Brian was still at a loss for words. "I'm ready to listen whenever you feel comfortable enough to talk to me Sasha." He kissed her cheek. "Can I just ask you one question? Something I need to know for my own piece of mind?"

Sasha nodded slowly. "I would never hurt your kids Brian."

He pressed his finger to her lips. "That's not my question. I have done some research. I know your need is only to hurt yourself. I'm not worried about the kids." He hesitated briefly, reconsidering if he should ask Sasha what was on his mind. "Sawsh…have I done anything that has…made you want to SI? I mean have I brought back memories you don't want?"

"No Brian!" Sasha shook her head vigorously. "Not at all! Please don't think that!" She stood up and pulled him to his feet. She hugged him tight. "I'm sorry Brian. I'm so sorry."

Brian stroked her hair. "Shhh…Everything is going to be OK Sasha. I'm here whenever you're ready to talk." He kissed her hair. "No pressure to do or say anything until you are comfortable with me." He pushed her out to arms length. "I will never judge you Sasha. I have a feeling I know what happened to you. I have pieced a few things together and I think I know why you are scared and why you SI. Just know I will NEVER force myself on you and that I am first and foremost your friend."

"Thank you Brian."

"Why don't we take the rest of the day off? We'll go get some lunch and take Bailey to the park."

"That sounds like a perfect plan." She kissed him. It was the first time she had actually initiated a kiss between them. She smiled. 'Break through #4?' She wondered.

Brian smiled back at her. He still didn't know exactly what Sasha's situation was. Despite what Kelli had said, he did feel she had been abused or raped. It killed him to think someone had intentionally hurt her. He wasn't a violent person but he wanted to hurt this unknown person as much as they had hurt Sasha. He kissed her back. "I had better go wake up Bailey."

"I'll finish picking up her toys." Sasha offered. She watched as Brian walked down the hall to his office. A feeling of peace and safety overtook her. She had a feeling Trevor had been right when he had said her life was just beginning.