Page 45 of Pain and Possession

Please stop. Please.

"You're so ugly you should be fucking grateful I want you at all." I flinch, willing the universe to stop this. Willing his parents to come home.Whatever pleas, deals and negotiations I tried to make with whatever higher power goes unheard as the shower door slides open. The last shred of hope I clung to evaporating alongside the steam trapped inside.

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Habits of my Heart by James Young

Noè

My patience runs a shred too thin as she stands there, ignoring me. A frustrated growl leaves my throat. I shove off the bathroom door ready to make good on my promise. How does she not understand that I need to scrub him from her skin?Olive's eyes go wide as she meets mine, the fear in them makes my stomach curdle. I grip her arm, making her flinch. The strong-willed exterior crumbling away for a moment as she pulls in on herself making my heart sputter.

"Tell me what's wrong. Right now."

"I would rather shower alone." She whispers, her beautiful amber eyes reflecting a look I know all too well. I grew up with that haunted expression. Etched onto my mother's face.

A sick feeling in my gut builds, doubling down on itself as I fight the urge to jerk her inside anyway. Make her see that it's okay, that she's safe with me. I reach up slowly, cupping her face in my hands. Caressing her skin as if she's made from porcelain.

My perfect little doll, if someone hurt you, I will make them pay with an ounce of flesh for every time their hands touched your delicateskin.

"Wait here."

She frowns swaying on her feet, still drunk as I head into my closet. Not bothering to flick on the overhead light. I've got my house memorized to the inch; I can easily navigate it in the dark if I should need to.Her frown deepens as I step out, fully dressed in sweatpants and a long-sleeved t-shirt.

"You didn't have to do that; it's your house just go first."

I smirk at her as I pick her up gently carrying her to the shower, she doesn't argue as I peel her from the flimsy black dress she's wearing. The visual of that man's mouth on her waging war with the part of me that wants to care for Olive.I open the shower door helping her step in on wobbly legs before slowly stepping in behind her. She sucks in a sharp breath.

"If you want me to stop, all you need to do is say the word and I'm gone Olive. Tell me you understand."

She picks at her chipped black nails nervously. Her eyes everywhere but on me as she nods, stepping back into the water. I grab my sponge from the rack wetting it, the back of my hand brushing against her warm stomach as I do.

A simple touch. I'll start small until you feel safe.

I lather the sponge in my body wash, loving the idea of her smelling like me. Of course, I bought her products of her own for my house, but I much prefer this.

Olive is mine, my love. It's my responsibility to care for her, this is a part of that. I'll take whatever burden she carries; whatever pain weighs her down.I'll take it all and cherish every broken part.

It doesn’t matter how much seeing them hurt me or how furious I am right now, this is a pain I can’t bare to see on her face. I open my palm letting her place her small arm in it as I gently and slowly scrub her skin. Watching the water run pink with blood. Working my way up until I hit her chest. I meet her eyes, watching for signs she's not okay with my touch. She lets out a shaky breath as I wash down her breasts. Kneeling in front of her as I work onto her stomach. She reaches out quickly capturing the wet fabric of my shirt as I near her sex. I feel rage push through my veins, my fear confirmed as tears well in her eyes.

They will pay for that Olive. I swear to you.

"You're getting soaked." She whispers, her chest rising and falling quickly.

"I don't mind. Shall I continue?"

She looks away shaking her head. My heart drops as I go to stand her sharp nails digging into my shoulder keeping me on my knees. I'm careful not to react to the pain, regardless of how good it feels, how painfully gorgeous she looks dripping with soap and water.

That's not what she needs from me right now.

I slip my hand between her legs letting her open them for me as I gently wash her there. Her pink sex swollen from earlier, forgoing the sponge and using my hand to wash the name carved into her thigh.

My name.

She seems to dissolve into the water as I move farther down her legs. Letting her steady herself on me as I wash her feet."I'll get my back." She says softly, not meeting my eyes. Her smooth cheeks flushed. I stand, tugging her tightly to me. Her adorable nose pressing into my chest as she nestles in tighter.

I know this peace between us is short lived, as soon as she's sober, she'll go back to hating me. So I'll soak up every minute I can.

"Never be embarrassed Olive. Not around me."

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