Don't Go (For You 3)

I didn’t have many friends, being as shy as I am. And it was even harder once I was promoted. I was head of my entire department, and no one wants to be friends with the boss.

Then one night Jason tried to kiss me. I pushed him away, shocked by the advance. Jason was married, and I’d even met his wife a few times. She seemed nice. I told him this wasn’t right and that I thought we were just friends. I only ever wanted to be friends. But he didn’t like what I had to say, and that’s where it all went wrong.

“You’re right, you’re right, Kory. I don’t know what I was thinking. Too much wine, and the wife and I are going through a hard time.” He shakes his head in what looks like regret. “Can I use your bathroom and I’ll be on my way? We can pretend this never happened and just go back to how things were.”

I hesitate for a moment but then nod, sliding my key into my door and opening it. “First door on the right,” I tell him, motioning down the hall. He shuts the front door. Before it even closes, the back of his hand strikes my face. The blow sends me to the floor.

Black spots dance in my vision. The taste of copper fills my mouth. Then a kick lands on my ribs, ripping the air from my lungs. Tears fill my eyes and leak down my face. “Jason!” I cry, still unable to believe this is happening. That he’s doing this to me.

My eyes flutter open. He’s leaning down over me. His face right in mine. “Don’t be such a fucking tease, Kory,” he says calmly, as if he isn’t attacking me. Everything about him seems calm. It’s like we’re talking about the weather or something.

“I’m sorry,” I force out. I don’t want him to hit me again. My lungs feel like they’re on fire. A slow smile pulls at his lips. I suddenly feel like a mouse caught in a trap, with the cat ready to pounce at any moment.

He grabs me, pulling me to my feet. My knees almost buckle, but he keeps me on my feet with his arm wrapped around me.

“Say my name again,” he barks at me, pulling me even tighter to him. I cry out his name in pain, the pressure he puts on my ribs almost too much to take.

He smiles even bigger as the black dots dance in my vision once again. Then he’s leaning down toward me, his intent to kiss me clear. Utter panic rolls though my body when I realize where this is going.

I cough and let the blood that filled my mouth spill out, coating my lips. He freezes, a look of disgust on his face. He releases me. I stumble back.

“I’m sorry,” I plead, trying to make it seem like an accident. “I didn’t mean to ruin our first kiss,” I lie. “I’ve never done this before,” I add.

“You’re a virgin?” he asks, sounding excited. I nod. He stands a little taller, puffing his chest out. A chill runs down my spine.

“I don’t want our first time to be like this,” I tell him, hoping that maybe I can calm him down. Get him out of here. Make him think I want this, too. “I was a little shocked you even wanted me. I’ve wanted you for so long. I got scared you would change your mind if you knew I was a virgin.”

He takes a step toward me. It takes everything in me not to retreat.

“Get yourself cleaned up.” His phone rings, startling both of us. He pulls it out of his pocket. I stand there, unsure what to do. He listens for a moment. “I’ll be home in a little bit, honey,” he says, and I know it’s his wife. The tone of his voice is so different than it was moments ago.

My heart pounds as I wonder what he’s going to do to me. He ends the call and puts the phone back in his pocket.

He takes another step toward me, tucking my hair behind my ear. A tear slides down my cheek.

“Don’t cry, sweetheart. She’ll be out of the picture soon enough and it will be just you and me.” My stomach rolls and I want to throw up. I try to keep from shaking. “I’ll be back tomorrow and we’ll do this right.” He sounds so sincere, as if he hadn’t beaten me only moments ago.

“Okay. I like that idea,” I lie once again. His eyes go to my mouth. My bloodied mouth.

“Tomorrow you’ll get your first everything.” With that, he turns and leaves. I stand there for a moment before I rush over and lock the door behind him.

He’s freaking crazy. I know I have to get out of here. I drop down on my sofa and let the tears fall for a moment.