Chapter 23: Gone

There's a ringing in my ears while my eye lids begin to flutter open.

I press a shaky hand to my throbbing forehead. Wincing at the pain I draw my hand back with blood smeared fingers

A mans voice breaks through the ringing though it sounds muffled like I'm under water.

I try to move but my body is stiff, I look in the direction where the voice is coming from.

Willow: Liam?

As he comes closer my vision clears and I gasp.

Willow: David

David sits down next to me brushing my hair down behind my ear.

David: it's ok. I'm hear now.

Tears flood my eyes. I can't breath, I can't move. He helps prop me up and brings a glass of water to my dried lips. Flashing a wide smug smile like a hunter that just caught his prized game.

He sets the glass down and I wince as he holds a damp cloth to the painful spot above my right brow. Moving so close I can feel the heat if his breath against my lips.

David: I've missed you Willow

He goes for a kiss but I turn and he catches my jawline. His eyes go dark as he grips my chin to keep me from turning away again and forces his lips on mine.

Through the pain I manage to push him away. When he reaches for me again I flinch.

A look of sadness flashes across his face as he drops his hands.

David: I told you.. I wouldn't hurt you.

In confusion I look directly in his eyes.

Willow: but you did this. You caused the accident.

David's eyes widen in shock.

David: No! Willow I was in a car following you. A truck ran a red light and hit you. I saved you before the car caught fire.

Willow: Liam!!!

My world closes in around me at the thought of Liam being gone from my life. My lip trembles. The tears flood over.

David: god damn it Willow. You will forget about this Liam asshole and realize your place beside me. You are my wife.

Unable to hold back his frustration David is on top of me with my arms pinned at my side under his knees. His lips attacking mine. His hands groping my breasts.

The more I try to fight the heavier his body becomes weighing mine down. He grabs my face forcing me to stay connected to his rough lips inhaling his intoxicated breath.

In one last attempt to fight i bite his lip enough to draw blood. The back of his hand connects with my cheek as he sits up sliding his belt through his pants and ties my hands to the head board.

My screams are but a whisper on deaf ears as he lifts my dress ripping off my panties. One hand grips my throat while the other digs into my thigh as he wedges himself between my legs.

The sound of his zipper fades as black spots invade my vision. Desperately gasping for air my world begins to go cold.

Suddenly I am jolted from unconsciousness by a loud wood splintering crash followed by the booming sound of gunfire. everything goes black.