DERAILED AND DAMAGED

CHAPTER 1 The voices coming first, sharp and very cruel. “Kill them. Burn them to death, you b***h!” Their voices echo in my head. “Such a good looking w***e—just like her mother, oh? She actually crawls like a slut”, one of them sneered, as the others laughed. Their eyes burning into me, their hands clawing at my skin makes me shudder, even in my dream. “Hon. Hon—wake up. It's just a dream” I could hear Kayden's call until I snapped out of the nightmare. Kayden’s voice cut through the darkness, dragging me out of the nightmare pulling me back to reality. I realised I was really trembling. He quickly pulled me into his arms, his warmth pressed against me, steady and safe. “It’s okay. You’re fine,” he whispered, his eyes searching mine. Concern and worry softened his features, and for a moment, I let myself believe it—this man was the calm I had always needed but never thought I’d have. “Ash, do you wanna talk about it? Maybe it's something big, something you shouldn’t keep inside and you just have to let it out. Don’t forget I’m here for you. I’m all ears, he asked. “No.” The word shot out of me before I could stop it. “It’s none of your business.” I snapped. I could see the look of hurt and disappointment flashed across his face, sharp as a blade. Guilt followed me instantly. “Babe, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I just—got worked up.” “No problem, hon I’m with you no matter what,” he said as he kissed my forehead. I glanced at the bedside clock, my brain clicked and I sat up quickly exclaiming. “Aren't you going to work?” “Ash, I’ve been trying to wake you up for five minutes. You were just moaning and writhing in your sleep. Do you really think I can able to go to work leaving you in that condition? What kind of husband will I be?” he said concerning. I swallowed, forcing a small smile. I’m really sorry, Kayden. I’m fine now. Just… remembering some bad memory.” He still didn’t buy it—I could see it in his eyes—but he didn’t push. Babe, am really fine, I said as I still I could still see the look of worry etched on his face. “Babe, I‘ll really be mad if you get scolded at work because of me,” I said, trying to sound light. “Hon,” Kayden called, he flicked my forehead gently, “don’t forget your husband isn’t a lieutenant anymore.”