Part 41 (1/2)

”Yeah, I'm ready.” She steps back, takes my hand, and locks her fingers through mine.

”Do you think Brooks and Kelly-”

”I think Brooks and Kelly are capable of sorting their own s.h.i.+t, darlin'. Now let it go, wife. We have a cake to cut so we can f.u.c.k off out of here.” I give her a wink before guiding us back over to the marquee. She doesn't reply, 'cause she knows it won't get her anywhere. Instead, she keeps in step with me, and lets me take control.

Today is our day, and yeah, Kelly and Brooks are in a bad place, but I don't want them on her mind. I'll do anything to make sure this doesn't touch her.

She's my wife.

The mother of my unborn child.

The woman who controls every part of me and in return, handed over every part of herself.

Though we lost our families we were born to, we found an even greater one in each other. In our club.

Through the pain and suffering of our pasts, we've become what was stolen away from us.

She is my family, and I, hers.

Nothing and no one will ever change it.

The Facts.

Domestic Violence, Family Violence and Intimate Partner Violence all fall under the same umbrella. It is violence and abuse that occurs within the family unit and intimate partner relations.h.i.+ps.

It occurs when a family member or partner exerts power and control over their family member(s) or partner. The relations.h.i.+p can include spouses, partners, siblings, parents and children.

It can take many forms and includes physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, financial and s.e.xual abuse.

It does not have to occur within the home or between people who are living together.

It affects people of all ages, races, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, gender, s.e.xual orientation, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States - more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year.

1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the United States have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

(*The national Domestic Violence Hotline.).

If you are experiencing domestic violence, or know someone who is, there are many organizations that can help. Here are some useful links and helplines: Safe Horizon USA.

White Ribbon -AU.

National Domestic Violence Hotline UK.

Also by River Savage.

FOLLOW THE SERIES.

Incandescent.

Affliction.