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Thad lobbed the accusation like a sniper, connecting with a direct hit.

Ashamed, I visibly shrink into myself at the reminder. I masterfully compartmentalized Candace’s death into the vault that only I can penetrate. It’s packed far, far away from anything about Fah, but it is—it wasplaced there so I could pretend just a bit longer.

I’m so lost in my head that it’s not until Thad’s hands are wrapped around my throat and lifting me off the ground that I realize he’s moved. “She didn’t deserve what happened to her,” he screams as his spittle lands on my face.

Clawing at his muscular forearm, I fight to get free, but I have very little leverage.

Breathe, Evie. You know how to get out of this.

I mentally give myself a pep talk. The years of self-defense training kick in. It helps that he’s barely two or so inches taller than I am.

Raising my arms, I grip his forearm, digging my nails in until I know I’ve pierced his skin. He hisses in pain, but his grip never slackens.

“You b?—”

Thad’s words are cut short as my knee connects with his dick.

Bullseye.

Howling in pain, he releases me and I suck in much needed air.

“I’m going to kill you,” he croaks, his face beet red.

Coughing, I rub at my throat, knowing it’s already beginning to bruise. “Keep your goddamn hands to yourself, asshat,” I wheeze, turning to leave as quickly as my legs can carry me.

Don’t look back, bitch. Just run.

I make it to the corner I took to get here before being grabbed from behind.

“Since you like to touch my dick so much, how about I fuck you so you can see how it really feels,” he yells, slamming me against the brick wall and knocking the wind out of me.

My head smacks against the wall, making my vision blur and my ears ring. I hear the distinct sound of fabric ripping and know it’s my own when cool air brushes across my bare stomach.

“No,” I eke out, trying to clear the fog so I can put up more of a fight, but what Thad lacks in height, he makes up for in strength. “Get the fuck off of me.”

Frustrated, I slam my head forward, connecting with his nose. His grip loosens for a fraction of a second before it returns at what feels like ten times stronger. Dizziness assaults me when I feel my bra rip, and his slimy palms squeeze my breast so tightly. His touch is revolting. There’s nothing in me responding to his unwanted touch. Instead, I begin to gag.

“You better not throw up on me, you stupid whore,” he grumbles, sticking his hands down my pants.

“Let me the fuck go,” I demand, uselessly.

Laughing, he pushes my panties to the side and rubs my clit before pushing his finger inside my vagina. It’s a vagina. There’s nothing remotely sexy about this assault. “Now I see what all the hype is about,” Thad groans. “This kitty is so fucking tight. I can’t wait to feel it wrapped around my rod.”

At any other time, the use of the words kitty and rod would make me burst into laughter, but in this moment, I want to hurl and cry.

“No,” I shriek, slamming my forehead into his nose again.

The fist that connects with the side of my face feels like a Mack truck ran into me at full speed.

My head lolls to the side, and I weigh the pros and cons of continuing to fight. The answer is ripped from me when a smack whips my head into the cement wall.

Whimpering, I accept my fate. Survival is more important than pride. Thad licks up the side of my neck, biting my collarbone. “Now this is how a good little bitch should behave. Docile, quiet, and ready to be fucked,” he murmurs in my ear before shoving another finger inside of me.

I hear the sound of a zipper, and I know this is it. I’m about to be raped in front of my best friend’s monument. Karma is rearing its ugly head.

Penance and restitution…

As I resignedly accept my fate, I hear a roar before cold air whips across my nearly naked body.