Once he's finished, he gets off her and dresses again, giving her barely a second glance before walking out of the tent. She lays there in a heap, tears streaming down her face as she tries to process what just happened. Her body aches all over, and she feels dirty and used. She wonders if this is how it's supposed to be for girls like her... or if there's some other way to find love and acceptance in the world.

Her breath hitches as she catches the money he throws at her, staring disbelievingly at the crisp bills in her hand. It's more than she expected; it's enough to keep her going for a while longer. But at what cost? She curls into a ball, trying to banish the memory of his rough hands and even rougher treatment from her mind, praying that one day she'll find someone who will love her just as much for all her flaws and imperfections.

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.