All of Me (Sebastian Vettel)

15. Protective Instinct

Seb struggled to contain his emotions as he sped down the M3. He felt anger towards Dean, he wanted to rip the bastard's head off. Hadn't he already put Alyssa through enough? He felt anger towards the police. Why hadn't they told Alyssa that Dean had been released ? He felt anxious, he felt absolutely frantic about what this had done to Alyssa.

One hour and  forty three minutes after he'd left Heathrow he pulled into a parking spot outside Alyssa's apartment block. He quickly jumped out, pulling his grey hoodie back on. Then he locked the car and jogged across the car park.

He automatically headed for the stairwell. He took the stairs two at a time and when he reached the twelfth floor he was a little out of breath. He stopped for a few seconds, bent over with his hands on his knees.

Then he pushed the door open and jogged down the balcony. He reached the red door and tapped lightly. There was no answer. Then he thought that maybe they thought it was Dean. He opened the letterbox and called through.

"Alyssa, Cherry, it's me, Seb. "

Several seconds later he heard something being moved behind the door, then the sound of the door chain being removed. A key turned in the lock and the door slowly opened. He saw Cherry's face peering out. He was reminded of the day he'd first come here. He glanced down at his foot.

"I ain't gonna stamp on it again you idiot. Come on in."

She ushered him inside, locking the door behind him. She went to replace the bookcase.

"You shouldn't do that. What if there's a fire?" He said, his logical side taking over.

Cherry stopped what she was doing. "You're right, but it made her feel safer.  She was a complete wreck."

"How is she now?"

"She's sleeping. She finally dropped off half an hour ago."

"I need to see her."

"Of course. Her room is that door at the end of the corridor."

He turned and walked down until he reached her door. He gently opened it and entered the room, closing it behind him. Her room was illuminated by the full moon outside.

She was laying on her side, facing his way. She had one leg out of the covers. He felt a strange feeling inside himself as he looked at her. He wanted to take her away and protect her. To keep her safe from anyone and anything that could hurt her.

Suddenly she shot up in bed, seemingly aware of his presence.

"It's ok Aly, it's just me. It's Sebby. I'm here."

She started to cry. He crossed the room, slipping his trainers off and climbing onto the bed next to her. He pulled her into his arms.

"It's ok. I'm here now. I got here as soon as I could. He's not getting near you again. I'll kill the bastard if he even looks at you again. I'm here baby. I'm going to look after you."

Alyssa clung onto him. She didn't want to let go of him. She cried and cried, her tears soaking his hoodie.

"You're coming home with me. I have plenty of room. I'm taking you away from this place. You're coming back where you belong. He'll never find you. I'll protect you my sweet Alyssa."

He gently stroked her back with one hand. "I should let you sleep," he said finally.

"Don't leave me," she begged. "Stay. Please."

"I'm going nowhere." He laid down, pulling Alyssa down with him, holding her closely. She rested her head and her hand on his chest. Any other time he wouldn't have been able to resist her touch. Tonight all he wanted to do was make her feel safe.