VIOLENCE.

Morning jumped on me suddenly. The sun kissed my eyes the moment I pinched them open; I realized I had fallen asleep in my dressing chair, still wrapped in my towel.

I jerked awake and rushed to the bathroom to wash my face. Tyler was already up when I returned.

"What happened to sleeping in the bed with me last night? Got a problem with sharing your skin with me?" Tyler sipped his coffee slowly while standing behind the kitchen counter.

I was halfway down the stairs when I caught his eyes on me. He froze me with that question before I could even reach the bottom.

I could see trouble in his gaze.

"No, I just fell asleep in the chair. I guess I was just tired. I’m sorry."

"Hmm."

He was shirtless, his muscles fully visible. I could easily trace the veins on both his hands. His Adam’s apple traveled up and down as he swallowed his coffee bit by bit.

If I hadn’t known who he really was, he would be someone easily crushed on.

He was sexy as hell. However, he had no soul.

I knew he had suspected my actions since yesterday, but he didn't know exactly what I was hiding.

"I’m going out in a few minutes; don’t go anywhere unless I tell you to. Don’t make me regret sparing your father’s life three years ago."

"Okay, but can I go see the doctor today? I don’t feel so good."

He moved away from the counter slowly until he reached the spot where I stood.

My head was bent, afraid to look him in the face. He tucked my hair behind my ears and forced my head up to look at him.

"You have been acting funny, and I don’t know why. I hope it’s just me over thinking. Yes, you can go see the doctor, but be back before noon. When I call the house, I want you to pick up to make sure you’re home. Got it?"

"Y-yes."

At that moment, I could see lust already clouding his eyes. He pulled me close to his chest and planted a kiss on my lips.

He gripped me and stripped away my gown.

He owned me; even when I didn't feel like having sex, he always had his way.

I didn't get to choose what I wanted in my life.

He bent me over the counter and seized my hair from behind.

Before I could say a word, he forced himself into me. I gave a painful, involuntary grunt at the first thrust.

He held my waist with his other hand and stroked so hard I felt like my body would break.

The grunts turned into moans, then into screams. He moved with a forceful, repetitive violence.

In less than five minutes, he was done. He groaned deeply as he finished. He withdrew and walked away from me as if he didn't even know who I was.

I was just his toy. Nothing else.

I sat on the kitchen floor, resting my back against the counter with my arms wrapped around my legs. My knees became a resting place for my face.

My eyes were teary and my hair looked as if I had survived a stampede.

I was still on the floor, sobbing silently, when I heard his footsteps coming back down the stairs; he was dressed and ready to go.

"Be back before noon," he instructed, and quickly left through the front door.

I was left behind in the big house, which felt quieter than a graveyard. At least people visit graves; no one came here.

I sluggishly picked myself up and climbed the stairs to wash and get ready to see the "doctor."

It was already 8:00 AM.

I ran a quick shower. I had no time to dwell on my already miserable life; I forced my mind to stay focused only on the way forward.

I put on a dress that exposed my shoulders, dried my hair, and brushed it back for a simple look. I grabbed my dark shades and my purse.

I had no time for a skincare routine, but I made sure to use deodorant; I could not afford not to.

***

"Hi Nathan. Please, could you help me tell Tyler that I came to see you earlier today? Obviously I didn't, but cover for me, please?"

I called Nathan, our doctor, as soon as I started driving. Nathan had been extremely loyal to Tyler until we became friends; he became someone I could talk to, someone who offered pity, unlike my husband.

"Okay, I’ve got you. Just stay safe wherever you’re going and stay out of trouble."

"I will, Nathan. Thanks!" My voice rang out with excitement as the call ended.

Jane’s house was just a few kilometers away. I had saved her ass countless times at the bar where we worked three years ago.

I hoped she would return the favor now that I needed it; especially with the big plan brewing in my mind.

Tyler must never find out.

I sped off again after the light turned green.