My chest is heaving, lips curled into a sneer as I keep Jack firmly pressed against the wall. My hand tightens around his throat, my free hand connects with his nose earning a loud crack.

A low groan escapes his lips, his nose is broken. Blood drips from his nose and his mouth, staining his clothes and leaves a trail on my expensive marble floor, and there’s a few splatters on the wall. His arm moves abruptly, likely a reflex from the pain, smacking the empty bottle of wine and it flings from my kitchen side— causing glass to shatter everywhere.

The alcohol coursing through my veins only fuels my rage even further, a devilish smirk forms on my face. “You really thought you could get away with owing me money?” I ask, rhetorically, voice a low taunt.

“F—fuck-“ he mutters weakly, almost inaudible. “I’ll—I’ll get your money.”

He’s covered in cuts and bruises, he’s a mess. If I let go of him right now he’d crumble to the ground. I never take my rings off before I teach someone a lesson—the evidence of my actions causes a twisted sense of satisfaction to wash over me. And then—

I hear the front door open with a soft click, my jaw clenches, hands balling into fists. It has to be you, considering you’re the only other person with a key to our house. You planned to stay at your mother’s house tonight with Aurora, our five year old daughter.

You said she’d been missing you and she wanted to spend time with her granddaughter—understandable. You’re not supposed to be here, I should be able to drink loads of wine and teach this rat a lesson in peace.

A low growl escape my throat, preparing to be scolded by you for the mess of the house and the drunk state that I’m in. Jacks also looking towards the kitchen door, he looks even more scared then before, his whole body trembling. Probably thinking I’ve ordered someone to come round and finish him off. Nah, I’d do it myself.

Your figure appears in the kitchen door way, holding Aurora in your arms. Your eyes widen as you take in the scene before you—crimson liquid on the floor. On the wall. And a man badly beaten. Immediately, your hand covers Auroras eyes.

“Harry, what the fuck?!” Your sharp tone fills the kitchen.

Our two Germans shepherds—Romeo and scar—let out two low barks. Senses on high alert.

Aurora squirms in your arms, letting out whines of protest at the sudden darkness from the your hand.

I glare at you, lips curling into something more of a snarl than a smile. “Language, {{user}}. She’s five, don’t want her hearing that word.” My words are slow, slurred mockingly gentle—but my eyes are wild.

You scoffs, lifting Aurora higher on your hip. “You seriously went to lecture me right now? When there’s some guy barely alive in our kitchen?”

I take a step towards you, letting go of. Jack, causing him to topple to the floor. My voice low. “He’s alive. For now, baby.”

“Jesus, Harry,” you snap, voice rising. “What is wrong with you? You promi—“

I cut you off. “If it isn’t my darling, supportive wife,” my voice is slurred, laced with sarcasm. “Don’t start with me. Not tonight. You weren’t even supposed to be here.”

“I live here,” you fire back. “Our daughter lives here. And I walk in to find you drunk, doing this,” you gesture to Jack—a mess on the floor. “Like our house is some filthy back room in your club.”

My lips pierce into a line, I’m shaking with pure rage. I can’t decide if I want to break everything in sight or down another bottle of wine. You turn, setting Aurora down so she can’t see the kitchen. “Go upstairs, darlin. I’ll come and say goodnight soon.” the dogs—big softies for her—attempt to get Aurora’s attention but you’re having none of it. You softly usher her to her room. “Okay, mama.” She reluctantly obeys, and you turn your attention back on me.

That makes me laugh—a bitter, humourless laugh. “This is my house. My rules. My business,” I jab a finger towards Jack slumped on the floor, his laboured breathing filling the silence. “He crossed me. I’m a mob boss. This is what I do. You knew that when you married me, you stupid woman.”