Page 155 of Downfall

“You never talk to her like that, you treat her with respect. I won’t have her suffering because of your ego.”

He pushes Lara enough that she falls back onto the couch and then he steps right up to me, towering over me. “No Rose.” He says. “That’s not how this works. I’m in charge, not you.”

“If you want me to behave then you will.” I state. “Afterall, the elections are coming up, how can you rerun for Governor with me on your arm, if my face is all black from your beatings?”

He narrows his eyes, his hand flies out and he grabs me around my throat, all but hauling me up onto tiptoes. “You’ll do as you’re told or they’ll be consequences.”

I let out a laugh. It sounds strained and it catches in my throat from where he’s gripping me so tightly.

“I won’t do shit.” I reply. “Not when you’re endangering my child.”

He casts his eyes over at Lara then back at me. “Fine. The child is off limits but you Rose, I can do whatever I want to you.”

If that’s the deal I have to make then fine. I can handle it. I nod, ignoring the bile as it swirls in my stomach. I’d take each and every beating, endure it with a smile, if that’s what it takes to protect Lara.

Roman is gone. Roman is dead.

It’s just me now.

He drops his grip, lets me crumple to the floor at his feet and then turns his back on us. “You have one hour then I’m coming to get you.” He says before slamming the door shut as he leaves.

I rush to Lara, hold her so tightly, as she cries and cries.

“Mummy.” She sobs. “Is Daddy really dead?”

“I’m so sorry baby.” I whisper.

“No.” She gasps. “He can’t be. He can’t be.”

“I’m going to get you out. Do you understand?” I say to her. “I’m going to do everything I can to ensure you’re safe.”

“I don’t like that man.”

“Me neither.”

“He hurt you Mummy and then he said I did it.”

“Don’t listen to that shit.” I reply. “He’s a bad man but for the moment I need you to be careful okay?”

“Careful how?”

“Don’t provoke them. Don’t answer back. Be careful what you say. What you do. These men are all bad. Really bad.”

“I don’t like it here Mummy.” She says. “I want to go home. I want to go back home and see Daddy.”

She sobs harder as I hold her, as I brush her hair from her face, as I try to comfort her.

But all too soon the hour is up.

And Darius is back, taking me away, leaving her alone, scared, and absolutely distraught.

Rose

He keeps me by his side all day. It’s a powerplay. It’s fucking pointless because he’s just sat there, working and all I can think about is my daughter. About where she is, whether they’ve even given her food.

In the evening he has me dressed up all fancy in a far too revealing dress with a split up the side so high it feels like I’m at a very real risk of flashing my vagina with every step I take.

He made sure there was a makeup artist on hand, and someone to do my hair. Neither of them comment on the bruises. They act like they can’t even see them.

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