I hear their footsteps as they’re leaving the bathroom. “Such a shame. I really like Piper. I thought she was smarter than that. Maybe she just isn’t doing it for Cian, otherwise, why would he go out on her? Then again, I think most people like her because she’s with Cian, ya know?”
Tears blur my vision as I hear the door shut. How could Cian do this to me? To anyone? I guess I am na?ve or just plain stupid, like they said. Finishing up quickly, I walk over to the sink, wash my hands and blot my tear streaked face. Standing there looking at my flushed skin in the mirror, I purse my lips so they won’t continue to tremble. God! I’m such an idiot! Thinking people actually liked me. For me! And Cian? Again I’m the victim of people taking advantage of me. When will I ever learn? Maybe I can’t learn! I’m so done! Now, I’m angry and hurt.
Walking out of the bathroom, I’m unsure what to do. I don’t want to make a scene and embarrassment doesn’t cover how I’m feeling. Used. Betrayed. Unwanted. Everything I’ve felt over a lifetime. I notice Cian over by the chairs we were sitting in, his fingers weaving through a busty blonde’s hair as he talks. Seriously? He’s doing that in front of everyone, knowing that they all think he’s with me? Now, I’m beyond any embarrassment and full of anger. Keeping an eye on him, I walk along the opposite side of the bar, trying to get out of here and home before he notices. My heart is racing as I get closer to the front door, not sure if I want to run or confront him at this point. I hate confrontation and really, I’m a little worried about how he’ll react. Remembering that night here when I told him West was going home with me for Thanksgiving, and his reaction, even though I told him West and I were just friends. My hands move up to my throat, still feeling his hand there from that night. He really scared me.
I make it outside without crying again, my anger overshadowing so quickly. Luckily, no one is outside so I start to walk to the cross walk when someone grabs my arm. A hand covers my mouth, their strength pulls my arm behind me, twisting it until it becomes painful. “Just where do you think you’re going?” Cian’s angry voice sends chills down my spine as he brings me around the corner of the building into the dark and pushes me against the building. My eyes widen when the sliver of moonlight shines enough that I can see the glaring anger in his. “Walking out on me?” I try to shake my head but his hand presses harder over my mouth.
Suddenly, pain radiates through me as he releases my mouth and hits my face with his fist, his ring slicing through the skin across my cheek. “Answer me!” I feel lightheaded as I sway, trying to stay upright. He hits me again. Face. Side. I’m doubled over when he wretches me upright, wincing with pain as he covers my mouth again, pushing me hard against the brick building. “I never said I was a one woman kind of man.” I feel all the strength leave me as I try to push against his chest, his other hand pulling up my dress to my waist. “Guess I’ll just have to take what I want since you won’t give it to me.”
Gasping behind his hand, having trouble breathing, he rips my panties from me, and I hear him pulling down his zipper. Oh, God! “I’m tired of waiting. Most women just it to give me when I want it.” He releases my mouth but places his hand around my throat, like he did before, squeezing so tightly I can’t get any air. “You’ll learn the hard way what it’s like to displease me,” he growls. I feel the tip of his hardened cock against me and starting hitting his chest, his arms, then try pulling his hand from around my throat. Dots begin to appear in my eyes as he strengthens his hold.
Is this how I’ll learn not to ever trust a man again? Is my life going to be over before it’s really begun? I close my eyes as his tip enters me right before everything goes dark.
Chapter 7
West