Firecracker (On Hold)

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Five

Ariya's P.O.V.

Justin wasn't wrong about his shirt being huge on me. It swamps me and I have to tie the side into a knot in an attempt to stop it from flapping everywhere. I'm sure Todd will have something to say about the fact I'm wearing a Marine t-shirt. He's going to know it's not mine, that's for sure. Although, my jeans are covered in diluted blood, so maybe that'll stop him from opening his big mouth again. If he steps out of line, I swear I am going to make him regret the day he was born. Yes, I am that fed up with him.

Louise and the 2 guys watch me closely as I walk to where they're setting up camp. Justin isn't here, so Todd doesn't have anyone to save his skin if he steps out of line. I can totally take Mike so he doesn't count. Todd eyes my top and smirks. I hear him mutter something under his breath. I don't hear everything he says, but I hear the words 'nailed her' and 'tramp'.

I glare at him and growl, “I suggest you keep your mouth shut. You've got no one to save you...”

“You think everyone should be scared of you, don't you?”

Oh, he's going to be brave now, is he?

“No, I just think you should keep your comments to yourself. Especially when you have no idea what you're talking about.”

“You're a fine one to talk! You say everything that comes to your mind...”

I scoff at that. If he only knew all the stuff that runs through my mind that I don't say.

“You think you're a big man, don't you? You're just a little boy who has to make himself look and feel like the boss...”

“Yeah? Well, not everyone can sleep with the boss and get special treatment, can they...?!”

Oh no! That was a step way too far. I'm on him before I even take my next breath. I focus most of my blows on his upper body, making sure he'll feel the pain later on. He tries to fight back, but I don't give him a chance. There's no break in my blows to allow him to get any hits in and I can tell he hasn't had any training. He tries to shove me away, but my fighting stance has me rooted firmly on the ground and he can't move me. There's a lot to be said for growing up in care and living on the streets. It definitely prepares you for real life and situations that training can't foresee. I have no concept of time when I'm fighting, so I have no idea how long it is before Todd and I are separated. Er, more like I'm extracted from pummeling Todd like a piece of steak.

Someone is standing behind me, holding me in a bear hug. Their grip is firm and restricting. I hate being restricted, especially when the person is standing behind me. I fight against the restraint and thrash around like a wild, caged animal. I take a cheap shot and throw my head back, headbutting the person behind me. I hear a grunt and a groan, but the arms don't loosen. Seriously?! Are they not going to get the message.

I feel and hear a voice say, “Mike, get him out of here. If she gets out of my grip we're going to have a big problem on our hands...”

So, Justin is behind me. While I'm still not comfortable with the current arrangement, I feel slightly better that it's him holding me and not Mike. I don't know why I feel that way and I'm not thrilled with myself for that thought, but whatever. I go in for another headbutt, but the back of my head meets air instead of a face.

“You really think I'd fall for that a second time, Miss Flynn? That's a cheap shot for you...”

“Get your freakin' hands off me!! Just let me at the turd faced piece of perverted scum! I'll teach him to keep his mouth shut!”