⚠️sexual abuse/hint of violence below.
HUNTER
She left my arms too soon. I still couldn't get over seeing her again after three years. My fingers touched the spot where her lips were, trying so hard to get the feel of her soft lips on my cheek back. She lost weight, but her body looked firm yet felt soft in my arms. The fresh fruity smell of her hair was familiar, the color thankfully the same shade of auburn I loved.
"Who was that?"
Dani was bristling, and I just had to sigh. She can be a piece of work sometimes, but I was not in the mood to argue. Since Elizabeth died, Dani had been a big help in raising Liam, but it didn't mean we should be together. I know she wanted to be with me. She never minced words even when Eliza was still with me, never mind that Eliza was her sister.
"That was Quinn."
"Quinn. THE Quinn of your college days?"
"Yes."
"Oh. I expected her to be prettier."
I detected the jealousy, laid down thick in the air. Dani was always territorial, even when she shouldn't be. I merely looked at her, wanting her to shut up. She probably realized her mistake and started pushing the cart.
"Will you see her again?"
"I don't know."
"I guess you would, with Eliza gone."
"You know Dani, I really would appreciate it if you sometimes filtered the things that go on in your head before voicing them out."
"Why? It's been a year since she died."
"Have a little sensitivity, ok? She's your sister."
She looked away, deciding to keep silent. Barely a month after Eliza was gone, Dani started showing up at the house and taking charge of things, which I appreciated because I knew I just had to return to work to get over the grief. I wanted to keep myself busy to stop thinking of Eliza. I know Dani hoped for more between us, but it will never happen.
She stopped the cart and faced me, holding onto my arm. "I'm here, Hunter. I met you first before Eliza did. I love my sister but she stole you from me, and Dad even supported you both. That fucking hurt. I've been patient, I stepped back for you both. I was with you to cope with Liam, to help you get over losing her. Don't you think I deserve a chance?"
"Was that the only reason you stood by me? To extract something in return?"
"I have feelings for you, Hunter."
"Don't remind me."
"And I see now why you don't want to be reminded. You're still hung up on Quinn."
"Dani, I'm still not over your sister's death, ok? I have no intention of replacing her any time soon. Not with Quinn, not even with you."
She turned away to hide the pain my words caused her. I owe her a lot, but I can't do this to Eliza or her dad. Dani and I will never happen.
"You really know how to drive a knife through the heart, huh?"
A movement from my peripheral vision distracted me. I saw Quinn looking at us, with Dani's hand on my arm, standing so close to me. I moved my arm away and pulled the cart towards the counter. As she paid for her purchases, I watch helplessly as Quinn walked out of the supermarket, regretting that I never had the chance to get her number or ask where she was staying.
The old yearning for Quinn ate at me again. It never left me, actually. Even with Eliza. And now seeing her only made this need for her stronger.
===
QUINN
He was waiting for me by the door when I arrived. I look at him, noting his well-muscled body, his fair blonde looks and the almost angel face that belied his true character. I wonder what he would think once he finds out Hunter is back in town. Hunter has always been a sore topic between us. Many nights that start with arguments about Hunter end badly for me. But seeing Hunter today gave me strength. It gave me hope that maybe I could see him again, and maybe, we can at least be friends.
"What took you so long? You said you'd be here an hour ago."
"I went to the supermarket to get some ingredients for pasta. I'm going to make pasta for dinner."
He was staring at me as though trying to decipher something. He can read me like a book, and this is one of those times that I wish he wouldn't be able to tell what was going on with me.
"Did something happen while you were out today?"
"What could happen to me? Why are you asking me that?"
"You look...I don't know, happy."
"And you prefer that I'm miserable?"
"Don't be stupid, Quinn."
"I'm going to get a shower."
I quickly escaped to my room to undress and shower in the ensuite.
Yes, we had separate rooms. I asked for this to concentrate on my studies without interruptions until the wee hours of the morning. Studying to be a lawyer was challenging, and he understood that, being a lawyer himself. I'd finished my bachelor's degree and passed the bar exam. I was now working on my JD, hoping to finish in another year.
I was also working in a law firm, trying to amplify what I've learned with real cases in Papa's law firm. Mallory & McKinsey was one of the biggest law firms in New York and the best place for me to learn firsthand. Studying and working at the firm helped me cope with losing Hunter.
Under the cold shower, I closed my eyes to think back on seeing Hunter again. I didn't realize he was back home, not after he left three years ago to pursue a scholarship for culinary arts in Paris.
I remembered trying to catch him at the airport, wanting to beg him not to leave. I wanted to tell him I changed my mind, that I wanted him in my life, and that I would take back everything I said. But seeing Bree there with him made me falter. In the next years, I wasn't able to get in touch with him. He had changed his number and didn't maintain any social media accounts. There was no way for us to even be friends in touch.
But he's here now, and he has aged well in the three years since we last saw each other. His aura showed that life treated him well, and I was pretty sure that scholarship got him to places he wanted to be.
I turned the shower knob and stepped out of the shower, toweling myself then changing into soft sweatpants and a t-shirt. I wore a bra underneath, not wanting to tempt fate; I wanted a quiet night to be with my thoughts. I combed the tangles out of my hair and put it up in a bun, then went back down to see that I had the kitchen to myself and started preparing dinner.
It was a simple Aglio olio pasta with the sausages I bought sliced thinly and cooked in heated olive oil with garlic. I added some grated parmesan cheese and strips of fresh basil, after which I cooked whole sausages in case he wanted more.
I was suddenly hugged from behind, a hand roughly groping my breast. I let him, trying to derive even just a little pleasure from what he was doing, but none came. I was too far gone into memories of my afternoon seeing Hunter again. How stupid that we didn't even exchange numbers.
"Honey, I just showered," I whined weakly. I had to be careful not to raise his dark mood, or this would blow up, and I would regret it.
"Do you have to study again tonight?"
"Just three more days until my finals, honey. Come on, let's have dinner."
We ate and chatted; thankfully, his mood was good. After doing the dishes, I walked up to my room to escape. Settling on the desk in front of my bed, I started reviewing the case I needed to write a paper on. Just when I thought I was safe from him, he came by my room a few minutes later. Freshly showered, he pulled me to him and forced me down on my knees.
"Honey, I need to study..."
"This won't take ten minutes, come on."
He pulled his boxers down and held the back of my head, steering it towards his cock. My mouth closed over him, mechanically doing as he wanted. As he pushed his shaft in deeper, my tears fell, and when it was over, he simply walked out of my room, tucking his dick back into his boxers.
It had always been like this, I was a plaything to be discarded after providing him entertainment. No endearments, no cuddling or loving touches between us. I tried to compose myself, went to the ensuite to gargle mouthwash and brush my teeth, to wash away any trace of him.
Maybe one day, this will end. But first, I need to be stronger.
A/N
Okay, this chapter may have shocked readers who are used to my writing style. This is the first time my lead female character is a victim of abuse, and I hope this did not upset anyone who's reading. I would understand if some may choose not to continue reading especially if this triggers something unpleasant or negative. But if you can, please continue reading because it won't always be unpleasant.
There will be good days, there will be happy moments. Regardless of the jarring moment, I hope you liked this chapter. Do vote if you did, and share your thoughts with me, I love chatting with readers :)