Like Loving A Lion (SEQUEL to I'm Not That Perfect)

"Come on, babe." Ronnie whined. "I need you."
I cross my arms. "I'm not in the mood, Ron."
"Isn't that really why I keep you around though? 'Cause you're good with your mouth?" He asked.
"Don't be vulgar." I rolled my eyes.
"Come on." He repeated, kissing my shoulder. "Ave, please."
"How many times do I have to say no before you get it through your thick skull, Radke?" I snapped.
"I don't want to hurt you anymore, Ave. You know I don't like doing that." Ronnie said.
"You make that very obvious." I muttered.
He swung his arm back and hit me in the face.
**
I woke up crying and alone. "Austin?" I called. "Austin."
He came in from the balcony and put his arms around me. "Shh. I'm here, it's okay. What's wrong?"
"I had a bad dream. About Ronnie." I said, crying into his chest.
He was quiet for a moment. "I will always blame myself."
"Austin-"
"It's my fault, okay? I pushed you away and straight into him, and look where it got you. I'm sorry, Ave. I'll never get over it." He said.
"What time is it?" I asked.
"A little after two. Do you want to talk about it?" asked Austin.
"I'm just so tired of being afraid."
"You know I'll always be here. I'll always protect you." He murmured. "I would do anything for you."
"I know you would and that makes me the happiest person in the whole world." I said. "I hate feeling like a victim."
"You are. You were in an abusive relationship, Ave. And you were brave enough to get away from him." Austin said.
I swallowed, looking up at him. "I love you. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"We have four more days before we have to go home. What does Avery want to do before she leaves Hawaii?" He asked.
**
"Volcano hiking. Extreme." Austin said as we walked on one of the several volcanoes that made up one of the islands.
"I like dangerous things." I replied. Obviously.
"This is pretty cool, I won't lie. Almost as cool as me." Austin joked.
"You're such a loser!"
"You married a loser!" He cried.
"The best loser in the universe." I grinned.
"Ooh. Good answer, babe." He laughed, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. "I'm not ready to go back."
"Neither am I. California seems so mundane compared to Hawaii. I'm really considering working at that pineapple farm." I sighed.
"I don't care where we are 's long as I'm with you." He said.
"Look at you, trying to be cute." I giggled. "Nice try."
"Ouch! You're sassy today." Austin said.
"Aren't I always?" I grinned slyly.
"Arguably one of my favourite things about you." He replied.
"America, here we come!" I called, my voice echoing.

Notes