Page 27 of Retribution

You’d think after everything we’d been through, it would have been that he is distraught in emotion that I was leaving him, he wouldn’t care about trying to grip me within his claws. His concerns resided in the logistics, where am I going to live, how do we split our finances, the apartment. The last thing on his mind was the hurt he’d caused me.

It was almost like another kick to the gut, the final moment where my warm beating heart turned to solid ice, for good. No more feelings, no more love and relationships.

I’m truly becoming everything I never wanted to be, emotionless and helpless. But, I can’t allow myself to become so vulnerable again, the indescribable amount of pain I’m suffering with has only proved, I am on my own.

You’d think, losing the relationship with my parents would have built me up enough to deal with this kind of trauma.

Nope. Still hurts like a bitch.

Sliding the black silk dress over my head, I pull it down to a comfortable position, admiring the way it compliments my figure. I slip on a pair of Nina’s black strappy heels, lacing them up to mid-calf.

Glancing at myself in the mirror, my eyes focus on my hair, tied up in its usual neat bun. I shake my head as I yank the hair tie from my hair, letting my natural waves settle around my shoulders. Messing with it for a minute or two, I decide it’s good enough.

As I wait for my Uber, I finish off the rest of the bottle of wine, feeling the buzz of the alcohol in my system

Not forgetting my clutch, I exit the Uber.

The numerous buildings light up the streets with their flashing neon signs. The city is stunning at night-time, it breathes life. It feels strange to not have someone by my side, guiding the way. Instead, every decision from now on is purely my own.

Lucky and independent me.

The cute bar across the street appeals to me the most, the blinking ‘Rolling Stones’ logo has caught my attention, small tables line up on the sidewalk outside.

Glancing left and right for clear traffic, I walk over to the other side of the road, pushing open the heavy glass door.

I check out the busy room, looking for a seat. A bustle of commotion draws me away from my search, maybe I’ve picked the wrong bar?

A guy, in an expensive looking suit, has his back to me whilst a larger guy towers over him. The conversation they are having looks extremely heated, I think its best if I get myself out of here, before this escalates.

As I begin to turn back towards the exit, the suited man turns and squares up to the bigger guy, revealing his full profile.

Oh god.

Reed Breckenridge?

The muscular guy begins to raise his arm up and before I can stop myself, my instinct claims hold of me, and the alcohol.

Darting forward, I cry out, “STOP! He’s with me!”

Both men stop, turning towards me in annoyance that I had interrupted their battle.

Reed’s eyes rake over my entire body, almost in disbelief.

“Indie, what are–”

“Come on hon, let’s get you home.”

He’s blatantly intoxicated and not thinking clearly, judging by the strong smell of alcohol coming from his breath.

If he thought I’d leave him to get beaten up, he’s wrong.

Allie would never forgive me for letting her, soon to be, ex-husband get into some kind of bar brawl whilst she’s in the hospital.

He has Willow to prioritize.

Pulling him towards me, I place my arm around his waist and he doesn’t resist.

I mutter some apologies to the staff and other customers on our way out of the bar, using all of my weight to keep Reed steady.

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