HER

CHAPTER 18 Happiness? (LANA)

Marina's face shone between my hands. Rain and blood mixing together to create a sickening watery concoction. Her eyes were blank and hollow, I couldn't help but shiver at the harrowing sight.

It's over.

Finally. 

I couldn't help but sigh, shoulders finally relaxing. She was free.

She tugged her face away from my grip, arms snaking around her torso. Defensive. Thats when I knew I had fucked up. Royaly. I should have told her, made it seem more realistic at least. But I couldn't. 

I could never tell Marina the truth about my past. 

Coward, I thought sourly.

It wasn't a case of love or trust. I simply couldn't. I created this fantasy of the woods. Made it seem romantic, softened the edges. But the fact was... he chose me. Marina's husband was right, I was his Lolita. It wasn't so bad, I never wanted for anything. Not with all that money. And we did get along. Sometimes. But. He was right. 

And I hated him. 

They said I was too young to love him. To even understand what love was. I did. And that wasn't love. It was obsession. 

My skin burned despite the rain, I was glad he was shot. 

I dazed for half the day, content to smile sweetly for the police. They didn't even want Marina's statement. Typical. He was gone and that was what mattered. Their job was now irrelevant. I couldn't blame them, the bad guy was dead. There was nothing to do now, except leave. 

We went back to the hotel, the manager offered us medical supplies as we headed back to our room. I shivered at the memory we shared. Her hands ghosting over my hips. Lips sucking my neck. Tongue hot and wet. 

Marina slipped her clothes off. I looked away, sitting down awkwardly on the tiled floor. It felt so familiar. She hummed, high and airy. My hands trembled as I thought of her skin. I looked up as she stepped out. 

Her body was beaten to a pulp, nasty looking bruises covering her tan limbs. My throat caught, it was like when I first met her. Tears welled behind my eyes, daring to spill. Marina looked straight ahead not even acknowledging me as she changed into fresh clothes. 

Coughing I stood, taking out bandaids and rubbing alcohol. 

I cleaned the wounds on her face, the blood had dried forcing me to rub harder. Marina flinched at this, hands balling into fists. I stopped. I tilted her head up. Still her eyes would not meet mine. Anger flared in my chest. 

"Look at me."

My tone was harsh and she shook. 

Sighing I stroked her face, careful to not press too hard. 

"I love you." 

Hot tears rolled down her face. So silently. It scared me. 

I wish I had told her everything. 

I had always known about Marina. Long before I had even met her. Casually evesdropping on Larry and his goons wasn't that difficult. Hell, I was even introduced to him once. Even then I knew he was trouble. He would talk about his girl back home. His comments about this girl made me cringe and feel sorry for her. 

I should have done something years ago. Larry would sometimes joke about him and his little wife. It made my blood boil. I knew exactly who he was when he moved in. I knew he recognised me. 

When I saw Marina, I couldnt bare it. How could anyone be so cruel. Especially to someone as fragile and lovely as her. When I looked at her I saw myself. Trapped. I had to do something. I couldnt just sit back. Not when I had done it the first time. I was so glad I ran away with her. It was the most alive I had felt in years. 

Marina's lips were pressed into a thin line. My heart bled. I couldnt even imagine. The monster that had tormented you for years was finally gone. Just like that. All your problems should disappear. But I knew it made hers worse. 

"We should go."

She nodded, acknowledging me.

She grabbed my wrists, making me yelp at the suddenness. Pulling me closer to her, I stumbled almost falling into her. I caught myself on her shoulders. Our bodies were pressed tight together. I felt my heart in my throat. Face bright red. Her arms flush around my waist. My hands rested on her neck and back. 

We stood like that for a few moments. She stood on her toes and kissed me softly. It was over as soon as it begun. Her forehead rested against mine. 

"Marina, I'm sorry I- 

"I forgive you."

"Why?"

"I have no one left. I don't think I can trust you, not after that but I forgive you."

She laughed warily. 

"I seem to forgive too easily, maybe it's a flaw."

"It's not."

"Okay." 

She smiled warmly at me as we gathered our things and went back to the car.