Violent Things

“Good, that’s why we’re up here,” he admitted with a laugh. “There are a ton of choices, so pick out whatever you want, Holls. We can relax while we eat, then we’ll head to the beach, okay?”

I glanced behind us at a couple walking by, then turned my eyes slowly as they continued on their way.

Completely ignoring the fact that we were so different than they were.

Not caring enough to give us so much as a second glance.

“Okay,” I finally agreed in a soft tone.

“Hey,” Bates said softly as he leaned down, trying to catch my eyes.

I tore my eyes away from the couple as they disappeared in the crowd and turned my face toward Bates. His smile softened and his eyes followed. I felt his hand tremble slightly as he looked at me hopefully, and when I leaned up on the tips of my toes and pressed my lips against his, he pulled my body tightly against him.

The trembling had stopped.

He knew I wasn’t afraid of being in public anymore, but he hadn’t realized that the fear had been overtaken by anger.

I recognized the man that walked by with the pretty, young thing on his arm.

And somehow, against all odds, seeing him again made me feel almost… normal.