Bless the Broken Road.

Chapter Eighteen

That evening at the rehearsal dinner, everything was going perfectly with the practices of the speeches and where people would sit. At the front table there would be Emmett, Frances, Ms Gilbert, Mr Peabody, Damon and Frances's cousin, Maggie. Emmett was wearing an old suit his father had and he was in the midst of his speech when Chris took Taylor to one side. Taylor flinched when he grabbed her wrist and tried to pull her wrist free but Chris had a tight grip. He lead her towards a small corridor and slightly pushed her against the yellowed wall. Taylor held her breath and looked at the ground. Chris was scaring her and he was never like this normally. Chris put his other hand out to support himself on the wall as he leant into the personal space of Taylor. His eyes were menacing and he was acting more terrifying than he did that morning. His Hugo Boss cologne seeped through his clothes. "Chris, stop. You're hurting me." Taylor whimpered as she tried to loosen Chris's grip. He ignored her and tightened his grip. He wanted Taylor. She whimpered and gasped in pain and shock at him as he tightened. Fresh tears came into her eyes and slowly rolled down her face. Chris softened and said coolly, "Don't cry. I just don't like the way that Emmett looks at you. It's not right." Taylor flinched at his sudden change in tone. She still stared at the ground until Chris lifted his hand and put it under her chin and forced her to look at him. Taylor pushed him off her. "What the hell is your problem? What did I ever do to you?" Taylor scoffed as she turned to walk away. Chris caught her arm and almost threw her against the wall and forced a kiss on her. Taylor was absolutely disgusted at Chris's behaviour and pushed him off her again. Smack. Her hand shot up to her cheek. The sharp stinging pain of a slap. Chris had just slapped her. Pushing past Chris, Taylor ran back to the hall, crying.

Taylor ran past Emmett, who had gone to find both Chris and Taylor, and almost bumped into him. He saw the fresh tears and stopped her. Pulling her into his arms and hushed her. Taylor rested her head on his chest and heard his heartbeat beneath her ear. Taylor felt so embarrassed yet Emmett's hug calmed her down and soothed her. She felt safe in his arms. Just then Ms Gilbert came by and saw the two embracing. "Are you two alright?" She asked sweetly. Taylor pulled away and smiled. She couldn't tell anyone about what Chris had just done, even thought she was positive Emmett knew. She nodded and walked back to the tables with Ms Gilbert. Emmett stayed where he was standing. He was absolutely sick of this Chris guy. He didn't like it when others hurt those he loves and Taylor was no exception. He turned on his heel and went to find Chris. He was going to get a piece of Emmett's mind.