Of course, she didn't knock him out. It was just an impulse. Liv couldn't let anything happen to Rico. After all, her brother was her problem.
But she could see it even now. She'd be the one the cops would arrest. Not Tristan who could do no harm. It was OK if he decided to knock her in the head with Daddy's heavy glass ashtray. No one seemed to mind that. He could throw her down anytime he liked. As if he was just getting her ready for the future.
Of course, she didn't slow him down at the moment. He got right back up like a cyborg and came rushing toward her. She sprinted toward the dairy products, hoping she could make it to the milk to climb through the shelves and hide in the freezer. Probably, the worst idea in the world, but what else was she to do?
She knew she wasn't good at this. Why hadn't she studied it more in her head? Learned more ways to defend herself. There was time. She could have watched more YouTube. Maybe even picked up a book at the library. Liv kept running past customers, doing her best not to knock down any displays. Yes, it was true, she hated her life. She really did. Briefly, she'd had a reprieve, and it was over.
Once he grabbed her around the stomach, he didn't let go. She kicked back and screamed "NO! NO! YOU DON'T! NEVER AGAIN!" Normally, she'd never make a scene, but it was time everyone knew what he was capable of. If only his arm was close enough she'd bite it as she thrashed in his grasp. Still, it was a blur. Maybe it was a rush. But he was carrying her toward the entrance. She knew if they made it to the car.... Lord knows what he had in mind.
She'd been left in the middle of nowhere once he was done with her. But she'd always managed to walk back on her own. Usually, there was a busted lip to nurse. He'd hurt her jaw before. It never got fixed, but no one seemed to notice but her how her mouth moved and some words hurt to say. No one thought she talked kind of funny when she knew she did.
She knew it always looked as if she'd lost, but the truth was she hadn't lost anything. Of course, the customers looked stunned. Her manager gasped, but Bren was on the phone. At least someone knew what to do.
Of course, his words rang through her from long ago, "If I can't have you, nobody can."
Great article and good review. I followed your blog now
ReplyDeleteWow those are strong words at the end.
ReplyDeleteOhhh, strong words ๐ฎ
ReplyDeletePoruszajฤ ce
ReplyDelete❤
DeleteMoving ๐ธ๐๐ธ๐
DeleteSuena un poco obsesivo. Te mando un beso y buen fragmento.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting ๐
ReplyDeleteQuite the scene. Tristan is a strange fellow.
ReplyDeleteShe needs someone to help her escape him - he's no good!
ReplyDeletexx
Give him hell, Liv! Reading about how Tristian used to abuse her made me sick. But Liv is so strong and so admirable: "She knew it always looked as if she'd lost, but the truth was she hadn't lost anything." The grocery store setting is surreal yet familiar, just like (sadly) what's happening. This is powerful stuff, and important for women to read. Well done!
ReplyDeleteOn a completely different note, yes, it's funny that author Christina Lauren is actually two people. The first book of theirs I read was Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating, and I wasn't a fan. I remember thinking, oh, well, it was written by two people, so that explains it. As we've said before, it's tough to hammer down one point of view using two voices. But then I decided to give Holidaze and The Unhoneymooners a chance, and I'm glad I did because I enjoyed them. Shame on me for judging a book by its author(s), I guess!
What a big and strong words: "If I can't have you, nobody can". We can hear This kind of words from films.
ReplyDeleteIt must be horrible to have an abusive sibling. Liv seems to be finding th strength to fight up or at least to stand up for herself. I hope Tristan will be defeated in the future, preferably locked away.
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