The Denial of Hearts (COMPLETED) [wattys 2018]

8

Mason wanted to punch someone. He had a huge ball of fury in him and no way to release it. Mason got undressed and pulled on a pair of sweat pants then started pacing his bedroom floor.

His father in law had bruised up his wife's face. Mason stormed to the other side of his room and poured himself a whiskey.

He let the alcohol burn down his throat as he slammed the glass on to the tray. He was quite surprised at himself on how his emotions had taken control.

Mason had actually enjoyed himself with Sarina tonight and took pride on introducing her as his wife. He liked the way she smiled and he even heard her giggle. Sarina looked, beyond a doubt, ravishing tonight. He saw the way some men looked at her and he didn't like it one bit.

Mason finished the last of the whiskey in his room and went to go down stairs for more. After raiding his liquor cabinet and settling with scotch, Mason made his way back to his room. It was as he took a swig when he walked past Sarina's door that he heard it.

The crying of a hurt woman.

Mason turned and slowly opened the door. He let his eyes adjust to the darkness and then he saw it. The moonlight barely visible, but he saw the outline on the bed.

Mason placed the scotch bottle on the ground and quietly walked to Sarina's bed. She was huddled up in to the foetus position and Mason felt he had to do something.

He immediately sat next to Sarina as she stiffened under his touch. His hand rubbed on her back as he softly soothed her. All it took was two seconds and she sat up and wrapped her long arms around his neck.

Sarina sat her head in his chest as she calmed herself down. Mason took no time to put his arms around her. After another minute, Sarina spoke. "I'm sorry. Did I disturb you?"

"No." Mason spoke softly as a hand continued to rub Sarina's back. They stayed in that position for a while as Mason got to thinking.

What if he was wrong about her. She didn't want this marriage either. Is this what she meant here was better than there?

It was like Sarina read his mind. "I had no freedom in his house. Under his rules. He expected me to obey. I wasn't allowed to go out except the very rare occasions. Every time I fought him, he would, he would..."

Mason felt Sarina work herself up. He understood. "Hey. It's okay. But you aren't there now, are you? You are away from that. Trust me. He will never step foot here."

Sarina sat back. "You promise?"

"I promise."

"Thank you."

Mason shrugged as he realised his hands were still on her. Sarina laid back down and stared at the roof above her.

"I'm sorry. I know it sounds silly."

Mason gave Sarina a small smile, even though she didn't see it. "It doesn't sound silly. Now go back to sleep."

He sat with her until he heard the soft snores before he left the room.

He didn't know what to do any more. Tonight, he saw a completely different person in Sarina. She was compliant and soft.

Mason ran his hand through his hair as he picked up the scotch bottle just outside Sarina's door before heading to his own room.

Sarina woke as the room filled with light. Her eyes stung as she laid in bed, thinking of last night. She wasn't dreaming, Mason was in here. Shaking her head, Sarina got up for the day.

Sluggishly, pulling on a breezy summer dress, Sarina left the bedroom and headed down stairs for a hot tea. That's when she saw him, the back of Mason. Going to turn and walk away, Mason spoke.