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“Frances?…Frances sweetie..are you okay?” Tony asked as he saw her walk in the door shaking slinking by him very fast unable to shake off what just happened when she went to run and get groceries for dinner
“Frances?” A familiar voice asked as she was scanning the condiments section
She turned around and who she saw behind her caused her to go pale and froze “Paul? What the fuck are you doing here?”
“I wanted to ask you to give me another chance and I’ll be honest this time..”
“Paul you had a chance and you blew it after I told you in confidence what my ex had done and besides im in a relationship..”
“I know but I never beat you like Henry did..”
Frances could feel her throat swell up with sobs as he just triggered some very awful emotions within her as she felt a flashback from when she accidentally broke a mug that fell on the floor causing Henry to rage and beat her to the point she was coughing up blood and limping.And this was just one instance.
“No you didn’t but you lied to me and emotionally abused me which all my exes did and I can tell ya one thing from my experience with you,Henry and Sol..men like you guys you say you’ll change but you never do..” Frances said tears in her eyes
“You’re gonna be sorry you rejected me you filthy whore writer that guy is probably only with you because of who you are with that author status I am the best thing that ever happened to you and you know this Frances. I’m going to make you crawl on her hands and knees back to me just you wait!! You haven’t seen the last of me! I’m the best thing that ever happened to you you’re lucky I care enough about ya to try and talk some sense into you!!” Paul said grabbing her arm causing Frances to panic as she fought to pull away but he had a strong grip and could feel the words 'try and talk some sense into you’ repeat over and over as Henry had used those words with her constantly to manipulate and gaslight her while he would put his hands on her.
“No no let me go you ever come near me again or even my boyfriend I’ll call the cops!” Frances yelled finally getting away racing out
“Frances..honey snap out of it” Tony’s voice got her attention as she finally got out of the flashbacks and was still shaking her hands gripping the counter and her back to Tony
“I’m fine I’m just out of breath..” Frances attempted to say as her shaky hand went to go grab a glass from the shelf to get a drink of water and instead it ended up falling and smashing into pieces on the floor just like with the mug
“Fuck! Oh god damn it” Tony yelled startled as Frances startled and triggered by this began to sob and curled into a ball in the corner of the kitchen her brain and body now in flight or fight mode
“Frances what happened?” Tony asked concerned
“ I’m sorry it was an accident..please don’t hurt me again..” Frances recoiled as he tried to touch her arm shielding her face ready for the blows
“What? What do you mean again? Frances I would never put a hand on you ever..I know it was an accident it’s just a cup why would you think I would hurt you over a broken glass..” Tony asked really worried
“Henry Did..he..he beat me and tossed me around like I was a rag doll..used the glass shards and cut me trying to slit my throat” Frances wailed shaking
“What? Your 1st husband? Oh my god oh sweet heart I had no idea no wonder you were so freaked out well I’m not Henry I’m Tony and I would never ever hurt you in fact right now I wanna hold you is it okay if I touch you?” Tony asked as she immediately grabbed his extended hand as he sat beside her and he pulled her over into his lap and just hugged her close as she clung to him as if wanting to hide from Henry thinking he at any moment strike her.
“Shhhh it’s okay you’re alright honey deep breaths now..” Tony whispered to her encouraging her to steady her panicked breathing. Frances did as he instructed just laying against his chest as he rocked her back and forth as she cried but had more steady
“There you go see? You’re safe with me cuz I’m protecting you that’s what people in relationships do we love and protect our partners not harm them” Tony said stroking Frances’s hair
“I know I’m sorry it’s just I been with so much toxic men it’s hard for me to trust that won’t happen again it’s hard..” frances sniffled
“Hey look at me..” Tony said as he tilted her head up to look at her “You have nothing to be Sorry for you were reacting to trauma and triggers..now what was it that shook you up while out today? Clearly it started from there. Just take your time”
“Paul was at the grocery store..” Frances said
“Oh my god what? What he do to you?” Tony asked
“He was trying to get me back and was angry comparing himself to Henry to make himself look good..” Frances sobbed as Tony just shushed her and continued to Rock her and kissed her face
“Awww okay okay you don’t need to talk about it or tell me any more Frances just here be with me..Cmon let’s get you on the couch with the dog and I’ll clean up the glass and then I’ll continue to cuddle you through it” Tony said as Frances nodded as he lifted her up bridal style carrying her over to the couch lying her down beside their doodle Macey.
Macey came over to lick her humans faces.
“Okay can Macey you take care of mommy while I clean up a mess in the kitchen?” Tony said petting her
Macey responded with another couple of doggy kisses to both of them and then laid down behind Frances her head on her thigh.
“Good girl” Tony said to Macey kissing her head and then kissing Frances next “I’ll be right back” as she nodded petting Macey as Tony cleaned up the glass chards. After he finished he then went back in the living room and brought Frances a cup of tea and lie down with her and Macey.
“Thanks honey” Frances said wiping away the excess tears lying on Tony’s chest
“Of course you know I always got you so fuck the groceries i’ll do em wanna order some pizza?” Tony asked rubbing her back and his fingers through her hair
“Yeah I’d like that a lot” Frances said as they sat up and she hugged him close “Thank you Tony!” She whispered kissing his cheek
“Of course I love you Frances!” Tony said continuing to hug her and show her affection to show her real men don’t hurt women.
“I love you too!!” Frances said just absorbed in his embrace feeling safe again knowing she would never get hurt by Tony