Page 59 of Fragile

“Well, where will you work if you get the job?” he rephrased.

“Does it matter?” I replied through gritted teeth.

“Why won’t you tell me? Do you think I’m going to stalk you or something?” he sneered, taking another step towards me.

He leaned forward and inhaled the air, which was weird. Warning bells started to peel in my head.

“No of course not,” I said with a laugh.

His face turned serious. “You’re still the same stuck-up little cow.”

Panic raced through my chest like wild horses. I hated confrontation. “I’m sorry?”

“You should be. Always looking down that perfect little nose like nothing is good enough for you,” he snorted.

“Well, I don’t mean to come across like that,” I almost stuttered, making to walk around him, the door suddenly feeling miles away.

Simon sidestepped, blocking my exit and the stupid position I’d put myself in slapped me in the face.

“You act so pure, but you’re a fucking dancer; a prick tease that shakes her tits on stage but doesn’t let anyone touch them.”

“I don’t do that type of dancing,” I said although I didn’t know why I was trying to explain myself to him.

“Everyone knows dancers are fricking sluts, proper cock teasers.”

This caused me to push past him, but he caught me by the arms, making me gasp.

“Simon, let go. What are you doing—”

Before I could get another word out, he dragged me against him and crushed his mouth to mine. I felt a wave of terror claw up my spine and went as rigid as I could against him.

He tasted of stale coffee and my gut wrenched. Genuine horror at being held against my will snaked through me and I struggled, attempting to drag my mouth away but he was too strong.

Panting, I managed to tear myself back and yell, it was a strange deep sound and nothing that resembled a scream. I tried to recall who lived in the next apartment.

“Simon, stop. Please, you’re hurting my arms.”

“Fucking chill out, it’s only a kiss. You owe me much more than that considering all the times I allowed you to pay your rent late,” He snarled the last sentence whilst shoving me backwards. I fell onto the bed, my hair half over my face as I pushed up on my elbows and tried to stand.

As I did, Simon put one hand in the middle of my chest and pushed me back again.

“Fuck fucks sake, it’s only a kiss. Come on loosen up, have a bit of fun. I’m only messing with you.”

He then came down on top of me, his wet open mouth kissing my neck and I screamed, loudly.

Simon’s mouth was relentless, and I felt myself going dizzy.

Suddenly, the door came crashing open, but Simon was too busy trying to kiss me to notice. I yelled again and attempted to kick him, but his weight was suddenly lifted off me.

The relief I felt as Gabriel held Simon by the throat was immense and I pushed to my feet, straightening my top.

The veins were bulging in Gabriel’s neck as he shoved the smaller man up against the wall and placed his forearm against his throat.

“What the fuck were you thinking you little cunt!” Gabriel roared, pushing his arm further against Simon’s windpipe. I had never seen anyone so angry.

Simon was gasping for air as his supply was being cut off and I moved towards them, placing my hand on Gabriel’s shoulder to get him to stop.

“Please, I was only playing. Just fucking around.”