“Overreact. For God’s sake, this has been the worst vacation of my life, half of it spent behind bars. You’re my girlfriend, and you’re going to come with me.Now.”
“No.” The word lands like a bomb. Then, a flicker of alarm as his eyes dart to Austin.
“No?” He says it like he doesn’t believe it, voice going high and frantic. And that’s when I see him for what he is.
Not someone to be respected or followed. But a man out of control in every way. Unrestrained. Desperate. Powerless.
It locks into place. Despite reprisals. Despite threats and physical intimidation, he can’t control me …unless I let him.
“We’re done,” I say in a voice too calm, straightening my spine.
“Done?” He stammers, gaze casting back and forth between Austin and me. Trevor’s hands ball at his sides, face steaming.
Austin steps closer. “You heard the lady.” No threat, just the kind of resolve that comes from a man who knows his power.
“This,” Trevor spits. “This is ridiculous.”
“No, it’s overdue,” I counter, raising my chin. “You don’t get to hurt me anymore.”
“Fuck.” His voice cracks, eyes two slants. Abruptly, he turns trudging away, muttering things darkly under his breath.
He stumbles on a pothole, and his head bobs up, eyes darting. Curious faces stare back at him.
“What are you staring at?” he screams, waving his arms.
Embarrassing. I look away.
My legs shake, knees about to buckle. My breath is frozen in my chest.
I won’t survive this—I think.
Four words that I’ve oriented my whole existence around.
But are they true?
Austin’s forehead creases. “You okay?”
Still breathing. Heart beating. Stronger than I ever thought I would feel again.
I exhale slowly, waiting for it to hit. The pain. The sorrow. The disorientation.
Instead, a quiet resolve blossoms inside.
I meet Austin’s gaze. “Better than okay.”
Crack!
My eyes scan the parking lot to an open window on the second floor. Beneath it, a purple suitcase lies sprawled with a busted zipper and fabric exploding from it.
“Take that!” Trevor screams. Too-high-pitched. Too damn weak. “And that!” Another overnight bag flops to the ground with a thud.
“Those,” I say matter-of-fact. “Would be mine.”
“You serious?” Austin simmers. “Everything in me wants to put him on the ground.”
“No,” I say, shaking my head. “You let me be strong. You let me stand up for myself. Thank you.”
His face is grave, anger flaring behind his eyes. He lets out a long breath, clenching and unclenching his bruised fist. “You’re stronger than you know, Allie.”
