"I'm not a bad person."
"Yes you are, Troy. You are also more than that. You are a monster."
Everyone thought Troy was a monster. Even as a child. Davina felt the need to protect the broken. That was no different when she met Troy Otto.
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On the walk to dinner, Troy pointed out a few things like the infirmary, the artillery bunker, the area where militia trained, the crop fields and livestock, a barn that one of the older men here used as a distillery to make alcohol and a few bonfire pits nearby. He told me that this compound is fully self-sustaining. Everything is farm to table. They had electricity due to the solar panels that were installed pre-apocalypse. They also had a hydroponic greenhouse as a back up if the land ever became barren.
Jeremiah had really thought of every possible scenario.
We made it to the dining hall, which was almost entirely outdoors. There was a serving area backed up to what I assumed housed the kitchen, which was surrounded by outdoor seating. Somehow, I managed to lose Troy amongst the crowd but was able to find the end of the dinner line. I positioned myself behind some men that seemed to be around my age, not really paying them any attention as I searched the crowd for someone I recognized. As I scanned the crowd, someone stepped in front of me, blocking my view. He was so close that my nose practically touched his muscular chest, as he stared down at me.
"You must be new. I'm Cam, what is your name?" A smug little smirk tugged at his lips. He wasn't unattractive, but he was too cocky.
"Davina." I said passively as I stood on my tippy-toes to peer over his shoulder, still scanning the faces in the crowd.
"Well, Davina. We should meet up tonight. I could show you a really good time."
"No." I replied coldly, blowing him off entirely.
"Don't be a bitch. Hang out with us."
One of the men next to him spoke up, "Watch it dude, she belongs to Troy."
I couldn't help but laugh. "I don't belong to anyone. Especially Troy."
"Then be mine for the night."
"As if I would ever sleep with you." I backed away from him and my eyes narrowed.
"Fucking bitch." he grabs me by the wrist, squeezing tight enough to bruise, attempting to pull me closer to him.
"Let go. Now." I gritted through my teeth.
"And if I don't?" His tone was mocking.
Without hesitation, I spun him around, twisting his arm behind his back. Holding it there at an awkward position, I apply more pressure and he lets out a low pitch scream, drawing the attention of those around us. I kicked the back of his knees, dropping him down to the ground, giving me more height on him. I sense a presence behind me, hot breath against my neck and light hand brushing against my waist.
"What are you doing, Davina?" Troy's voice was low in my ear, barely above a whisper.
"Teaching this fucker not to put his hands on me." I pressed harder into Cam's arm, and he let out a yelp.
