Page 34 of Pain and Possession

Something wrong with him.

His lips find mine again, his tongue fucking the inside of my mouth passionately. The copper taste of his blood mixing with the coffee he drank just a little while ago. A moan slips from my throat before he releases my mouth, staying pinned on top. I feel my fight escape my body as his intense eyes bore into mine.

He means that.

"Just take me home, please." My voice comes out weak and pathetic. Very fitting of how I feel against a man like him, against any of them.

He frowns, whisking his finger over my lips, "Of course."

He stands up pulling me with him as he adjusts himself inside his pants. I can't even manage to feel excited as he leads me to his bike, a thrill I've been itching for since I was on it last.

It all feels much emptier now.

Chapter eight

Gifts

Idescendthestairsto my apartment, feeling just as empty and off kilter as I have the past week. Ever since he dropped me off. I ignore the dinging in my phone as another dozen texts from Noè filter through. Every time I block one number, he simply uses another, so I gave up on that endeavor. Even Googled how to disengage from a stalker, I'm currently on day two on the ignore it all technique. Cops aren't an option for the obvious I don't want to be murdered reason.

"Hey Olive! Can you come to the park with me?" Blake's small voice seems unusually bright. That alone is enough to bring a smile to my face.

"Uhm, I've got an hour before I need to be at work, so it won't be for very long."

His dimpled cheeks light up as he grabs my hand pulling me into the lobby. My mood immediately sours when yet another man dressed like he's attending a funeral steps into the lobby, his eyes focusing in on me. A large neatly wrapped box nestled in his arms like a damn baby.

Another gift.

"Send it back." I mumble as we walk past him, and I hug Blake tighter against me. He sighs deeply, this is his ninth trip here this week with various gifts.

"I was instructed to hand it to you directly or install it myself ma'am."

I stop, halfway out of the double doors.

Install?

"Fine, just give it here." I order letting go of Blake's hand, the kid eyeing the man suspiciously. Always on edge. I know what that's like and the fact that I'm currently contributing to it pisses me off.

The man hesitates for a moment, "Please don't throw this away, it's expensive and people are fighting in the stores over them."

I frown, "What is it?"

"The newest Xbox ma'am."

Blake gasps at my side, "You can't throw that away Olive! Please, please keep it!" I groan, tugging the bouncing child back up the steps to my apartment Xbox in hand. I promise Blake he can play with it when I'm at work tonight. I’d give to him if I didn’t know his stepdad would just pawn it. I smile down at the kid as we set off for the park. He seems much lighter than usual. I know that means his mom kicked Tom out again.

For their sake I hope it sticks this time.

I can't count on both hands the number of times I've called the cops or child services after listening to that disgusting man beat his wife. Tormenting and taunting Blake. He's a bully and an ugly one at that. I know all too well the damage caused to children brought up by violence by bullies just like him.

Blake cannot end up like me.

Olive Age Seven

"Olive dear can you stay back for a moment?"

I jump slightly at my desk at the sound of Mrs. Laments voice. I don't speak, only nodding in response. Something I can only get away with here. I watch as my classmates laugh and gossip to each other. Some giving me loaded looks for being held back again.

Please don't call my foster family, I'm doing my best.I swear I am.

---