Any Longer

"Honey, don't worry, I will never let that thing happen any longer," Shawn said, trying to reassure her. He slowly broke from their hug and then stared right through her eyes while caressing her cheek. "I will never let anyone hurt anymore, over my dead body," he added, which made Ericka squeeze him in another hug. 

Those words managed to touch her insides as he said those words and it was enough to melt her completely. 

These were the only words she had been waiting to hear all along. Through the years she has endured, all she wanted was reassurance, affection and acceptance.

After a short while, Shawn finally broke from their hug again.

  

"Alright, finish your salad, and I'm going to cook the steak," he commanded, which just made her nod her head. 

She then let out a chuckle as she wiped off her cheek. "You've stained my cheek with the sauce," she said and th