Page 8 of Bozo

“Why?” he asks. “We’re just about to have fun.” His grip on my shoulders is hard and heavy as he steers me toward the bedroom.

My heart starts to pound and fear crawls up my spine. I need to get out of here, I try to pull away from him, but can’t, he’s too strong, and my body is so shaky and unlike my own that I can barely stand.

“I want to find Connor,” I stammer. “Please.”

His laughter is cold and sends chills throughout my body. “You’re not going anywhere,” he says thickly, his words filled with anger. “You’re a little cock tease, Gráinne. You think you can flirt with me and then leave without giving me what I want. You’ve another think coming.”

My heart races as panic sets in. This isn't the Anthony I thought I knew. His grip tightens, and I struggle to break free, but my limbs feel heavy and uncoordinated.

"Please, Anthony, let me go," I plead, my voice barely above a whisper.

He ignores my protests, pushing me toward the bedroom door. I try to dig my heels in, but my body won't cooperate. Tears spring to my eyes as I realize how helpless I am.

Suddenly, a familiar voice cuts through the haze. "Get your fucking hands off her."

Connor. Relief washes over me as I hear his angry growl.

Anthony's grip loosens slightly as he turns to face Connor. "Mind your own business, Connor. This doesn't concern you."

In a blur of movement, Connor's fist connects with Anthony's jaw. The impact sends Anthony staggering backward, releasing me. I stumble, my legs giving out, but Connor catches me before I hit the ground.

"I told you I'd keep you safe, Sunshine," Connor murmurs, his arms steady around me. To Anthony, he snarls, "If you ever come near her again, I'll do more than bruise your face. Understand?"

Anthony glares at us, rubbing his jaw, but says nothing as he slinks away.

Connor turns his attention back to me, his eyes filled with concern. "Christ, Grá, what did he give you? Can you walk?"

I shake my head, still struggling to form words. "I don't... I can't..."

"It's alright, I've got you," he says, scooping me up into his arms. As he carries me out of the party, I rest my head against his chest, feeling safe for the first time since I arrived.

"I'm sorry," I mumble. "I should've stayed home."

Connor's arms tighten around me. "Don't you dare apologize, Sunshine. This isn't your fault. That bastard... He'll pay for this, I swear."

As we step out into the cool night air, I close my eyes, the world still spinning. "Take me home, Con," I whisper.

"Not to your house," he says firmly. "You can't go back there like this. We're going to mine. Mam will know what to do."

I want to argue, to insist that I need to check on Dad, but I'm too tired, too scared. For once, I let myself be taken care of, trusting Connor to make the right decision.

As he carries me down the quiet streets, I cling to him, grateful for his presence, for his protection. Maybe he's right. Maybe I am too soft. But right now, I'm just thankful to have him by my side.

"Thank you," I murmur, my words slurring together as exhaustion takes over.

"Always, Grá," he whispers, pressing a kiss to my head. “I’ve always got you.”

FOUR

BOZO

I’m beyond fucking pissed. That motherfucker should never have tried to hurt Grá. No one hurts her. I won’t let them. I wish I could get her dad to stop, but that fucker weighs around three-hundred pounds and is over six-foot-three. The man’s drunk as a skunk constantly.

“Where are you off to?” Dad snarls as I head toward the front door.

I’m planning on finding Anthony. That motherfucker had planned on raping Gráinne. I know he did. The fucker drugged her and tried dragging her to the bedroom. I’ll be fucking damned if I let him get away with that shit. He’s lucky I didn’t kill him earlier, but Grá needed my help. Right now, she’s fast asleep in my bed. Mam was already asleep when we came home and Dad was busy doing fuck knows what.

I pause at the door, my hand on the knob. "Out," I growl, not turning to face him.

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