Page 10 of Silenced

So, she’s feeling brave…

Our gazes meet.

Hold.

Fear has been replaced by surprise.

Something deadly, toxic—wild—pummels at my insides, demanding to be released.

Mine.

I don’t even realize that my lips form the word and that I noiselessly utter it out loud. I just see her face pinch and blanch.

I’ve saved her.

Mine.

I will keep her.

MINE.

Iwillprotect her.

M.I.N.E.

No one will hurt her.

Ever.

Again.

And that’s when she vomits.

2

CASSIE

Space Cowgirl - Tanerelle

* * *

The first time I stir,the only thing I know is that my head is throbbing.

My ex-husband has drugged me on enough occasions that I know this is the start of the comedown from hell.

Because of that, I get a sense of danger as he looms over me. The panic only makes my heart pound harder and has me retreating into myself where no one can hurt me.

Where no one can touch me.

Then, my head naturally tumbles to the side, leading to a pain knifing through my temples like no other. Swiftly, I’m drawn to the brink of unconsciousness.

Nausea swirls inside me even then, and I lean onto my side so that I can be sick.

I don’t care that Harvey slaps me when I puke, Ihaveto vomit. I just have to.

Anticipating the bitter discomfort that stirs at being backhanded, instead, I hear the softest of grunts.

Then, the fingers I expected to feel marking my cheek smooth over my jaw and up to my hair. Even in this state, I expect Harvey to grab me by the ponytail he’s made with his hand and to yank me across the room to the bathroom, but he doesn’t.

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