Page 48 of Play Dirty

“What are you talking?—”

He grabs me by both arms this time and shakes me—hard. “Stop lying, you little cunt!”

“Leave her alone!” Chey shoves him, though it’s not very effective.

“You both need to learn a lesson about respect,” he hisses, glaring at her. “And I guess I’m the one to teach you.”

He tries to grab Chey, but she dances out of the way.

Then he grabs me by my ponytail, pulling so hard I’m afraid he’s going to yank out most of my hair. I stumble and fall to my knees, gripping my head to stop the painful assault.

“Damien, please! Stop! I won’t go, okay? I promise.”

“Too late now, you little bitch. Anyone who crosses me gets taught a lesson.”

“Leave her alone!” Chey throws herself at him, but he doesn’t release the death grip on my hair. Instead, he tries to use one arm to keep her at bay while continuing to drag me by the hair.

“Damien!” I scream in pain and terror.

“Stupid cunts, don’t know how to respect a man…” He fends off Chey’s assault and then backhands her.

“Chey!” I hear Ivan’s voice and a tiny part of me is relieved.

He’ll help us.

Help me.

“Get the hell away from her!” Ivan yells, racing up the stairs.

“Fuck you!” Damien jerks on my ponytail and grabs on to the back of my pants, lifting me right off the ground. I kick my legs and swing my arms, trying to get him to put me down but he’s not letting go.

“Call 9-1-1!” Ivan pushes Chey behind him and lunges for us.

“Damien!” I cry out as he shoves me toward the railing. “No!”

“Stevie!” I hear Chey’s scream and then an explosion of pain…

Chapter15

Marty

I’ve beena light sleeper since the kids were born, so I come awake to the sound of crying and I mentally groan. Where’s my mother?

I’m so fucking tired.

Except, I’m not at home.

My eyes pop open and I look around. It’s bright outside, but with the shades down it’s dark in Stevie’s bedroom, and her sobs wrench at my heart. She cries out, flailing, turning her head from side to side.

“No, Damien! Stop!”

A nightmare.

She’s not crying—she’s having a nightmare.

“Stevie… sweetheart, wake up, it’s a bad dream but you’re okay.” I turn onto my side and reach for her, putting a hand on her arm and stroking lightly. “It’s okay. Wake up, honey.”

“No! Don’t touch me!” She strikes out, swinging wildly and just missing my eye.

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