“Yeah, Alyssa told me you’re dating Aaron.” The tightness in his voice betrays his anger, and I turn to face him. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”
“I have to go.” I pull my arm from his grasp, and again he lets me go. No pulling, no attempt to control my movements.
“If you need me, you know where to find me,” Damon tells me, and I nod before taking off down the street.
Back at my apartment, I try to get a draft of the fair article written, but I can’t concentrate. My mind keeps wanderingback to Damon, to what we did and what he said. Could he be able to help me?
I’ve thought about leaving Aaron before, but I don’t have anywhere to go in this town that he wouldn’t find me. And he’s made it clear he would come after me if I ever tried to leave. He also controls our bank account, so I’d have to figure out finances if I wanted to leave. I could open an account in just my name, but he’d get suspicious if my paychecks were no longer being deposited.
My phone dings, pulling me from my thoughts.
Alyssa:
dinner at my place tonight?
Me:
can’t tonight. Sorry
Alyssa:
coffee tomorrow?
Me:
maybe
Another text comes through.
Aaron:
boys and I are watching the game at my dad’s tonight. Don’t do anything stupid while you’re unsupervised
Unsupervised. Like I’m a fucking child or a dog.
How the fuck did I get myself into a situation like this, and how am I going to get out?
Chapter Twelve
Violet
I MANAGE TOavoid seeing anyone for the rest of the week. It’s not uncommon for Aaron to stay at his dad’s house, and I’ve used every excuse possible with Alyssa to not meet her for coffee or dinner.
My body is still a bit stiff, but I’m mostly okay physically at this point. The few bruises on my neck are faded enough that I can cover them with foundation.
Alyssa:
you’re joining me for lunch. No excuses. I will drag you out of your apartment if I have to.
Me:
fine. Dina’s at 11?
Alyssa:
*thumbs-upemoji*
Seeing Alyssa will be good for me. I shower and dress, going with jeans, a T-shirt, and a cozy cardigan on top. I leave a note for Aaron in case he comes back while I’m gone. This way, he can’t get mad about not knowing where I am, but I also don’t have to read a response to a text message or dodge his phone call.
