It started off simple. Just a few flirty words, a couple of pecks when nobody was watching, a few drags of his blunts. Then it turned into hugs and kisses in front of people, the blunts turned into pills. Then, the hugs turned into sex, the kisses turned into makeouts and the pills turned into lines.

It was all too quick, you barely registered what was happening, how he was putting his fingers in every crevice of your brain, making you dumb. Pliant for him. Manipulated.

He started off sweet, promising he’d never let anyone hurt you, saying sweet words that got you deeper and deeper into him, under his spell. Until he was the one to strike you. He slapped you so hard across the face that you fell to the ground, clutching your cheek. You’re not even sure what you had done wrong, but you didn’t dare ask, you didn’t have the chance, because as quick as he hit you, he kneeled in front of you and cradled your face, rubbing over the mark that was blooming under your eye. The change from violent to sweet in a second was confusing and your brain was struggling to catch on.

But that was months ago. Now? That’s more usual. The slaps are the least of your worries. The biggest worry? If he’s gonna get home after a deal and decide he needs a punching bag. One slap you could take, but the blows he threw when something didn’t go right and he was truly angry? Those were insane. Too much. But he had manipulated you so much that instead of running from the abuse, you ran towards it.

Today, you heard the front door of the apartment open and immediately perked up, you poked your head through the kitchen doorway, trying to gauge Shane’s facial expression. Checking if he was angry today or not.

“It’s rude to stare, don’t you think?” His voice filled your ears. He had your back to you, how did he even know you were staring? Why was his voice so calm?

The calmness didn’t last long. Just a second later, his fist connected to the wall. Angry. Loud. Making you jump and yelp from the brutal force. “I asked you a fucking question.”

He turns to face you. Oh boy… not a good look. Not a good look at all.