Stockholm Syndrome

"Why don't you just leave? Trinity. . . you've already gone through so much wh-" I cut Courtney off.

"When what?! Look, I don't want to leave anymore. Ryder. . . his bark is worse than his bite. Trust me, I've lived with him for awhile now." I whispered, more to myself than to her.

"I saw the bruises, I saw the scratches. His bark is not worse than his bite. Don't make me go to the police. . ." Her eyes held some sort of secret.

"NO! Like Ethan was any better in the beginning you hypocrite?" I snapped. She was appalled at my outburst, but she knew I was right. I wasn't exactly angry, but I knew for a fact that Ryder would beat the shit out of me if he knew that Courtney of all people was trying to save me. I heard slow clapping behind me, I whirled around to see Ryder and Ethan standing there with proud smirks on their faces.

"Good job, Courtney, you almost had me believing your threat. You too, Trin. I was worried you would let her call the police," Ryder smirked, hugging me tightly into his side. I let out a small whimper from the pressure on my fractured ribs.