singing and the rustle of leaves dancing in the breeze. But that was it.

I followed blindly behind Leo until we reached a Jeep. a security gaurd helped me in while Leo got in and started up the car.

"Do you have a shack here or something?" I asked as we sped past palm tress on a dirt road.

"Or something." Leo smirked as we pulled into a driveway. The only way I can explain it, is that it was like a smaller mansion made from sandstone and cobble roof tiles.

When I say smaller, I mean smaller than his house.

"It's got six bedrooms, three bathrooms, a pool, hot tub and there's hiking tracks to waterfalls all around here." He parked out the front, "We're going to spend the next two weeks here." He stated.

It was right then that I realised the next two weeks could potentially be the worst two weeks of my life.

"Do you want something to eat?" Leo asked as we sat down our bags.

"I guess, I'm not super hungry, but I could eat." I shrugged.

"I'll order something." He opened his phone and messaged someone.

"How? I doubt uber delivers out here." I joked.

"I have a chef that lives here, he'll make the food and drop it off." Leo explained.

"Okay, so, what do you wanna do?" he asked rubbing his hands to together.

"Uhh, I don't know, I'm kinda tired..."

"You just slept for four hours, how about a quick dip?"

he pointed out the back window to the hottub and pool that sat steaming and ready on the deck.

"where can I change into my bathing suit?" I looked around.

Leo led me down the hallway and to the master bedroom.

"Where will you be sleeping?" I asked as I looked around the room. White crisp sheets covered the king size bed. On the roof was a mirror. the bedside tables were also made of a dark wood and they both held vases of red roses.

"I'll be sleeping here too." Leo stepped closer to me.

"Why?" I stepped back.

"Because we're husband and wife now." he looked into my eyes, worry spread across his face.

"Is that why you've been nice to lately? you just want to get whats yours?" I felt the wall against my back.

"No, I..." he grabbed my hand, "I want to become someone to you."

I scoffed, "maybe you should've thought if that before you tanned my arse!"

"I'm not gonna do that again, I promise." He pleaded.

"I want you to be mine."

"But I am yours."

He held my head in his hands, his forehead against mine, "I want you to choose me." He sighed.

I was saved by the buzz of his phone, telling him the food had arrived.

"Get changed and then come out to the pool." He called out as he ran down the hallway to the front door.

"Hey," I sat down on the other side of the table on the deck.

Another snack board had been made this time it had cream cheeses, smoked salmon, dried fruits, chocolate strawberries, and other sweet things.

"Hey, do you want some?" Leo greeted me and held up a wine bottle.

"Sure." I agreed.

He held out a glass and poured the scarlet alcohol in.

"I want you to know I'm serious about this marriage." He spoke to me with intense eye contact.

"I know, I am too." I ate a sliver of salmon with some cheese and a cracker, "I think I wanna get in the water now." I hoped up as fast as I could and lowered myself into the pool still holding onto my wine.

Instead of staying dry and eating, Leo followed me.

"Do you like swimming?" he asked.

"I guess," I shrugged and took another sip.

I leant against the edge of the pool, looking out across the edge of the deck into the forest.

"It's beautiful isn't it?" Leo stood in the water right behind me, almost against my back.

"Yeah, I can't wait to see it in the day light." I turned my head to see him. He was just staring down at me contently.

I was compelled to turn around and face him. We stood, chest to chest, and he began to lean down to me. This time I bridged the distance and kissed him. He was surprised but happy, i think.

"Naughty girl," he groaned and pulled me against him. I wrapped my arms around his neck, anchoring myself onto him.

"Mmm," I sighed against his lips and he pulled my legs around his waist.

I felt his hard d**k pressing against my barely there bikini bottom.

"I...I.." My head swam and I didn't know what I wanted.

"You what?" Leo pulled back to look at me.

"I think I shouldn't have had the wine," I giggled.