Chained Hearts

Push until it breaks

I was about to wash my hands when a rough, anger-soaked grip yanked me back. My body slammed into the cold bathroom wall, knocking the air out of my lungs. The icy tiles sent a jolt through me, but I bit down the urge to cry out. I didn't want to look vulnerable and weak in front of him. Not now and not in front of Ethan. His eyes locked on mine, dark and furious. "Bad day, huh?" I murmured, my voice laced with mockery. I knew exactly I was walking on thin ice - and I loved the crack beneath my feet.

His hand snapped to my throat, cutting off my breath in one swift motion. But I didn't flinch. "You think this is funny?" He asked angrily. I shrugged, lips curling. "Maybe~" His grip tightened, the strong fingers digging into my skin. "Drop the tough act," He growled. His breath hit my face like a heatwave. "What the hell were you thinking when you did that." He paused. "Did you really think I wouldn't find out?" I smirked "Did what?" Of course I knew what he meant, but exactly this was the whole point. Teasing him until he breaks.

I raised an eyebrow. Slowly, deliberately, knowing it would piss him off. Then tilted my head just a little, a silent dare in every movement. His grip tightened again, almost desperate—like he feared I'd slip away if he didn't keep me right there. "Don't fucking play with me, you moron! You know damn well what you did. Why?!" He roared. God, he is so sensitive. Almost cute. In a pathetic kind of way.

I didn't answer straight away, I stayed silent and let the unspoken words linger in the air. The tension was thick, pressing down on us, but I didn't mind. I'd do anything to make him lose control. Because provoking him was the fun in doing all this. He snapped. His hands shoved me harder against the wall. The cold of the wall jolting trough me. The impact cut the silence, breaking through the raw emotions. His jaw clenched, a quiet promise that if I pushed any further, consequences would follow. "Answer me. Now!" He growled, voice low but shaking with rage.

I knew I would regret that but I spoke in a calm voice "And if I don't?" The words slipped before I could think about what the consequences are. Without a warning, his fist struck my jaw. A strong punch and at the same time a silent dare to defy again and see what would happen. My head jolted to the side from the intense impact. I felt that hot blood pooled in my mouth, that same old metallic taste. "You think this is a game? Tell me why the fuck you did that!" He growled, voice dark and rising from the depths of his lungs. Still, I refused to speak, even after this punch. He impatiently waited for me to explain but I won't give him anything to work with. "Nothing? You're just gonna say nothing, huh?" His voice stayed low, but I could tell he was barely holding himself together. A deeper inner conflict burned behind his eyes—one that could end badly for me if I kept refusing to explain.

Though I still kept my words to myself. Testing him further to see what he will do. I stayed silent, testing him further. But the way he stepped closer, fists clenched, his chest rising and falling in quiet rage — it left me no choice. He was about to snap, and if I didn't speak now, I'd regret it more than that punch. I had to say something for my own safety. "I didn't mean to take it that far," I finally spoke. My voice nothing but a whisper. My jaw hurt with every word. I didn't like to be so vulnerable. Not in front of him so I decided to push his limits. "But it was her choice to take me home with her, if she would love you, she wouldn't have done it, right?"

That was probably too far, because before I could even blink, a fist slammed into my stomach. The air rushed out of my lungs and I gasped for air, my hand clutching the spot where the fist had struck me. A burning pain spread through my stomach, bringing me to my knees.

There I was. In front of him, on my damn knees. The last piece of my ego crumbled. I was about to curse at him but he gripped my chin, forcing me to look at him. My eyes met his, and damn, I wanted to wipe this fucking victorious smirk off his face. "She wouldn't go to bed with someone like you." His voice came out in a low murmur, almost amused – but far too steady to be harmless. He leaned closer, closer than necessary, his forehead nearly touching mine.

We both stayed silent for a moment. The only thing that disturbed the silence was our heavy breathing. Everything felt like it was moving in slow motion. No one dared to move. Until, he suddenly let go of me and stepped back. His movements sharp, like he'd touched fire. He shot me a furious glare before he turned around to walk away. He gripped the doorknob, but he hesitated. The silence was deafening. "If I see you near her again, you'll end up in the hospital bed." His hand still on the doorknob as he glanced at me over his shoulder. "And that's not a threat" his voice was low and steady - he was way to calm. "It's a promise."