FUCKED.

9

He pushed me to the ground with a forceful shove, and pain exploded in my body. My scream was cut short as he hit me again, trying to force himself on me. Desperately, I pushed back, but he responded with a brutal growl and a punch that made me curl up, attempting to protect my battered body.

He kicked my abdomen with a sadistic grin, each blow making me scream in agony. The pain was overwhelming, and I could only curl tighter, trying to shield myself from the relentless assault. "Take this, bitch!" he shouted, kicking my back and reveling in my suffering. I tried to stifle my cries, but each kick sent fresh waves of pain through me.

When he finally stopped, he picked me up, my naked body trembling with fear and pain. Ropes were secured around me, binding me to a chair. "From now on, I'll pick you up from campus at ten in the morning and decide when to drop you off. If you fail to meet me, I'll start with your friends—Keisha first, if I'm not mistaken," he said with a cold smile. I looked at him, my eyes wide with horror, and nodded, unable to speak.

"Warn her to never snoop around my files again, or I'll finish her off before the cops even get a whiff of it," Iris added, his voice dripping with menace. My heart pounded in my chest as I imagined the horrific consequences.

"If you do as I say, your friends won't be harmed. But if you disobey or fail to satisfy me, I'll kill them one by one, and their blood will be on your hands," he said, his smile twisted. He walked towards me, his eyes gleaming with a disturbing mix of cruelty and pleasure. "Now, I'll remove the ropes, and you'll please me like you did the night we met. Understand?"

I tried hard to push away the memory of that night, but it was impossible. I stood up, my body aching with exhaustion, and approached him reluctantly. He grabbed me, kissing me with a roughness that contrasted sharply with the tender affection Travis always showed me. He lifted me, throwing me onto the couch, and sat down, his eyes dark and intense.

"Please, Iris, I'm tired—"

Before I could finish my plea, he slapped me across the cheek with such force that I couldn't see properly for a moment. "You're disobeying me, Chloe," he spat. My body was too exhausted to react, too worn out to process his actions. He continued to rant, but I could barely focus, my vision blurring. Another slap and then darkness closed in, and I fell into unconsciousness.

"And every time you hurt me, the less that I cry," the lyrics of the song played softly in my ears as I regained consciousness. I wasn't in my room or on the couch; instead, Iris stood before me, though his words were muffled and distant.

"What's happening to you, bitch?" he asked, his voice harsh as he kissed me. Unlike Travis's kisses, which were warm and loving, Iris's was cold and empty.

"You look worn out. Wear your clothes and wait for me outside," he ordered, rushing off. I struggled to get up, my limbs feeling like lead. Each step was a challenge as I limped towards the door.

"Get in the car, what are you waiting for?" Iris's voice cut through my haze of pain. I stumbled, and he carried me to the car, shutting the door behind me as it began to drizzle. He sat in the driver's seat, starting the engine as the rain intensified.

"Are you okay?" he asked, though his tone was more impatient than concerned. I shook my head, clutching my stomach from hunger and shivering as the rain lashed against the windows. My joints ached painfully, and I screamed, feeling the onset of a severe rheumatism flare-up.

Iris glanced at me, his expression unreadable. The car stopped momentarily, but he continued driving, heading towards a familiar street. As we approached my apartment, I managed to get out, taking my phone with me but barely registering Iris's presence.

When I entered my apartment, I saw Travis asleep on my bed, cuddling my pillow. All my pain and exhaustion melted away as I snuggled up to him, letting the warmth of his body soothe me. He woke abruptly, his eyes widening in concern when he noticed my shivering.

"Tell me you didn't walk in the rain," he said, lifting my chin gently when I looked down. His concern was palpable as he covered me with a blanket.

"You need to shower and change your clothes," he said, heading towards the bathroom. "I'll see if I can turn the water hot."

I nodded, heading to my closet to change into a robe. I grabbed a hoodie to cover any marks I didn't want him to see. Just as I was about to start undressing, a knock on the door interrupted me.

"The water is hot now. You can shower while I make coffee for you," Travis called out from the kitchen. His voice was warm and soothing.

"Th-thank you," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Don't mention it, babe," he replied.

I showered, letting the hot water ease my aching muscles. Afterward, I put on the hoodie and shorts and returned to the living room. Travis handed me a steaming cup of coffee, his concern evident in his eyes.

"I kept calling you, but your phone was off. I was worried sick," he said, his voice filled with genuine worry. "Next time, don't pull something like that again."

I nodded, taking the coffee from him and feeling a small measure of comfort. "Easy there. Drink up and snuggle with Booboo," he encouraged, his smile making me feel better.

"You have a cute smile," he whispered in my ear, making my cheeks flush red.

I yawned after drinking the coffee, my exhaustion catching up with me. As I fell asleep on Travis, the girls arrived with Jason, snapping pictures and videos. Travis carried me to my bedroom, locking the door behind us to keep the intrusion at bay. Sapphire still managed to post our photos on every social media platform, and my phone buzzed incessantly with notifications.

I turned off my phone, not wanting to deal with anyone's questions or comments. Travis wrapped his arms around me, and I fell asleep, feeling a sense of security despite the chaos of the day.