This chapter is dedicated to HEATHER! Because yesterday was her 21st Birthday! Everyone wish her a happy birthday and I hope that all of us who spent the day with her made it amazing enough :)

Thank you SheMrsLove for your comment on how terrible rape really is and I also believe that everyone should recognize the horrors of it and have all of our hearts go out to every single victim. She’s right. Too many people today get away with hurting other, both physically and psychologically. If you or if you know someone who has been raped and needs help, here are a few helpful websites. Everyone needs support after something like that. Be a friend and help those in need.

http://www.dancinginthedarkness.com/

http://www.aftersilence.org/reporting-rape.php

http://ncvc.org/ncvc/main.aspx?dbID=dash_Home

http://www.victimrights.org/resources-victims

I also really want to thank all of you who voted, added this to the library,commented, and/or fanned. You all are the most amazing fans a writer could have! I would be nothing without you all! Thanks for all the support!

rockyv baby_angellove123 cjones96 gymbabie017 EricaStanciu nrc7470 (who is also my friend Nicola!) futbruin Evil93Angel StarDarline happygirl14 BraveHeart777 RobinMonroe (awesome editor/friend/roommate)

Okay, thats enough of that, here's the story, lol.

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Chapter 24

Did I ever mention how wonderful waking up in Ian’s arms was? He was already awake, surprisingly. I had actually woken up to the feeling of him playing with my hair as he listened to the news. “What are you watching?” I asked, my voice scratchy from just waking up.

“Just the headlines.” Ian commented monotone. “Are you feeling okay?” He asked in a sweeter tone, running a finger down my cheek. I gave him a confused look and he looked guilty. “You were talking in your sleep. You seemed…disturbed.”

“Oh.” I replied, looking off into space. “I guess, I am a little disturbed. I mean, I can’t really put a word to how I’m feeling. To be honest, I don’t know how I should be feeling. I have this horrible thing that’s happened to me, and all I really know is that I feel sorry for that bastard.”

“Sorry for him?” Ian asked, pulling back and looking in my eyes to make sure I wasn’t crazy.

“Yeah…” I replied, in a far off tone. “I can’t imagine what could drive someone to be that way, to do those things.”

Ian scratched his head before pulling me closer and kissing my forehead. “I just don’t want you to think it’s your fault. That’s what I was afraid of.”

“I don’t know. Maybe it is…” I started and I felt him turn my head forcefully to face his.

“No. Listen to me Lana. It. Is. Not. Your. Fault. Okay? The only person that needs to pay for this is that bastard for what he’s done to you. He’s insane, the doctor said so. You have nothing to blame yourself for.”

I nodded and looked away, knowing that it was easier just to agree with him. But, what was I supposed to think? I guess this just took me back to where I was before: not sure what was the right or wrong way to deal with a situation like this.

There was a knock on the door and Ian gave me another soft kiss before getting up to answer it. We had gotten better at remembering to lock the door, and when it opened to reveal Christine, I smiled because she was obviously remembering to knock now. She was in her nightgown, with a long white robe covering her as well. She looked in the room curiously to see me still on the bed in my nightshirt.

“You guys ready for some breakfast? We’re having it out on the terrace in thirty minutes.” She said, her smile bright. “What went on in here?” She asked, giving us a wink and I rolled my eyes.

“Magic.” Ian replied dramatically. “Now get out. We’ll meet you on the terrace.” He finished, shooing her out. He shut the door behind her and turned to me. “I’m going to go get ready. My stuff is in my room. I’ll meet you down there?” He asked. I nodded and he left without another word.

I looked around the room for a moment, trying to remember exactly what I should be doing. My mind wasn’t functioning very well, be it because of the grogginess, or the fact that I just couldn’t think right anymore. I dragged myself out into the hall to the bathroom. This wasn’t like my room at home with my own private bath. I opened it to see it was empty and jumped into the shower. I was sure there were other bathrooms for Ian, Christine, and Chad to use.

I took a shower and avoided closing my eyes. In my sleep my mind had formed different scenarios of what had gone on with Logan. I suppose since my memories were vague on the event, my brain wanted to make up its best guess. It was disturbing.

My nightmare had started to where I could remember. It was the same, but different. Dreams were always like that: similar, but something was always off. Nothing ever seemed out of place until you woke up, but by that point the details seemed to trickle away so fast that you couldn’t even remember the strange part. In my dream, we had started on our walk down the street. All the shops were open and bright, people all around us. Then came the part where I started stumbling and felt dizzy. Logan slammed me into the alley wall and I couldn’t move. I was paralyzed, watching as he used me. Everyone passing the alleyway ignored us, pretending they couldn’t see. That’s when I had woken in a cold sweat in the middle of the night. Ian had still been asleep and I didn’t want to wake him. I didn’t want him worrying any more than he already was. This wasn’t his fault, so why should he have to deal with it? He had already been so wonderful to me, been so understanding. Why should I dump my subconscious problems on him too?

I finished my shower and went to look in my suitcase to pull out clothes, only to find that everything had been put away for me. But I was confused…I didn’t remember having half these clothes that were in the closet and dresser. I thought for a second, trying to figure out why I suddenly had so many shorts, jeans, and blouses. Those weren’t usually my style, they were more…

Christine.

I frowned and rolled my eyes. That princess had taken away all of my safe clothing and only given me tight fitting, ridiculous clothing! I wanted something loose…unflattering. I wanted something comfortable. I growled out loud and tore through the closet trying to find something I was willing to wear. Unfortunately, everything was something Christine had bought with me, or entirely new. I wanted to fall and cry but then I had to stop myself. I couldn’t get angry with Christine, as hard as I tried. I blow dried my hair quickly before going back to the closet and looking again.

I begrudgingly pulled out what felt like a comfortable pair of lace shorts and a long-sleeved blue sweater-blouse. It was supposed to be warm, seeing as it was the beginning of August. It should be in about the seventies today, getting down to the sixties tonight. I also grabbed a jacket in case I felt a chill. I looked in the mirror and felt sick. So much skin was showing and I could actually see bruises on my thighs. I hugged my reflection, was about to change, when I heard a soft knock and the door open a little.

“Love, are you ready to…oh wow.” It was Ian, and he was looking at me softly. “I’ve never seen you in something like that. You look amazing.” I felt my cheeks heat up and he walked in, and then peered in the closet. He pulled out a large sunhat with a white ribbon to match the shorts. He placed it on my head and smiled, holding my chin to look up at him. “Now you look like a model ready for a photo shoot.” He fixed my glasses on my face and then frowned. “What’s wrong, baby?”

I giggled. “You’ve never called me baby before. Sounds funny.” My nose was stuffy and I felt tears prickle my eyes. Why the hell was I crying? I didn’t even know!

“Sweetheart, why are you crying? I won’t do it anymore if it makes you upset.” Ian said worriedly, wiping the tears from my eyes and I shook my head.

“No, it’s not you. I-I-…I just wanted my clothes!” I sobbed and fell into him and he looked scared for a moment, unsure of what to say.

“What?”

“Nothing, I just-I feel so weird and emotional and I hate that Christine switched all my clothes out for ones she bought for me. I know she meant well by it, but I can’t handle the change and I-I-…” I was hiccupping now and I dragged Ian to the ground as I sobbed into his chest. “You’re so sweet to me. You always make me feel better, and I feel so bad for making you have to deal with all of it.”

“No, no, no. Sweetheart, don’t ever think that. I want to be here for you no matter what. Please don’t cry, baby.” He held me tighter against him and rubbed my back soothingly, which actually helped to calm me down. When I had finally quieted, I pulled back from Ian and looked into his eyes. He looked so worried, it made me guilty. Everything made me guilty. I even felt bad for being mad at Christine. They were pretty clothes. “Do you want me to have your clothes brought here?” He asked me and I shook my head.

“No, these are fine. I can deal with it.” I said, hoarsely.

“Do you want to have breakfast up here instead?” I shook my head again.

“Just let me wash my face. I want to go eat breakfast with Christine and Chad.”

“Okay.” Ian helped me stand and brushed his lips against mine. “I love you, baby.”

I snorted and shook my head. “Don’t call me baby. It’s weird.” Ian rolled his eyes and pulled me against him, repeating the kiss.

“I love you, beautiful.” He paused and kissed me again. “Better?”

“Much. Let’s go eat.”

We headed down to the terrace after I made myself look like I hadn’t been crying to see Christine and Chad were waiting at the table for us. When I walked out onto the terrace I gasped.

The view of the countryside leading to the forest was breathtaking. The sun was shining down on the greenery and even the smell of here was wonderful. I suppose leaving the city and coming out here for the first time, especially at a time like this, had a bigger effect on me than I thought it would. “This place is beautiful.” I commented, softly and I felt Chad come up and pinch me.

“Nope, not dreaming. Guess it’s real then.” He teased and I playfully smacked him.

We sat and started breakfast, quietly listening to the birds chirping and the sounds of wind through the trees. “So, what do you want to do today?” Chad asked, looking between Christine and me. I guess it was up to us.

Christine looked excited all of a sudden. “Ooh! Can we go to the stables? I haven’t ridden since the last time we were here, and I’d really love to. What do you think Lana?”

“Erm, well, I’ve never ridden a horse before.” I admitted, looking sheepish.

“Then this is perfect! We’ll teach you. Gregory is a great instructor for horse-back riding. He’ll have you riding in no time.” Christine said with a smile and I cocked an eyebrow.

“Gregory? The guy I met yesterday? I thought he was a house servant.” I started, confused.

“No, no. Gregory’s father owns a lot of the land to the east of here. Gregory took it upon himself to take care of the horses and the house while we’re gone.” Christine started.

“We hire others to help of course, but Gregory is basically in charge of the household here. You saw him yesterday? I’m surprised, it’s usually near impossible to catch him off guard. He’s invisible usually.” Ian laughed.

“He did look shocked when I saw him yesterday.” I said, tapping my chin thoughtfully. “That must be why he showed me where everything was. He knows the house.”

“Let me call him, and we’ll meet him out by the stables? We can take the path.” Christine said, taking out her cellphone and walking inside as she dialed.

“The path?” I asked, looking over to Ian and he smiled.

“It’s through a part of the forest. We could either walk around the edge to get to the stables or just walk through. It’s safe, I promise.” He added, seeing the look on my face.

“I don’t know if I really want to walk through that forest.” I explained and Ian’s look softened.

“We can take the long way and meet them there if you like love. It’s up to you. I’ll do whatever makes you comfortable.”

“No, I’ll take the path.” I resolved. I couldn’t let myself hide. Besides, I’d have Ian and Chad with me. I’d cling to them as if my life depended on it.

“Are you sure, Lana?” Chad asked and I nodded.

“Yes. I want to.” I said firmly and they didn’t push anymore. I guess they heard that I’d made up my mind.

“Okay, Gregory said he’ll meet us there in an hour. We can get in a nice long ride.” Christine said, excitedly. “By the way Lana, I love that outfit on you.”

“You do have great taste Christine.” I said, with an edge to my voice and I saw her face instantly fall.

“You don’t like it? I’m so sorry Lana!” She started, looking as if she was going to cry and I waved my hands, shaking my head.

“I love the clothes Christine!” I assured her. “I just wish you’d asked me first, or at least warned me.” I added and she nodded. I gave her a hug to reassure her that I still loved her and she gave me a kiss on the cheek.

“I just wanted to make my sister look pretty on her vacation.” Christine admitted and Ian’s head snapped over to us.

“Sister?” He asked.

“Yeah, I mean she practically is already. It’ll be final once you two get married of course.” Christine said, flippantly and Ian’s eyes grew wide.

“Wha-what? What have you two been talking about?” He asked, looking crazed and I laughed.

“Christine’s just getting ahead of herself Ian. Calm down.” I pacified and he calmed, making me laugh even harder. “You’re such a goon. Why do guys freak out whenever marriage is mentioned?” I asked. Christine shrugged, but her and Ian shared a look that I couldn’t quite read.

We headed out after grabbing some riding boots. Christine told me just to stay in what I was wearing because we weren’t going to be doing more than slow trotting on the paths. We headed into the forest and I instantly clung to Ian. It was darker in the forest, with beams of sunlight filtering through to the ground.

“Don’t worry, it’s not far.” He assured me. The path was very pretty when I stopped freaking out, though I was still on my guard. My ears were perked for sounds, and I kept looking around me nervously. Ian noticed and kissed me before holding me even closer. “I won’t let anything happen to you, love. I’m here to keep you safe.” He whispered in my ear.

“How is it that you still have the ability to make me melt?” I asked and he chuckled, a deep rumbling in his chest.

“Because I’m unbelievably hot.” He joked and I rolled my eyes.

“That was corny.” I said through my giggles.

“But it still made you laugh.” He poked my nose and I laughed more.

“Hey lovebirds, hurry it up.” Chad said ahead of us and we caught up to them. We came to a clearing on one side of the path and I shook my head.

“I can’t even imagine what it would have been like to grow up here.” I said flatly. We really hadn’t gone that far, but on this side of the trees was a huge field that went as far as I could see into rolling hills. The stable was ahead of us with a small cottage to the side. As we approached, I saw Gregory walk out of the cottage, looking very attractive. His sandy brown hair was a little shaggy, blowing in the breeze. He was muscular, but not bulky. He wore a tighter fitting white shirt and jeans, finished with riding boots. I felt a little guilty for checking him out, but then I looked back to Ian and there was no comparison. I had the sexiest man alive, holding me here against him.

We walked up to him and he smiled at me. “Are you feeling better today Miss Reed?” He asked.

“Yes, and you can call me Lana if I can call you Gregory.”

“Let’s keep it Greg. That’s what these three call me.” He indicated to everyone else and I smiled. “So, Christine said you haven’t ridden before? Don’t worry, you’re in good hands.”

We walked over to the stable and it looked like he already had finished saddling them. Ian, Chad, and Christine already knew their respective horses and went over to greet them. I looked at Greg expectantly and he smiled, leading me to a small brown and white spotted mare.

“This is Brie. She’s getting up there in years, so she’ll be a bit calmer for you. I’m going to lead you around a bit on her while they all get settled. Then I’ll leave you on your own to follow with us. Sound good?”

I was uneasy as I looked at Brie before me. She was really big and I could only imagine how high a fall was if she suddenly decided she wasn’t calm anymore. Greg could see my apprehension and took my hand, placing it on Brie’s nose. She nudged my hand and Greg moved my hand soothingly down her nose. To my surprise, I did feel calmer.

“Ready to get on her?” he asked and I took in a deep breath, and nodded.

“No sense just staring at her, right?” Greg nodded and opened the stall, leading Brie out. I backed up, never having been this close to a horse before. I felt myself bump into something hard and looked back to see Ian, blocking my exit.

“Are you scared of horses, love?” he asked and I shook my head.

“No, but I am scared of falling off of them.” I told him and he chuckled before pushing me back in Greg’s direction.

After having both of them help me up onto Brie, I gulped. “It’s, erm…really high.” I croaked and they both laughed.

“You’ll be fine.” Ian reassured me before going to jump on his stallion. He rode out of the stable, Christine and Chad not far behind him. Greg led me out slowly and I felt myself feeling more and more relaxed. Brie was calm, there was no snorting, no kicking, nothing. She just trotted at a nice pace. Then again, Greg was leading her. Who knew what would happen when she was left with just me in control.

After a little while of leading me around in a circle, Greg handed me the reigns and left me to it. He ran back in to get on his horse and I stayed stock still. I was so afraid I’d spook her or something to that degree. Ian rode over and stopped right next to me with a smirk on his face. “You look like a live greek statue. Why are you frozen like that? Your face is white and you look like you’re going to pass out.” He teased and I scowled at him.

“Shut up. Don’t make fun of me. I don’t really know what to do and I’m trying not to scare her.”

“I’ll admit, it is pretty easy to spook a horse. But I’ve ridden Brie before, she’s a tough one. Just talk to her, and then give her a little nudge. She’s smart, don’t worry. There’s a reason Greg chose her for your first ride.” Before we knew it, Greg had joined us and we started a ride down the field to another forest path. Ian rode beside me, trying to walk me through riding. I suppose I was a bad first learner, either that or Brie was just messing with me. The first time I kicked her into gear she decided to go backwards. The second time, she didn’t feel it so she didn’t move at all. “Just a little more pressure, love. So she knows what you want.”