FUCKED.

6

I flinched as I felt hands twirling over my body. I tried to get up, but he pushed me back onto the bed. "Where do you think you're going, sweetheart?" he demanded, his voice laced with anger.

When I didn't respond, he got up abruptly and tried to force me back into bed. I pushed him away, trying to resist. "Leave me alone, Iris," I said firmly, but his response was immediate and violent. He punched me, his anger palpable.

"You whore!" he yelled, slapping me across the face. "Don't you ever get away from me again!" He followed with another punch, leaving me clutching my abdomen where the wax had been applied, causing intense pain.

He attempted to kiss me slowly, but I didn't respond, too terrified of what he might do next. I managed to retreat to the shower, where I poured out my emotions. I missed my friends, my loved ones, and even Travis. I felt that the situation was my fault, and I had to endure the consequences of my actions. Keisha had warned me about anger issues, but this felt more like possession. I couldn't confide in my friends because I feared for their safety, especially Travis's. I missed him deeply, even though we were only friends with benefits. His kisses and touches meant more to me than I'd admitted.

"You've been in the shower for a long time. Do you want me to come get you?" he called out. I hurriedly finished up and got dressed. He offered me his shirt, which I declined. He then kissed me, and despite my apprehension, I found myself responding, holding onto his hair.

"I'm sorry, Chloe," he said, tears in his eyes. "I just got jealous, and rage blinded me. I'm really sorry I hurt you." He continued to kiss my neck, seeking forgiveness.

"I will never forgive you for this. Never," I said firmly. He smiled cynically and pulled me closer. "Let's get your wounds cleaned up, sweetheart," he said, but I could feel his intense gaze on me.

He began tending to the wax on my abdomen and my other injuries. Despite his apparent remorse, I could sense he was struggling with something I couldn't identify. After helping me conceal my bruises with foundation and covering the red marks on my wrists with his black shirt, he carried me to the car.

"You look pretty today, Chloe," he said as we drove. I barely acknowledged his compliment, and when I expressed my anger, he shouted, "STOP AVOIDING ME, CHLOE! I SAID I'M FUCKING SORRY!"

"YOU BEING FUCKING SORRY DOESN'T ERASE THE FACT THAT WE'RE OVER! THE MARKS ON MY BACK WON'T DISAPPEAR WITH YOUR APOLOGIES, AND NEITHER WILL THE PAIN FROM THE WAX ON MY ABDOMEN. SO DON'T FUCKING TELL ME YOU'RE SORRY WHEN YOU DON'T MEAN IT," I yelled back, my heartbeat racing. I turned away from him.

"Don't talk to me like that again, or else, Chloe. I'll bury you alive," he threatened in a dangerously low voice.

"FINE," I snapped back.

"I'll be going for therapy tomorrow. I hope you'll be a good girl until Daddy arrives, okay?" he said, patting my lap. He started the car, and we drove in silence.

When we arrived at the apartment, everyone was waiting, visibly concerned. "You don't usually wear makeup, and the black eye and string marks on your neck are unusual. The shirt you're wearing covers up the faint red marks on your wrists, and I notice you're frequently touching your abdomen. Your limp could be from either anal sex or deep thrusting. Your hair looks disheveled, and your lips are swollen from intense kissing. So, tell me, Chloe, were you raped?" Keisha's words hit me hard. I gasped, feeling a wave of fear and shame.

"Heck no, what is wrong with you?" I tried to limp away, but Travis stopped me. I flinched, remembering Iris's threats, and he noticed. He pulled me into his chest, but I shoved him away, seeing the hurt in his eyes.

"Get away from me!" I screamed and ran to my room. Keisha's insistence that I had a mental breakdown only fueled my frustration.

"Will you please stop dictating her, Keisha? You're not helping," Sapphire interjected, coming towards me. I ran into her open arms, and she held me tightly.

"What happened, Chloe?" she asked, sobbing as she noticed the bruise on my neck.

"Some crazy woman beat me up because I slept with her fiancé," I lied, hoping it would protect everyone, especially Travis. Sapphire didn't question further, but I could tell the others were skeptical, especially Keisha.

"I'll get to the bottom of this, Chloe. Mark my words," Keisha vowed, giving me a stern look.

"And you'll be dead the minute you try," I retorted, shocking everyone. I averted my gaze to Travis, who was watching me with concern. I longed for his comfort and missed his presence more than ever. Sapphire led me to my room and gathered the others to check on me. She got my first aid kit and sent Keisha for warm water.

"Remove the shirt, Chloe," Keisha instructed. I shook my head.

"I can do it myself. Just give it to me," I pleaded. Keisha's frustration grew. "Take it off, or I swear you'll be spanked hard," she threatened. I knew she was serious, so I reluctantly agreed.

Travis looked on with sadness but left when he saw how uncomfortable I was. Sapphire closed the door behind him and began treating my wounds. Keisha helped her, and they were shocked by the extent of my injuries.

"Who did this to you?" Keisha asked, her voice softening as she worked on my bruises. I didn't answer, and she continued to apply pain-relief cream.

"You love Travis," Keisha observed, seeing the look on my face. I nodded, causing her to smile, while Sapphire laughed softly.

"When did you realize you were in love with him?" Sapphire asked.

"When he stayed with me during my cramps and helped me everywhere—from the cafeteria to my classroom, even to the washroom," I said, wiping away tears. "It's just sad because I can't be with him."

"Why not?" Sapphire asked, confused.

"It's dangerous," I replied, but she didn't press further, sensing my reluctance to share the truth.

"I think he loves you too but is afraid to tell you," Keisha suggested.

"Remove it now," she ordered. I complied, and they gasped at the bruises and hand marks on my back.

"Were you involved in BDSM or something?" Keisha asked, her concern evident. I shook my head, unable to provide answers.

Just then, Jason entered, looked horrified, and quickly left, muttering about needing batteries. Sapphire continued to treat my wounds, and after applying some cream, I felt somewhat better.

"Go wash off that makeup," Sapphire said. Keisha took over, using face cleanser to reveal the extent of my bruises. I was shocked by my reflection when Sapphire handed me a mirror.

"That makeup did help you, but I feel like reapplying it," Keisha suggested, and I managed a small smile.

"I don't think I can do this," I said. Sapphire left, leaving Keisha to continue.

"You can come clean with me, sister to sister," Keisha offered. "No judgments."

"Travis mentioned that the last person seen with you the night you went missing was the Dean," Keisha said. I stiffened, trying to hold back tears. She continued to work on my bruises while asking questions.

"There are five people who could harm you, but given where you were and the time, it's only two I know: Mr. Kassif and your ex-boyfriend Collins."

"I can dig deeper, but it won't help right now. Get some rest tonight and tomorrow. Travis will be here to take care of you," Keisha advised. I changed into comfortable clothes Travis had given me and took some sleeping pills to help me rest.