Page 3 of Drowning

one

Black Eyes

E m e r s o n (22)

Six months later— June

Igently pat the foundation onto my skin, concealing the bruise around my eye as much as possible. A touch of black eyeshadow and a thick line of eyeliner make the bruise less noticeable. But I can't hide the bruises covering my body—my clothes will have to do that.

However, wearing a hoodie and leggings in the summer makes it difficult to avoid questions. Especially from Eli, Seven,and Kane. They understand Damon's situation, but they also recognize that there is more to the story.

As I stand up from my vanity, the bedroom door opens, and Damon enters in wet swim trunks. He locks the door and rushes over, a chilling look in his eyes.

"Hey, baby. I've missed you," he says, pulling me close to him, my body smacking against his wet chest.

"I've missed you too, babe," I reply with a forced smile, hoping he doesn't see through my facade.

He kisses me passionately and rubs his hands over my aching body, pushing me toward the bed. He hovers above me, tearing down my leggings with one hand and a wild expression in his eyes.

"Show me how much you missed me," he demanded, biting the side of my neck hard.

"I'm not feeling it, Damon, but I still missed you," I respond hesitantly, forcing another painful smile.

"Nice try. If you really missed me, you would let me fuck you. What the fuck are you hiding?" He glares at me and grabs my throat, cutting off my airflow. His paranoia is disturbing, but I refuse to show fear in my eyes.Not anymore.

"Damon, I really miss my parents."

"They are fucking gone, Em. There's nothing you can do, so you might as well get on your fucking knees. I'll make you feel better," he says sternly, pulling his pistol out as if to scare me.

The look in his eyes tells me he's dead serious. I reluctantly turn onto my stomach and rise to my knees, bracing myself for what lies ahead. He approaches me from behind and enters me forcefully, causing searing pain to spread throughout my body. I bite my lip to keep from crying, his grip still tight on my throat.

"If you deny me again, you are going to fucking regret it," he growls. “You'remyfucking girlfriend, so I can fuckyou whenever I want."Thrust. "Do you fucking understand?"Another thrust.

"Yes, Damon," I say, catching my breath and closing my eyes, wishing it would end.

"And if you even consider leaving me, you will end up like your parents," he says in a chillingly calm tone, sending a shiver down my spine. "And I'mdeadfucking serious."

I struggle to hold back my tears as he continues to use me, his threats echoing in my mind. I feel shattered, but I know I have to stay strong.

Once he is gone and the room is quiet, I wipe away my tears and take a deep breath. The suffocating fear that has consumed my life is more damaging than the bruises on my body. But I am too terrified to leave.

I descend the stairs, dressed in a cozy hoodie and black leggings, fingers crossed that the house is empty. However, just as I get to the bottom of the stairs, Seven is waiting for me in the foyer.

As I turn to walk away from him, I try to avoid him by keeping my head down, but his deep voice stops me cold.

"It's hot ashelloutside, Princess. Why are you dressed for winter?" His voice contains a hint of anger, but he does not raise it.

I return to face him, hoping my makeup has not been smudged by my tears. "All I wanted was to be comfortable. The AC makes itfreezingin here," I reply, hoping he believes me.

"Right... Well, are we ever going to talk about what happened between us the night of your parents' funeral?" As he speaks, he moves closer.

Knowing that this conversation was bound to happen, I freeze. I was hoping it would happen later rather than sooner.

He holds my waist, gently pressing me against the wall and studying my face intently, his surfer boy physique so close to mine. "I meant what I said, Emerson." He kisses my cheek and walks away as my brother turns the corner, saying, "You deserve better than that asshole."

"Emerson, I didn't know you were here," Eli exclaims, giving me a look of intrigue as he watches Seven disappear.

"Yeah, but I'm leaving for a bit. I'm going to take my bike out." Riding has always made me feel relaxed. The sensation of the wind blowing through my hair and the vibrations of the bike throughout my body make me feel alive.

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