Page 72 of A Love Like Venom

But I may be wishing on a burning star, one that has already fulfilled a wish of another.

Perhaps my nights are now an endless sky of black. The stars only showing as an illusion. All my wishes drifting in a dark abyss trying to catch a small slither of light.

Raising my glass of water, I knock back two ibuprofen. Although the pills are small it still hurts to swallow.

The bruising around my throat has grown more prominent. No one can mistake the fingerprints.

I don't even have to be reminded of them by looking in a mirror. Every time that I go to move my head I can feel the stiffness in my neck.

It's the worst when I try to eat. Then my bruised jaw aches when I open it.

The reality is my whole body trembles with pain and my mind is exhausted.

Sitting at the small dinner table I stare at the uneaten peanut butter and jelly sandwich. My stomach growls with hunger but I can't bring myself to eat anything.

Most of the food I do eat comes back up again.

Remembering his hands on me, his finger inside of me only makes me want to throw up. It happens after every time that I eat.

I am just so tired of it all.

For one night I can allow myself to feel defeated. To dwell in self pity.

But tomorrow . . . tomorrow is a new day.

Tomorrow I'll be stronger. Just not tonight.

Tonight, I need to feel everything and stop suppressing my emotions.

I'm about to pick up the sandwich and try to take a bite when I hear rapid knocking on the trailer door.

My heart rate immediately skyrockets as fear keeps me prisoner.

Releasing a shaky breath, I try to talk myself out of the horrible scenarios playing in my head.

It doesn't mean Razor is at that door.

It doesn't mean any member of The Crowned Devils MC are at the door.

It doesn't mean someone is at that door to cause me harm.

As I talk myself down from what feels like a panic attack, I feel my heart rate settle. My body is no longer locked with fear. I'm even finding it to breathe easier.

Come on, Alice. You grew up in Hollows Point there is nothing to fear.

The knocking continues except it's growing louder. Fists pounding against the door urgently.

Snatching a knife from the kitchen drawer I walk slowly towards the door. I keep my footsteps light so the person on the other side can't hear me coming.

Not sure it matters anyways because they're knocking so loud.

As I approach the door I see it rattling. If I don't answer at this rate the door is going to come off its hinges. And I can't have that. Not after everything that happened last night.

Here goes nothing.

Gripping the knife in my hand I open the door slightly. With half of my face peeking out I come face to face with the last person I thought I would ever see.

An involuntary gasp leaves my mouth before I can stop it. The knife that I was once holding like my life depended on it falls to the ground besides me.

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