Blinded by Hate | a.hotchner

Chapter 15

Trigger Warning: Depiction of physical abuse

Aaron was the first to stir Sunday morning, causing you to wake up too. His arms were still locked around your body, holding you against him. It was like he was afraid to let go. You didn't feel refreshed from the night, your mind racing for hours after what he said.

"I love you, little girl." He mumbled, letting sleep overcome him soon after.

You sat very still, not wanting him to know that you heard him. The evening's activities left you exhausted, sleep pulling at you. He said it like it was something he had been doing for years, like it was a normal thing to do. It didn't seem to come though, your mind screaming at you to get out, to leave. Before you have to commit.

At some point, your mind finally shut off, letting you slip into a dreamless sleep.

"Good morning, sweetheart." Aaron said, his morning voice scratchy and low.

With his words, you not so subtly sprung out of bed. You grabbed your belongings, balling up your expensive dress like it was paper. Once you quickly checked you had everything, you made a beeline to your car. Aaron was following close behind you, trying to figure out why you were leaving in such a rush. The cold December air sending a shiver down your body as you let out a stream of curses in the driveway.

Damnit, he drove me here.

Hanging your head low, you turned around to face Aaron, "Will you take me home, Aaron?" You mumbled, not meeting his eyes.

"I can, but will you tell me what just happened first? Did I do something? Did I say something?" He asked you, taking a small step forwards. His hand approached your face, trying to comfort you, but you turned away from his touch.

"Yeah, I, uh..." Your voice wavered as you tried to even your breathing. The panic of admitting that you heard him, washed over you like a tidal wave. You took another shaky breath to speak, but Aaron cut you off when he saw the tears in your eyes.

Geeze, y/n, why do you have to cry at everything?

"Hey, it's okay, y/n. We can talk about this later." He told you, reaching to wipe the tears from your face. You welcomed his touch this time.

You walked around to climb into his car, throwing your dress and wallet into the floorboard. He kept his hands to himself the entire drive, not speaking a word. Glancing at the clock in his car, you saw that it was almost seven in the morning. Your eyes watched the houses and trees blur past, contemplating just telling him that you heard his statement last night.

If you tell him, then he'll expect a response. Then, you'll say it before you're ready, and then you'll throw away this possibly great relationship because you committed too much too soon.

But I love him, don't I?

Yes, you do, but you remember the last time you told someone that right? I don't think you want that again.

When Aaron pulled up to your complex, you quickly got out, mumbling a thank you. Once in your apartment, you hung your dress up and put your shoes away. Checking your phone, you plugged it in, seeing that it was almost dead. You looked around your room, feeling like you were forgetting something...

Panties, y/n, panties. You left your stupid thong on his bedroom floor like an idiot. At least you couldn't have worn a bra, otherwise you probably would have left that too.

With that realization in mind, you peeled off the clothes Aaron had let you borrow. His baggy boxers and button down being thrown into your hamper. You padded into the bathroom, looking at the damage from last night. You had a few dark hickeys littered on your neck. There were pink rub marks on your wrists and ankles and little brown bruises on your hips from his deadly grip on them last night.