Drakeness from small Beginnings

Chapter 4: Rescue

------------------------------------------Jo's point of view---------------------------------------------------------------

Finally I reached the boat and tried to climb inside, but due to the cold water I couldn't move my fingers. Suddenly a strong hand reached out for mine and pulled me onto the boat. It was Nathan.

"What on earth are you doing here?!"

"Rescuing you from the clutches of a psychopath."

He grabbed a blanket from a seat and handed it to me.

"Thanks.", I managed to say through the chattering of my teeth.

"Hello, Sweetheart." my father greeted me. I quickly got up and hugged him.

"I missed you, Dad. Thank you so much for coming."

"I knew that Rafe was difficult, but I never imagined him holding you prisoner for over a year. This son of a bitch will experience true pain, if I see him again. I am so sorry, Jo. I should have realised earlier, that something was wrong.", he said and began driving the boat.

"Dad! It's not your fault. I was the one, who fell for this stupid ass hole."

Nate chuckled.

"What's so funny?", I asked.

"I knew how you used to look at him. I am glad, you came to your senses. He is kinda insane. I mean, he killed Vargas! Just because he wanted a part of the treasure. A treasure we will probably never find, but he is still looking for. For three years he searched this church, but never found a single clue. You have to admit, that he is a little mad."

"Yes, definitely. I hope....- what?"

I noticed, that Nathan was staring at me. "Why are you looking at me this way?"

"Is that a cut on your face? Jo, did Rafe abused you?"

"I....I don't want to talk about it. I probably should change my clothes, It's kinda cold."

"Jo, if there is anything, we can do for you....", my father added.

"I'm fine! Okay? Now please turn around so I can get dressed."

I quickly put on new underwear, a dry jeans and a shirt. I didn't notice Nathan looking at my back while I only wore a bra. He could see the bruises, Rafe's rage left on my body.

"Jo, please talk to me.", he said, as I just put on the shirt and turn around. "Where did you get these bruises?"

My head turned red. "You looked at me while I changed! That's not very gentleman-like, you know?"

"I'm sorry, but these bruises look very painful. Not to speak about the cut on your face. Please let me help you!"

"Why do you even care? After Panama you pushed me away! You did not text; you did not call. I was so alone. I could have needed a friend. And you as well!"

"I can explain. After Panama I needed some time to get over Sam's death. He meant the world to me, just like you. But he was gone and you were gone. With Rafe. In Scotland. I felt alone, too, but I didn't want to ruin your relationship by visiting so often. I know how fast he gets envious. I am so sorry, Jo."

I didn't know I meant so much to him.

"No. I am sorry. I should have been there for you. You lost your brother and I lost a friend, but I guess we just grieved in other ways. My way was to think of something else; I just ran away and I am so sorry. Can you forgive me?"

"Yes, of course, but can you forgive me?"

"There is nothing to forgive, Nate."

We smiled at each other and hugged tightly. It felt so good being with him, feeling him caring about me.

"So, after you two settled all your misunderstandings, I'd like to speak about your wounds, Jo. You can tell us everything. We are there for you, just tell us, so we can help you.", my father interrupted our hug, still driving the boat.

"Okay.", I agreed. "Nathan, you were right. Rafe did in fact abuse me. This wasn't the first time I tried to escape. It was the first time it worked out, though. Every other time I got caught, by some guards or even Rafe himself. He wanted me to stay with him so he started to threaten me, but after a few tries, he realised, that threats alone wouldn't be enough to hold me back. So he started hitting me. At first I fought back but eventually I found out, that it was easier and less painful not to resist. Last time he caught me, he used a knife to punish me.", I said by pointing at the cut on my face. "In the end I was so desperate, I even thought about ... - Well, luckily I managed to call you."

"Oh dear god.", Nathan whispered.

My father grabbed my hand and pressed it gently. "No one can hurt you know. No one will ever hurt you again."

"I am not worried, because of me. I fear for you. Rafe threatened to kill every person I care about, so that I have no other choice but being with him."

"Do you really think he could kill us with you by our side?", Nathan asked. "You are the best fighter I have ever seen. And we can protect ourselves against one more psychopath, can we, Sully?"

"Oh, yes. I have dealt with psychopaths even before you two were born, so yeah, definitely.", he smiled.

"God, I missed you two."

----------------------twelve years later--------------------------------

For the next twelve years, Nathan, my father and I experienced a few more adventures and I eventually got the chance to meet Elena, a reporter, who joined us on our search for El Dorado. In the following years she grew to be my best friend. Now we all live in an apartment in New Orleans. (A/N: Nobody is married. It's like a flat-share) We decided, that it would be the best to stop hunting treasures and start a normal life. Elena continued her work as a journalist, whereas Nathan worked at the company "Jameson Marines INC". I myself decided to enter higher education and studied history to become a teacher, which worked out quite well. Of course I enjoyed our new life, but from time to time I caught myself staring at pictures from the old times, imagining, what it would be like to still be out there. I had to admit to myself, that I missed these times, when we were off, searching another lost city, hunted my mercenaries or worse. What stayed in my head the most, was the fact, that we never got the chance to search for Avery's treasure. Since Panama no one ever mentioned it again, but I fear, that fate would get us all in the end. I still had nightmares, because of Rafe. I was afraid, that he would keep his promise to kill every one I held dear. I didn't hear anything from him, but he is not this kind of person, that just gives up. He will come for us, sooner or later he will have his revenge.

Author's note: Well, first of all: Thanks to the 23 persons, who read my story and thanks to the eight people, who even voted. And special thanks to you ThunderBlueWolf for the comment! I can't tell you how happy I am, when I see, that some one read, voted or commented. You guys are wonderful. Thank you so much!

And I promise you, the romance will start soon ;) I maybe will be able to update more than only once a week, because my exams are (finally) over. Yay! :)

See you;)