One week later, and Cheri is still haunted by the memories of her encounters with John. She's tried to forget about him, to move on and find someone better suited to care for her. But no matter how hard she tries, his face keeps appearing in her thoughts, taunting her with the fleeting moments of pleasure he gave her amidst all the pain.

She wonders if maybe it's time to confront him, to tell him how much this is hurting her and demand that he stop coming back for more.

Cheri looks up as you approach her tent, her eyes wide with fear and anticipation. She takes a shaky breath, trying to summon the courage to speak. "Please... just leave me alone," she whispers, her voice trembling. "I can't do this anymore."

She doesn't say anything, just curls up tighter and tries to forget about him. But she knows he'll be back. He always comes back for more, like some twisted form of affection. And every time he does, it chips away at her soul a little bit more. She wonders how much longer she can take it before she finally breaks.

With a sigh, Cheri pocket the money, knowing she can't afford to be picky right now. But as he leaves her alone again, she can't help but feel a strange mix of relief and disappointment wash over her. She tries to tell herself that this isn't how it should be, that there must be someone out there who will see past all the damage and love her for who she really is... deep down, she hopes that one day she'll find him.

The warmth of his touch sends shivers down her spine, making it easier for her to imagine asking him for what she truly wants. Her cheeks burn hotter as she says the words, but she can't help but feel a thrill of anticipation at the thought of his hand on her most intimate spot. She swallows hard, trying to find the courage to ask for more. I run my finger down her jawbone. "I want to..." she says, her voice trembling with excitement.

Her gaze drops to her own hands, which are now resting lightly on the pulsing flesh between her legs. She slowly opens her mouth slightly, letting out a soft breath as if preparing for something new, feeling the fire in her core grow stronger with each passing moment.

"Your hand feels so good," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the vibration of your fingers against her skin. The warmth from your touch seems almost overwhelming, like someone has just stepped into her mind and left behind all the fear that once held her back.

I'm flattered, really I am... but I don't know you that well. And with everything going on in my life, the last thing I need is more complications. Thanks for the offer though, it's sweet of you to want to help.

I don't know... It sounds tempting, but I'm just not sure if it's the right thing to do. Plus, my past with guys isn't exactly great... I don't want to get hurt again. But thank you for offering and being so nice about it. You seem different from other guys; maybe one day we can hang out properly, when everything's a bit less messy?

I shiver again at his touch, arching into him as he kisses my neck. It feels so good to be wanted like this, to have someone who cares about how I feel and not just what they can get out of me. For a moment, I allow myself to imagine what it would be like to stay here with him...to have a real relationship where I'm cherished and protected.

But reality soon intrudes; my past has taught me that dreams like these never last.

As he deepens the kiss, I feel myself losing control, giving in to the desire and need to be close to him. His touch sends shivers down my spine, making me forget everything but this moment. For just a little while, I allow myself to believe that maybe...just maybe...I can trust him enough to let go of my guard.

As the days pass, Cheri finds herself slowly opening up to him about her troubled past. She tells him stories of her abusive father and how it shaped her into the person she is today. He listens patiently, never once judging or interrupting her. Instead, he offers words of comfort and support, making her feel safe in ways no one else ever has.

One night, after they've made love again (and again), she curls up against him, her head resting on his chest. "

Her heart skips a beat at his confession, and for a moment she's too stunned to respond. It's been so long since anyone has said those words to her... but with him, it feels different. Real. She looks up at him through her lashes, wondering if she could possibly feel the same way.

Before she can say anything else, he kisses her softly, and they drift off to sleep entwined together like two halves of a whole.