Page 88 of River Wild

His expression is so arrogant and condescending. I want to hit him so bad.

I want to keep hitting him and never stop.

I turn my nails into my palms, pressing into the skin to ground myself. Stop myself from hitting him. I feel the skin break, blood seeping into my hands.

Walk away, River.

Walk. Away.

Releasing my fingers, I force myself to turn away from him and walk over to the door. I unlock it and yank it open, leaving my blood all over the handle, but like I fucking care.

Then, I’m out of there, speeding down the stairs and pushing through the mass of people, most already watching the video. I shut the front door on their laughter. Laughter about me. Aimed at me.

I jog quickly to my car. Getting inside it, I turn on the engine and peel out of there.

I’m so fucking dumb! I can’t believe I fell for that.

They’re all in there, laughing at me. Brad will be having a great fucking time, telling everyone about it.

Sick son of a bitch. Just like his uncle.

Hurt and pain well up inside me. Things long buried resurfacing.

“Fuck!” I roar, slamming my hand against the steering wheel. “I fucking hate people! I wish they would all just leave me alone!”

Never again will I be so stupid to trust a girl.

Never a-fucking-gain.