Because (Seven Year Itch #4)(30)

You can’t get rid of me that easily. – Bran

I know you’re hurting. This is killing me too. Don’t you see it’s already working? We’re learning to appreciate each other. I know it seems like tough love, but it’s the only way for us to fall back in love the way we should have been the whole time. I’m not the enemy. Keeping me from Aberdeen won’t solve this. – Shay

If you loved us you’d be here. – Bran

I sigh. He’s blind to the truth.

If I was there you’d expect to f*ck the pain away. I’m sorry, Brandon, but it won’t work this time. – Shay

I’m not going to sit here waiting for you to wake up. If you want to live apart, then I’m going to assume we’re over. I’m not saying it as a threat. I won’t wait for you, Shay. This is bullshit. I’m going to start living for myself too. – Bran

What does that mean? You’re going to go out and screw whoever you can pick up? – Shay

I feel like I’m going to be sick. Picturing him with someone else tears me apart, but it’s something I’ve done while we’ve been married, so it’s not anything new.

You figure it out. Apparently you have all the answers. – Bran

No. I want you to say it. – Shay

No response.

I wait ten minutes. I check his social media account. I text him again.

Bran, talk to me. – Shay

You’re right. This is for the best. – Bran

What the hell was that supposed to mean. Was he throwing the towel? Is this how he took our temporary situation? Was he admitting he doesn’t want to be married to me?

What is? – Shay

It was the last message sent between us. I wait an hour before I can’t take it anymore. I throw on some shoes and climb in my car to give him a piece of my mind.

Upon opening my kitchen door I find him sitting at the kitchen table in the dark. I flip on the light and get startled. “What the hell?”

He chuckles and takes a drink of what I know is Jack Daniels. “Took you long enough.”

I’m irate. “Did my mother call you?” I suspect she heard me leave and made a call to him to be on the lookout. Of course she’d be on his side of things.

“Nope. I just know how you are. You’ll never be in control, Shay. You’re not wired that way. Try as you may, you have no say in what happens between us.” He says it and stands abruptly. I gasp and watch him walk toward me, his eyes focused and terrifying. I cringe when I realize what’s about to happen, but it’s too late to turn around and run. He presses me against the door, his alcohol filled breath is in my face. “Your mother doesn’t have to warn me. I know how to push your buttons.”

I try to shove him, but he doesn’t get far. He pushes again, his lips pressing over mine with force. When he finally releases he’s laughing. I slap him on the side of the head. “You’re as *. I hate you.” I go to do it again and he catches me midstream.

“You hate me?” He questions. “Show me how much, Shay. Fucking hate me, babe. Give it your best shot.”

I try to bring my knee up but he forced his whole body into mine so I’m not able to move. “Stop. Get off of me.” I know he’s done this on purpose and I’m furious. I shouldn’t have driven here. Now he knows exactly where my loyalty lies. “I can’t stand you.”

He’s laughing again, his thumb dragging over my bottom lip. “You’re feisty when you’re mad. Say it again.”

I’m doing my best to break free, though it’s useless. He’s too strong. My body is shaking. I want to hurt him. I want him to suffer for doing this to me; for causing me to react this way. “I hate you so much.” I dig my fingernails into his arm until he finally backs away. He’s rubbing the spot, a ornery grin covering his face.

“You’re going to have to do better than that. It’s just foreplay for me, Shay.”

I shove him in order to give me room to crack the door and escape out to my car, but now he’s pushing on my back, my face pressed against the glass window frame on the top. His breath is going in my ear as he speaks. “This is exactly how I want you.” He slaps my ass and then rubs the area he’s done it. His hand travels between my legs awakening what I’m determined to keep dormant. “I’ll f*ck that hate right out of you. Is that why you came home? You want it don’t you? You crave it.”

God, did I? Did he have some kind of sick hold on me I couldn’t let go of?

I can feel his hold loosening so I can turn to face him. His eyes are locked on mine and they’re full of intent. My lips part. He’s kissing me again, so hard and hungrily. This is where I should bring my leg up because he’s more relaxed, but I can’t. I feel his tongue intruding and allow him entrance. I need this. I crave his touch like I’m starved and depraved.

I had my chance to break free and I’m blowing it. Again and again I can’t stop my attraction to this type of resolution.

He’s lifting me up, my legs immediately wrapping around his waist. I drive my hand down his jeans and get what I expect. He’s rock hard, and I’m eager for it to fill me.

He lowers me down to the floor. I’m coming apart as our clothes are ripped from our bodies. He’s burying his face in between my squished together breasts. His lips come upon a nipple and I can feel his teeth dragging as he sucks it in between them. The sound of the suction sends chills throughout my body. My * is begging for attention. Bran comes over to steal another kiss. As he pulls away I whispers against his lips. “This changes nothing.”