“Really? Which crew member?” he asks.
“I don't know, I didn't recognize him. Apparently, Lev wanted me to witness what would happen if I caused any more problems.” I pray that my words are somewhat reassuring to try and veer him off the scent of my deceit. I'm unsure if he’s jealous or if he has noticed something is going on. Maybe both.
“Anyway, I'm just going to get a few hours of sleep,” I say.
“Why do I feel like you're lying to me?” He stands up and slowly wanders towards me.
I really want to high-tail it and run. I wasn't prepared for all these questions. Jake is the equivalent of a noose around my neck.
“I wasn't lying, honestly, you can ask Jules yourself.”
Rather than pacify him, it seems to annoy him. He pushes me up against the wall, forcefully gripping my chin. The pressure of his hand makes my jaw ache, which is still tender from the last beating. I find myself unable to think or talk as alarm sets in.
My head starts to hurt as my mind starts to become overactive, highlighting memories of what we went through, unable to resist responding to Jake’s voice.
Not now.
“Open wide, baby brother.”
Don’t let him get us.
Go away!
It’s okay, do as he says and it will be okay.
The boy is trying to comfort us, he is trying hard to push away all other thoughts.“Not today… not today,”I plead with him, fighting to lock him back up in the black hole of my mind.
Breathe in…breathe out.
Finally, I gain some control, managing to remain myself and deal with the predator in front of me.
Slowly perusing my face, I’m shocked at how eerily calm Jake is right now. He is normally so reactive, this side to him is different and unsettling. Can he smell another man on me? I can still feel Lev leaking out of me.
You need to chill, Aaron.
“Okay, baby brother, if you say so, but something doesn't feel right. I think we may need to leave town for a while,” he says as he continues to hold me in place.
This feels like six years ago, on my eighteenth birthday. He had me pinned just like this, using that soft tone after he saw me.
“Open wide, baby brother.”
I squeeze my eyes shut as if maybe the darkness will take me away. Remove me from the feeling of his body so close to me, his scent that triggers the queasy bile bubbling in my stomach.
“You're mine now, baby brother. I own you.”
No!
It’s okay, it will be over soon.
“Shut up, shut up!”I repeat over and over. I need strength. As the voices hush, I open my eyes and look into the evil ones staring at me.
“Why do we need to leave?” I ask, not sure if I want the answer.
“I just think it would be best to maybe start over somewhere new. Wouldn't you be happy? You’ve always complained about living around here, unless you want me to leave you here on your own? Maybe you could move near Daddy dearest, be the good stepson by keeping his fading ass company in that care home?”
Mentioning that asshole is like pouring oil over me before setting it alight and he knows it, especially with that cruel grin he’s throwing my way.
“You'd let me stay here?” I ask, stupidly having a moment of hope. Jake laughs as if I'm the dumbest person in the world right now.
