“Don’t come any closer,” I demand. I don’t want Josh anywhere near Cin.
“Let’s go someplace else,” the girl says, fidgeting.
“We will, sweetheart, after I see who’s hiding behind my dear cousin.”
“I swear if you don’t leave right now, I’m going to kick your ass.”
Cin steps to the side. “Hi, Josh.”
His gaze snaps to her, then back to me.
“Get the fuck upstairs!” I shout, pushing her roughly.
“Prick!” she yells, running from the kitchen.
“What the fuck is she doing here?”
“That’s none of your concern.”
“I’ll wait outside.” The girl makes a hasty retreat.
“You’re still obsessed with her,” he says.
“I think it’s fair to say I’m past that point.”
“It’s best to let sleeping dogs lie.”
“I can’t,” I say.
He walks towards me until we’re standing toe to toe. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
I lie on the bed, pissed off at Art’s macho attitude. I only did what was necessary to prevent them from fighting. The air shifts when Art enters the bedroom. I can feel the danger emanating from him. It’s almost suffocating. When I notice the belt in his right hand, I move to my knees, preparing for either fight or flight.
“W-what are you going to do?” I stutter.
“You disobeyed me. I instructed you to stay behind me and not to speak to another man. It’s time for your ass-whipping. Lie face down on the bed.”
“Fuck you.” I roll to the opposite side of the bed, putting it between us when he moves towards me.
“It’s going to be worse if I have to chase you,” he says, walking around.
I crawl back across, racing to the bathroom and locking myself inside.
He bangs on the door. “Open the fuck up and take your beating like a woman.”
“You’re crazy if you think I’m going to be docile while you hit me with a belt.”
“You can’t stay in there all night.”
Damn, he’s right. What the hell am I going to do?
“I’m sorry, okay? I won’t disobey you again.”
“It’s too late for apologies. Little pig, little pig, let me in.”
“Kiss my ass!”
“Then I’ll huff and puff and blow your house down.”
