Page 64 of Fractured
“Because I said Isabella and I don’t want to hear any more about it. You won’t be going back to work anytime soon, so just get used to the idea.”
White Bishop to E3
He takes a step forward and points at the floor, jabbing at it with every stake he drives into my chest.
“If you don’t want to use the library as an office, it’s fine by me. I just thought I would give you a space that is not in your room. But you’re not going back to work and don’t ask again.”
He shouts so loud it makes my ears ring.
I won’t argue any longer, holding back the tears and watching him. I’m not sure why I asked in the first place. The lump in my throat makes my voice quiver. “If it’s all the same to you, I’ll stay in the cell I’m already used to. Thank you for the offer, though.”
Black Bishop to F8. It’s a side move, but that’s all I can think of.
Alexander narrows his eyes and leans his face closer to mine.
“When the fuck have you ever taken anything I’ve ever offered, Isabella?”
White Bishop to C5, white Bishop takes my black Knight
He walks out the door and slams it behind him, making the shelf shake. I just stand there and look up at the ceiling while shaking my head. I slowly open the door to the library and check the foyer to see if anyone else is there.
Closing the door behind me, once in the safety of my room, I strip off my jeans and t-shirt and put on my painting clothes. Safe inside my studio, I close the door behind me and, for the first time, I lock it.
Lifting the cloth covering off my painting, I let it drop to the floor and study the scene before me; it gives me hope. I hope that one day I’ll be free, just some random, normal girl out in the world living her life.
I spent the afternoon in my studio working on my piece. It eases some of the tension, but I know there’s more to come. I will not meet him for dinner. I don’t see the point, really. There is enough tension between us right now, and I really don’t feellike sitting across the table from him, watching him stuff his mouth full of food as he insults me and takes away everything that means anything to me.
I’d rather stay in my room and starve. Actually, I’m quite used to it now.
Black Bishop to C5, I take his white Bishop.
I lose myself painting the second scene. For once, my mind is on something else besides this tension that always seems to exist between us. Last night I was a fool. I keep telling myself that every time this happens. This is different. This thing between us might change, but it doesn’t.
I hear a bang, a bunch of mumbled curses, and a stomping sound, followed by a heavy pounding on my studio door.
“Isabella, open the door right now before I smash the fucking thing in.”
White Knight to B3. An aggressive move Mr. Russo.
Dropping my paintbrush in the water, I slip my towel off my shoulder and clean my hands. I’d rather not open it and deal with his shit. I just want to be left alone tonight. He slams his hand on the door, making it vibrate.
“Open the fucking door Isabella or I swear to God, I’ll smash the fucker in and I won’t replace it.”
I stand up and walk the short distance to the door, turning the handle and swinging the door open, then go back to my chair, sit down, grab my wet brush, and wipe the paint off the bristles with the towel. Every once in a while, I put it in the water and take it back out, ignoring the angry man growling at me.
Alexander is standing at the door huffing and puffing, glaring at me, his eyes silver, his fists clenched, his jaws ticking, and I know he’s just waiting to unleash.
“Dinner was an hour ago. I’ve been sitting there waiting for you to show up. I finally ate without you.”
“Good. You need to eat, but I’m not hungry.” I get up and go to the counter, turning my back to him as I wrap my painting pallet in plastic wrap.
Black Bishop to B4
“So now you’re just going to stay in your room like a fucking four-year-old and starve?”
White King to D1
I click my teeth with my tongue and look up at the ceiling. I’m trying very hard not to lose my temper. Anger is not something I feel often and I don’t enjoy arguing, but he just keeps pushing and pushing and pushing. I don’t know how much more I can take before I snap.
