Page 81 of One More Time

“No! You belong to me; you are destined to work for me!”

I heard the crash before I felt the splash of liquid. Alcohol burned the back of my neck as small pieces of crystal stung my flesh.

I tried to shake off the resounding echo of smashing glass.

Hands gripped the lapels of my jacket. I was no small guy, but unfortunately for me, neither was my father. He was half an inch taller than me, and he weighed more. I gripped his hands, trying to pull him off me.

“I’ll make sure you never play hockey again.”

He shoved me hard against the wall. I fought him, driving my knee into his groin. He swore and bowed over, freeing me from his hold. I bolted for the door in the hopes it would be unlocked.

It wasn’t.

I spun on my heel, about to look for a key while he was down. My head slammed into the door as he grabbed the back of my head.

Black spots blurred my vision. He knocked the breath out of me with a blow to my ribs. I tried to wrench out of his grip, but he pounded my ribs until my knees buckled.

Then he let go and watched me fall.

I brought one arm up to protect my head as his foot hit my stomach.

I tasted blood on my tongue.

He reared back to kick me again, but I caught him by surprise, wrenching his leg and sending his large body hurling to the ground. A crash rang out as a leather chair toppled over. I scrambled to my feet, thoughts of escape running through my mind.

My father went to get up, but I caught the glimpse of the key shining around his neck. I knew then what I had to do.

It was time for my father’s reign of terror to end.

I lunged for him, getting a blow to his face just as he did the same to me.

My ears rang from the punch that hit the side of my face but I fought.

It was my only choice to fight.

I wrapped my hand around his throat, tightening my grip with the little strength I had left.

My father grappled under me, latching his hands around my neck.

My lungs began to burn from the lack of oxygen.

I tightened my grip on my right hand, my left reaching for the chain.

With one swift tug, the metal snapped under my grasp.

I had the key.

I closed it tight in my first and let it dangle in front of his face. The shock was enough to make him loosen his grip—just enough so I could get free. I bolted to my feet, driving one into his stomach for good measure before rushing to the door and fiddling with the lock.

My heartbeat thudded in my ears, ticking down each second I had to get the door unlocked. I felt like a character in a horror movie with the killer on my heels. My hands shook as the key finally found its slot and I turned the handle.

The shuffle of feet had me panicking to open the door, my heart stuck in freefall as a hand clasped my shoulder.

“Get your fucking hands off him.” I staggered as the door flew open and a fist hurled past my face and landed in my father’s jaw.

Aussie?

My shoulder was freed as my father stumbled.

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