Page 5 of River Wild

“Now, River.”

I walked over to the bed and stood in front of him.

He smiled.

I dug my nails deeper into my skin.

“River, I won’t tell you again! Get your ass over here! Now!”

“No!” I yell.

It’s like a thunderbolt has just hit the room.

I’ve never said no to him before. My whole body shudders with fear.

He stands up. “No?”

“I-I …”

“You dare to tell me no, boy?”

I open my mouth, but no words come out. My heart is beating so fast. I’m so scared. I dig my nails into the palm of my free hand until I feel the skin break.

My eyes dart to the gun on the counter.

“River, it’s time to play, and Daddy has a brand-new game for us today.”

“I didn’t fucking think so. Now, get your ass over here, boy!”

My hand tightens around the beer bottle. I bring my eyes to his. “No,” I say again.

His face turns to stone. His head tips to the side. “The rules have changed, River. You tell me no one more time, and I’ll kill your mama the second she steps through the door. And, instead of you going to jail … I’ll keep you here with me. It’ll be just you and me here, alone, in this house. And I’ll do what I want to you, whenever I want. Just think … I’d be able to hide my baton in your holder every single fucking day if I wanted to.” He brushes his finger over his lips, smiling. “Actually, I like that idea more … so maybe I’ll just kill your mama anyway—”

“No!” I yell.

Then, the beer is on the floor and his gun is in my hands.

And I’m pointing it at him.

His eyes widen for a moment. Then, he laughs.

The sound hurts my ears.

“And just what do you think you’re gonna do with that, huh?”

My hands are shaking like an earthquake. The gun is so heavy.

“I-I …”

“I-I,” he mimics. “You what, boy? Speak up.” He cups his ear, making fun of me.

“I-I w-want you to l-leave!” I cry, lifting the gun higher. My arms are aching.

His head tips to the side. “Leave? I’m not leaving, River. I’m never leaving you. You’re my special boy. And Daddy loves his special boy so very much.”

“You’re so good, River. So special. Time to play a new game.”

“Stop! Just stop!” I scream. My head hurts so much. Everything hurts. I just want to stop hurting. “I just want you to stop! Leave me alone!”