Chapter 5 - Jessica

Hugging the soft bunny to my chest, I watch as the home I was preparing to raise a family in is packed away. Jonathan was still under Colton, but I didn’t care. I know that if my ex tried to do anything, Colton, an Army vet, would make sure my ex regretted it. The driver door to the Hummer opens, and I look to find Uncle Hunter climbing in, a soft smile on his face.

“Come on, Princess, let’s get you home.” He mutters, turning the key and starting the car. I nod, closing my eyes, not wanting to watch the home I was planning a future in fade from view. I was ready to give up everything for a man who wasn’t willing to wait for me.

“It’ll be okay, Jessica.” Uncle Hunter calls out, resting his warm hand on my lap. I open my eyes to stare at him, finding his usually stoic face set into a reassuring smile.

“That prick was never good enough for you, but don’t worry. I will make sure you get through this and take care of you.” I smile at his words and find myself leaning against Uncle Hunter’s arms. His muscles flex for a brief second, but then I feel him relax. I have known Uncle Hunter for most of my life, and I know that he is a man of his word. If he says he is going to take care of me, then I know I can trust him to do just that.

“Thank you, Uncle Hunter.” I whisper, feeling his hand squeeze my thigh.

“Don’t thank me, Princess. I will always take care of you.” He counters softly; the words filled with a promise that I know will never be broken. I close my eyes and breathe in the scent of his cologne, finding comfort with him being so close to me.

➻

Fingers running through my hair draw me awake, and I groan, feeling slightly disoriented. I open my eyes and am greeted by a fire roaring in a large stone fireplace, keeping the room warm. Strong arms wrap around me, and for a moment, I panic, until the familiar Dior cologne fills my nose.

“Uncle Hunter?” I ask, my voice full of sleep.

“Here, Princess.” He replies from under me, and I blush, noticing the broad shoulders my head rests on and the muscles under my fingertips barely concealed by the cotton shirt.

“I…I’m…” I stutter out, feeling Uncle Hunter’s hands rest on the small of my back.

“Don’t apologize, Princess. You were exhausted from everything today and fell asleep.” He says, his thumbs rubbing circles on my back.

“When I went to bring you inside, you clung to me, and so I decided to let you sleep on top of me.” Uncle Hunter continues. I hum, closing my eyes for a moment to gather my thoughts. In just a few hours, I went from engaged and ready to prepare a wedding to single and picking up the pieces of a broken heart.

“What do I do now, Uncle Hunter?” I ask, really needing some advice right now.

“Well, you can call your work and take a leave of absence. I will pay for whatever you want while you heal.” He begins, his left hand moving to play with my hair, a simple gesture I always wanted Jonathan to do, but he felt it was beneath him.

“You can sleep all day and paint all night like you used to during summer break. You could lounge by the pool and let your mind wander. Hell, you could even go back to school if you wanted, and I would make sure you are okay until you are ready to get back on your feet. I know your dad would appreciate me taking care of you like this.” Uncle Hunter continues, the idea of getting back into painting again makes me smile. I missed painting. Missed the smell of high-end acrylic paints fresh from the tube while I worked away at a blank canvas.

“Do you mind if I just breathe for a bit before I do anything?” I ask, feeling his fingertips massage my scalp.

“Not at all.” He reassures me.

“You went through one of the worst betrayals. If you need a moment to just breathe, then breathe. My home is your home, Princess.” His lips press against the top of my head, and I notice it lingering longer than normal. I bask in his warmth, letting it chase away the numbness in my heart. Jonathan will be after me with a vengeance now that what he did to me was out there on the internet, but it serves him right. He made his bed by sleeping with Helen, now he can lie in it.

“Are you hungry?” Uncle Hunter asks, the two of us growing into a comfortable silence. I open my mouth to answer, but my stomach grumbles loudly, answering for me. Uncle Hunter chuckles, his body shaking under mine, and I blush, mortified at the situation.

“I will take that as a yes.” He answers, squeezing me in a hug.

“Can we get Lazeez?” I ask sheepishly, craving some comfort food.

“Of course we can. I will just Uber Eats it now if you want to go for a shower and wash the day away.” He suggests, and I nod, carefully climbing off of Uncle Hunter.

“Is my room the same one as always?” I ask, turning to find Uncle Hunter watching me with a smirk and dark, broody eyes.

“Yes, it is. I had Mavis boss my men around to put your things away inside. The room beside yours was turned into your office, but there is space to add an art corner if you want.” My face splits into a grin at this, and I thank him, turning on my heels and bounding towards the steps. A shower sounds wonderful right now, as I need to wash away what remains of my shattered relationship.