“Why don’t you give me a private show while we wait?” He pushes me to the steps, causing me to fall onto them. I grab my ribs, instantly cringing with the sharp pain.
I look up at him…pleading eyes staring at him. “Please don’t make me do this Drake…” I beg. Hating myself for it instantly. I try to pull myself up, holding onto the hard steps for support.
He takes his hands out of his pockets, taking hold of a chair and places it in front of the stage, dead centre to the pole.
Sitting down; his legs slightly apart, his hands clasp together in front of him, balancing his elbows on his knees…. Sitting, waiting for a show. He looks at me for a moment, one that warns me….my body quivers with that look…. I fight against the agony and pull myself to my feet, taking each step heavy. My heart breaks with each one as I reach the stage floor.
I close my eyes for a moment, frozen in place. Taking a deep breath, I concentrate on the beat of the music. I open my eyes again and look in his direction, digging as deep as I can for a tiny bit of strength…. Fighting against all the pain and the tears. Holding my head high I strut to the pole wrapping my hands around it, clinging to it for both support and courage.
I lean my back against the pole, staring into his eyes as he watches on. Sliding my back down it, I play to his weakness. Standing up slowly I grab hold high and with every fibre of strength in my body wrap my leg up it high lifting my whole-body upside down, curling my legs around it for support…. I stretch out my arms to the side. My body screaming at me to stop, but I can’t.
The lights in the background make it hard to focus on his reaction. Grabbing hold quickly, I spin myself around and down the pole to a standing position. I breathe against the pain, letting the song in the background be my faint escape, drifting myself back to the lessons so harshly taught, twisting, and flying around in the air as the beat takes over.
The problem with pole dancing is usually it requires a huge amount of upper body strength. It took me a long time to perfect myself. Even though I was forced to, I had to admit you gain a sense of power. It’s an art form, and one that takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Back then I had to keep myself fit and healthy, taking extra gymnastics lessons from one of the regular girls, and when Drake left me alone at the house, I would work out in his gym to build up my strength. As much as I hated it, I was dedicated to it…. just to make him happy.
Finishing the routine, I stop dead on the stage as he stands up, clapping his hands slowly. “Well done…see it’s like you have never been away.”
Sweat drips from my body and my breathing is fast… the pain in my ribs more intense now, I slowly walk back to the steps, each one more agonising than the last. He waits at the bottom for me, holding out his hand for mine.
I push his hand out of the way, turning my back to him, and strut slowly back to the chair. “This change’s nothing, Drake.” I cross my arms over my chest, taking a seat.
“And what did you exactly think would happen here Evvie?” He looks at me curiously while pulling the other chair back in front of me.
“We both know I’m walking out of here tonight.” I cross one leg over the other slowly, still breathless, but holding my chin up high. I know showing him confidence will piss him off.
“Is that so? And what gives you that impression?”
I study his reaction for a moment. Taking my time. “You know there is no way I will ever stay with you…. I was never your property. That was the problem, wasn’t it? You just couldn’t control me.”
His arms cross over his chest as he leans back in the chair. “Is that so?”
“Yeah it is. No matter how many times you locked me away, beat me…. punished me. I just kept getting back up.” I pause for a moment, calming my erratic heart. “It took me a hell of a long time to realise it, and I learned the fucking hard way.”
He is lost for words, no smart response, no punishment for standing up for myself. Nothing.
As I stood on the stage moments ago and watched his face as I danced around, he was just like everyone else…. Led by one thing, his mind running black when a woman is in control. That’s exactly how I feel right now.
I cling on to the tiny thread of hope. Praying for my nightmare to be over.
I spent so long hiding from him, scared he would find me, but here I am, anyway. Beaten, degraded, and locked up in his company. While the man I love…. I feel tears creeping once again. The man I love is racing against the clock to save me…not knowing the danger he is walking into.
I feel my lip quiver at the thought of Marcus. My heart aches for him. To hold his head once again, to feel his strong arms wrap around me keeping me safe… the vision of him fresh in my mind, lying face down on the floor, my whole word shattered in that moment – time stood still as I was dragged past him, leaving him behind.
I replay those moments over in my head. I was talking to Jensen on the phone and dropped it to the floor…. maybe he heard what happened…. maybe he contacted someone... the police maybe. I cling onto the hope that my hell here would be over soon, but at what cost? My body’s already broken; how long can my mind withstand his torture?
“You’re wrong, Evvie. Your fight is the one thing I always admired about you.” I break from my thoughts with his words, confused. “It was easy to make your body submit itself to me instantly, but your mind... that took a little longer. To convince you just how worthless your life was; that took time and dedication but no matter how much I tried I just couldn’t break that spirit.”
His admission sends a ripple of fear through me, the memories of how easily I handed myself over, how desperate for attention I was. I close my eyes, letting the built-up tears roll down my cheeks, my body aching and almost spent. I have no more words for him…no more fight left.
He stands up, taking a step towards me and takes hold of my chin harshly, forcing me to look him in the eyes. “I know just how to break that spirit of yours.” He smirks at me with a devilish look on his face, devious and dark.
I just stare into his eyes, not giving him the satisfaction. I won’t beg for anything from him.
“As soon as the lovely Marcus arrives, I’ll prove just how hard a heart can be broken…” He lets go of my face laughing.
“No!” I let out a deep scream, one that erupts from the pit of my stomach. “You fucking bastard.” I jump up from the chair, lunging forward at him, pain retching through my bones, but it’s no use. He grabs my arms before I have time to even touch him. Forcing me back into the chair. Smiling to himself as he pulls my arms back round the chair, holding them in place as he leans in, his breath burning the skin on my neck.
“I told you, Evvie. I know just how to break you.” His lips touch my skin, like daggers to the heart, I shudder at the touch.
His attention is broken; his head shoots up towards the door.
My eyes dart in the same direction and I focus on the figure slowing opening the door, my vison blurring in one eye, but I know who it is….
I can feel my heart racing.
My breathing hitches as I stare into his eyes.
A weight bears down on me as Drake places his hands on my shoulders, holding me in place.
My heart breaks.
Tears pour from my eyes like hot lava, burning my cheeks.
“No!” I beg the figure…pleading.
“Marcus!” I shout with a scratchy throat, the words burning.
I watch in slow motion as he enters the room, the door slams shut making me jump. Sitting in the chair, I scream out to him, beg him with my eyes. I see the pain in his…. his expression harrowing.
The air thickens around the three of us as Marcus takes another step forward coming into the light fully, his fist clenched tight by his side, a bitter look spread across his face. I notice the bloodstain on the collar of his t-shirt. “Let her go!” he demands through gritted teeth; I’ve never heard such anger in his tone. He looks as though he is capable of ripping any man in two.
My hammeri
ng heartbeat is the only sound I can hear, bellowing round the room as Marcus looks past Drake to me, my body sinking deep into the chair when he whispers a deep sorry with his eyes.
“I said let her go!” He takes another step forward, his chest raising and falling slowly…. calm, but deep.
I feel Drakes hold on my shoulders relax as he removes them and steps in front of me, calmly placing his hands deep in his pockets. “No, I don’t think I want to just yet,” he teases.
Marcus takes another step forward, his breathing harsh against his chest. Drake mimics his movements and my heart quickens as the two stare at each other silently. In the blink of an eye Marcus lunges forward, rushing towards Drake with a darkness burning in his eyes. I watch on in horror as he grabs hold of Drake by his shirt, pulling him closer to him. “And what makes you think you have a choice?” He pulls his hand back, throwing it forward into Drake’s jaw. I jump at the sound of his knuckles connecting with his face, his hold loose enough to send Drake back a step. Holding his chin, Drake stands up firm, laughing.
“Pathetic.” Drake smirks, spitting the blood out on the floor in front of him. Marcus, now standing inches away from me, backs himself up slowly in my direction, holding his hand out behind him for mine, his eyes not leaving Drakes as he creeps forward.
Once his skin touches mine, he turns around, pulling me to my feet, and I hold on tight to his t-shirt. He pulls me close to his chest, holding me for a moment before his lips press on my forehead. “I’m so sorry, baby.” His tone pleads with me. Like all this was his fault. The fact is, he wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my mess.
“Aaaww, now isn’t this sweet? The lover’s reunion,” Drake interrupts the moment. “Shame it won’t last.” He slowly reaches into his pocket, smiling at us both. “Never underestimate your enemies Evvie, you should know that.”
I stumble back a little when he removes his hand from his pocket, now holding a gun. A terrified cry escapes my lungs as I hold on tighter to Marcus while he pushes me behind him, protecting me.
He points it between the two of us, almost like he is choosing which one to shoot first, my heart crashes against my chest like waves on the rocks. Adrenaline courses through my veins and I step forward, releasing myself from the hold Marcus has on me. I can hear my heart thudding against my chest.
“Come on, then Drake.” I taunt him, holding my arms up.
He turns his attention to me, pointing the gun from the distance. “Now Evvie, you know me better than that.” He tuts at me. “Why would I waste a perfectly good bullet on you? But if I shoot him….”
The gun is now pointing at Marcus. I follow its direction and now it’s me standing in the middle of the two. “So, shoot him, then what? You think I’m going to run into your arms? You’re delusional.” I laugh at him. Looking over my shoulder for a moment, entwining my fingers in Marcus’ the warm feeling setting my skin alight, I try to give him a reassuring smile, silently telling him I know what I’m doing.
“I’m already dead inside thanks to you Drake, there is nothing left for you to damage.” I hold tighter onto the hand holding mine. “I’m not afraid of you anymore!”
I stand confident, cold and in agony but still confident against his hold.
Drake takes a deep worrying breath, and everything runs in slow motion. Moving the gun slowly back to me, I watch…. waiting.
I watch the bullet leave the barrel of the gun, the echo of the shot ringing through the air as firm hands push hard against my side, shoving me to the floor. I hear the sound of a loud thud to the side of me.
I take a deep breath as time speeds up. I feel no pain. I realise I had been pushed out the way before the bullet hit. Sitting up, I turn to look, dazed.
“NNOO!!” A bloodcurdling scream escapes me as I watch Marcus on the floor, his back to me…. his white t-shirt now turning red.
“Marcus,” I rush to his side, pulling him into my lap. “Marcus please…… please.” I inspect the source of the blood and press my hand firmly against his shoulder. Thankful it wasn’t a fatal shot and just in the shoulder, his hand reaches up and presses against my cheek.
“Why did you do that?” I ask him through tear-soaked lashes. Panic ripples through.
He pulls me in closer to him, his lips touching mine. “Because I love you.”
“I love you too,” I whisper against his ear, my heart pounding against my chest as the words echo through us both. I love him. Such futile words whispered into the ears of so many lovers, but right here and now it’s an undying declaration.
What should have been a moment of happiness is darkened by the shadow that now stands behind me. I turn around and look over my shoulder at him. Rage builds up inside me at the smile that’s sprayed across his face. The man standing before me haunted my life, ruined the person I was, and almost killed the man I love.
Slowly I sit Marcus up, lifting his free hand onto his wound. Blood covers my hands and legs and as I stand, my whole body shakes with anger. I don’t speak when my fists clench and in the blink of an eye I lunge forward, pushing hard against Drake's chest, knocking him back.
“You fucking monster!” I grit my teeth, watching him stumble to keep his balance, smiling to myself when the gun flies from his hand across the floor.
Our eyes meet for a split second and I know we are both thinking the same thing. My chest aches, my heart is beating that fast, I can feel my pulse rising against my skin.
I glance at the gun quickly and then back to Drake.
Time stands still.
With a sharp breath I rush forward diving onto the floor praying to the gods I’m quicker than him as he does the same. I grab hold tight and take hold of the small black handgun. Rolling onto my back I point it at Drake who stops dead in his tracks.
I let out a deep breath as shock washes over his face.
“What are you going to do, Evvie? Shoot me?” He holds his hands up and lets out a laugh, but I can tell he is nervous, looking over his shoulder to see if anyone would come and help him.
I look over at Marcus sitting on the floor, and he shakes his head at me. “No Evvie, don’t.” A begging look all over his face. I slowly stand up, the gun pointing at Drake with every movement I make. It’s heavier that I thought it would be and my hands begin to sweat against the handle. Standing in front of the man that ruined my life I feel a sense of bravery holding his life in my hands.
Marcus stumbles to his feet and steps behind me. I feel his warmth against my shivering skin, his hand still pressed firmly against his wound. “Give me the gun, Evvie,” he whispers against my ear. My arms are becoming strained against the pressure of holding the weapon out straight in front of me, my shoulders aching.
“Yeah, Evvie, listen to lover boy,” Drake scoffs at me and my blood boils over once again.
I take a step forward, tightening my grip and steadying my hand with the other. My eyes burn into his. My breathing slows as I try to focus myself, digging deep for all the reasons why I shouldn’t. Right now, I can’t think of a single one.
I look over my shoulder to Marcus again and he shakes his head…. begging me. It’s too late. Every painful memory floods forward and my hand grips tighter.
“Give me one reason why I shouldn’t.” I take a step forward, a threatening tone in my voice.
I drown out every sound around me, focusing on just his voice waiting for his response. I watch as he tilts his head to the side, examining my fingers that rest on the trigger. My insides scream at me to end it all now.
“You don’t have it in you, Evvie. You were born weak, and you will die weak!” I shudder as his words cut through me. “You’re just a pathetic little girl who’s screaming for attention.”
He digs his hand deep in his pockets, a smirk on his face.
“You can’t hurt me anymore Drake.” My finger squeezes the trigger just a little and a sense of ownership sparks inside of me.
Tonight, I thought my life was over. I thought I had lost the man I love….
all my hatred and pain now fresh and seeking revenge. Every bone in my body aches, and my shoulder begins to strain against holding the gun for this length of time. I close my eyes taking a deep breath and slowly begin to lower my hand, only slightly but enough for Drake to step forward.
“I told you!” He is inches away from me, almost in touching distance. “You’re pathetic.”
I take another breath, looking down at my hands shaking and covered in blood, I let out a sigh. Squeezing hard against the trigger, I feel the release.
Everything runs black when my shoulder jolts back.
I don’t hear the loud bang this time; don’t hear Marcus shouting out to me.
I watch as Drakes body drops to the floor.
All I hear is Drakes last breath…fading. I watch the pool of blood soak his shirt, his hand pressed against his heart. His chest rises one last time.
I hold my breath, waiting, my heart aching with despair.
I jump when Marcus presses his hand on my shoulder; he winces against the pain when I wrap my arms around his shoulders.
“It’s ok Evvie.” He brushes his hand down my back.
I look over at Drake, still laying on the floor. “Is he…?” I can’t say the word. I’m drowning in emotions.
He releases me from his hold and walks over to where Drake lays motionless on the floor. Pressing two fingers on his neck, he waits silently for a moment before looking into my eyes and nods.
A small cry escapes me. What have I done?
How could I take another person’s life? A single tear trickles down my cheek.
My eyes dart to the door as it creeps open slowly, footsteps echo through the air. Marcus rushes to my side, holding me tight as the figure comes to light.
Anger courses through me once more, I hold out the gun straight in front of me, taking a deep breath.
“Daniel.” I whisper across the room.
Breathe Page 15