Soren's pov
I gently picked Eva up from the floor and gathered her small, fragile body into my arms. She's a mess and traumatized. That son of a bitch, Matthew, the next time I see him anywhere near her, I will kill him and this time I really will, I don't care if he's the mayors son nothing will stop from killing him.
He's lucky I let him go or he would've been dead by now.
She's shaking like a leaf in my arms, her sobs grow louder as I exit the school building.
"It's okay." I cooeed, placing a kiss on her forehead. "You're safe, nobody's going to hurt you."
I unlocked my car and open the passenger seat door, I gently place her onto the seat and buckle her up. I then cup her face in my hands, wiping away her tears. "Please don't cry. I promise I won't let anyone hurt you ever again."
She nodded, giving me a small smile but it doesn't reach her eyes.
Matthew went too far this time, I didn't expect he'd do something like that and thank God I showed up just in time.
"You're ready to go home?"
She nods, adjusting her glasses.
I shut the door and walk over to the driver's side. I start the engine and take off.
Eva and I grew up together, we live on the same street, we're neighbors, she lives across my house and that's how we became friends. I've known her my entire life, basically I know everything about her, her likes, dislikes and of course the abuse.
Her family treats her like trash, like a slave. Eva didn't tell me, she never did but I've seen her a few times with bruises on her face or either a bust lip or a broken rib. The scars on her body speak for themselves.
Her mother, Celeste is an evil bitch as well as her two daughters, Sarah and jasmine.
I remember growing up Eva was completely different, she was always chatty, friendly and bubbly but now she never speaks. I miss hearing her sweet melodious voice.
As I entered my home, my mother stands in the hallway, her eyes wide. "What happened?" She asked, her eyes darting to Eva in my arms and then to me.
"Some kids at school tried to hurt Eva." I mumbled, walking to the couch to lay Eva down, she's now fast asleep.
"What did they do?"
"Come, let's go talk elsewhere, I don't want to disturb her." I said ushering my mother out of the living room.
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Eva's pov
The evening sun cast long shadows on the ground. The slanting rays of the setting. Eva was seated on the porch and beside her was Soren's mother, Claire.
Claire adored Eva Eversince she laid eyes on the girl.
After being told about what Matthew had done to Eva, Claire was so furious, she was enraged with Matthew for trying to hurt Eva, an innocent angel who wouldn't harm a fly.
A lone tear fell from her eye, Claire quickly wiped it away before Eva could notice. Claire had also once been in the similar situation as Eva. That day had left a huge impact on her life and she'd never be able to forget it no matter how hard she tried.
The front door opened, Soren stepped outside with a tray in his hand. After what happened with Eva, he refused to let her go home instead he brought her straight to his home to spend the night and make sure she was safe.
Placing the tray onto the table, Soren handed both Eva and his mother a cup of tea each. Eva smiled warmly at him, accepting the cup.
"Thank you sweetheart." Claire said, taking a sip of the tea.
"Dad's preparing a feast." Soren smiled. "He's cooking all of Eva's favorite dishes."
Eva felt guilty. These people were good people and been kind toward her. They've always treated her as if she were their own and these were the only people who actually cared about her. Eva didn't like dumping her problems on them. She didn't want them getting into trouble with Matthew's father because of her.
"Have you spoken to Matthew's parents?" His mom asked.
Soren shook his head. "No and why should I? They're aware of their sons atrocious behavior." Soren grit out, clenching his fists.
" Soren, I know you're mad and you have every right to be but you need to think rationally and also...." She paused glancing at Eva.
"Think about her." She continued. "Think about what they would do to her. Matthew would seek revenge and who knows maybe the next time Eva won't be so lucky." Claire explained.
Soren clenched his teeth, glaring at his mother. "Mother are-" Claire cut him off throwing him a harsh glare.
"You've been in enough trouble as it is with Matthew and it isn't the first time and don't think for a second I'm condoning what Matthew had done to Eva."
Soren let out a hurmourless chuckle. "Of course you are condoning what that bastard had done if you didn't, you won't be sitting here and lecturing me." Soren's jaw ticked. "If I hadn't got there in time imagine what would've happened to Eva."
" Soren I-" Claire began but Soren cut her off.
" Save it mother you are just like the others." He said bitterly. "Imagine if it were you in Eva's position what would you have done?"
Claire swallowed, Her mouth went dry, her tongue heavy and useless as she struggled to form words.
The memories of her past flashed infront of her eyes. The ones she wanted to forget so badly.
Yes I was in her position not once but many times. Claire thought.
She sniffled, her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she stared up at Soren. A small smile tugging the corners of her lips. "You did the right thing and I'm glad you were there for her."
Because no one was there to save me from him. She thought.
"However." Claire began. "It wouldn't hurt for you to apologize to the mayor."
Soren scoffed. "Like hell I will."
Eva grabbed Soren's hand and gave it a hard squeeze. She looked at him pleadingly.
"Don't tell me you agree with my mother?" He asked and Eva nodded.
"But he hurt you Eva. I can't apologize for something I did right."
Eva gave his hand another squeeze and gazing pleadingly into his eyes and signed. Please Soren, do as your mother tells you. She's right.
Soren sighed. "Fine, I'll apologize but if that son of a bitch hurts you one more time, I will end him."
Claire stared at her son in amazement but chose to not say anything. She was well aware her son cared deeply for Eva that he'd do anything in his power to protect and keep her safe and she was glad Eva had Soren to stand up for her.
Claire sighed, placing the empty cup down. Turning her gaze on Eva. "Would you like to take a bath? " she offered.
Eva nodded. She desperately wished she could forget what happened but deep down she knows it's going to be impossible because Matthew is
going to seek his revenge.
" Okay, I'll go up and run you a bath." Claire said getting up and stepping inside the house.
Soren quietly settled down beside Eva.
Soren stared at Eva with a concerned gaze. "Are you alright?" He asked, his face pinched with worry.
Eva nodded. Soren leaned in closer, wrapping his arms around Eva's waist, pulling her to his chest.
"I'm sorry about today." He whispered. "I promise no harm will ever come to you in the future as long as I breath. You're the most important person in my life Eva and I'll do absolutely anything to protect you even if it means killing whoever dares to lay their hands on you."
Eva's eyes glistened, a small smile danced on her lips as she lay her head on Soren's chest breathing in his
comforting scent.
Eva felt content, she felt safe and protected in his arms.