Marcel's New Assistant

Chapter Sixteen: Four Months

-Alicia's P.O.V.-

Ben and I have been 'dating' for four months. The beatings got worse and he's taken pride in burning the word 'whore' into my lower back with the end of his cigarette last week.

He didn't let me out out of the house unless it was for work or to get him something.  He made me stay home and cook for him and clean up after him and be his personal 'cock slut'.

I still haven't told anyone. I've learned to cover up the bruises, cuts, and burns well. It was almost winter now and I had an excuse to wear a long sleeved, black turtle neck and black pants. I can't wear skirts without his permission and I despise being anywhere near him so, I just stick to pants.

I put on more concealer than I used to, it covers up the swelling. I have to wear lipstick or they'll see that it's split. Ben leaves for work before I do, so I put my boots on, coughing when I bent down; Ben kicked me particularly hard in the stomach this morning, and I left the house.

"Goodmorning, Mr. Styles." I mumbled. Ben doesn't like me being on a 'personal level' with Marcel, so I can't call him by his first name anymore.

"Goodmorning, Alicia..." I winced when he said my name. He worries about me. He always does. Just like Leeroy, Veronica and Jonny.

"Is there anything for me to do today, sir?" I asked softly, not making eye contact.

"Can you fax this, replace the ink in my printer and get me some coffee, please?" He's always so kind. Even when I don't talk to him anymore.

"Yes, sir." I turned quickly and coughed again, putting a hand on my stomach. That really hurts! But I have to do my job, so I shrugged it off and continued.

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After I did what I was told, I handed Marcel his coffee. He put down the cup, grabbed my arm and lifted my sleeve. 

I gasped, but didn't try to pull back my arm. I'm not going to pretend they aren't there. He saw the bruises and self-made cuts on my arm. There were about ten of them, I started last month.

-Marcel's P.O.V.-

I'm sitting here, holding Alicia's arm and I'm in shock. I gently traced the cuts on her wrist, feeling her flinch.

I looked up at her, and stood. I went to the door, locked it and drew the blinds. She looked at me with wide eyes and her mouth slightly agape.

I walked in front of her and pointed to the seat. "Sit." I said firmly. She did as she was told without hesitation.

I dragged my chair from behind my desk and sat in front of her. "Tell me what's going on, now. Do not lie to me because people don't self harm without a reason."

She kept her mouth closed and her fingers were twitching slightly. "Tell me, Alicia. You can trust me with anything, you know that..." I said softly.

She shook her head, tears brimming her eyes. I sighed. "Do you want me to get Ben so he can take you home?"

She flinched when I said Ben's name and shook her head again quickly. I furrowed my eyebrows and then looked at her with wide eyes.

It was then that I noticed the split lip beneath the lipstick. I reached out and lightly tugged at the neck of her sweater and saw bruises. I took her other arm and rolled down the sleeve, seeing more injuries. "Alicia. Stand up." She shook her head vigorously. "I'm not going to ask again." She quickly stood for me and I lifted her shirt up. I gasped when I when I saw all types of marks. I went around her and saw it.

'Whore'

It was burned into her skin with what looked like a cigarette butt.

I let out a deep and angry breath. "Alicia...is Ben doing this to you?"

"N-no!" She said quickly and looked down at the ground, trying to hide her panic-filled eyes.

"Alicia, don't lie to me about this. Is he doing this to you?" I ordered.

"H-he just gets angry, t-that's all!" I clenched my fists at my sides. "P-please, Marcel! I-it's not a big deal!"

"Not a big deal!?" I snapped at her. "The man is mutilating you! Why didn't you tell me!?" I was livid. I can't believe she didn't tell me.

"B-because I couldn't! He threatened me! He'll kill me! He said if I ever told anyone, he'd murder me! P-please, Marcel! I would have!" She sobbed. She started to cough loudly and she clutched her stomach. I was immediately by her side.

"What's the matter?" I asked worried.

"M-my stomach!" She cried out and coughed again. There was blood on the corner of her mouth and she wouldn't stop coughing.

(A/N: Oh shit! Marcel found out! What do you think is wrong with her? Lemme know! Until the next chappy, my darlings~!)