Page 4 of Hold 'Em Tight

It’s not pleasant by any means.

The volume lowers and I groan. “Missi, just sing your songs. I don’t want to fucking talk,” I grumble, and my temple stings from where she hits me. I shouldn’t be surprised. I’d blame the pregnancy hormones, but all they have done is make her more irritable, and irrational.

I found out from her dad that she stopped taking her medication because she was worried it would hurt the baby. Even though her psychiatrist said they were perfectly safe.

The car swerves and then she starts to cry, but I know it’s fake.

“Lenny, baby, I’m so sorry. Why do you have to make me so angry? You know I don’t want to hurt you, baby.”

“I know,” I mumble, putting on a fake smile. It's better to play nice.

“Pull over. Let me drive,” I say, and she hesitates, then nods.

After we switch seats, I drive us to a small bakery, and pull into the parking lot.

Missi squeals and claps her hands. “Oh, Lenny, how did you know the baby and I wanted a cupcake?”

I park and turn the engine off. I didn't know. I'm just not ready to go home yet. Missi pouts, waiting for me to walk around and open her door.

Her hand raises quickly, and my cheek stings from her slap. This time, she caught my lower lip with her ring, and I know it'll bruise.

“I don't like being ignored,” she hisses, pointing her nail at my face.

“I wasn't ignoring you, Missi. I'm just tired,” I mumble and she sighs.

“Well then, let's go home and take a nap,” she purrs, rubbing my chest now and licking her lips.

My stomach curdles and I have to swallow a few times. Just the thought of her touching me… I still don't know how I could have ever slept with her—tricked or not.

“Not yet. Let's get something to eat,” I suggest, and her eyes sparkle.

“Oh, Lenny, we should set up an appointment for wedding cake testing while we’re here,” she squeals, and my stomach drops.

You did this to yourself, asshole.

I sigh and nod, then rub my sore lip. Just another cut to add to the collection. Missi usually doesn’t leave visible marks. My phone vibrates, but I ignore it.

It can only be one person, since Missi has blocked all of my other numbers. Not to mention, my dad has been harassing me about attending some event. Missi keeps bringing it up, but I've never been one for the spotlight.

Plus, I can't have him sniffing around the house again. My mom was finally feeling some peace of mind. Well, until Missi moved in, that is.

I don't blame her for packing her bags and going to the beach. I wish I could have gone with her. Hid in her designer suitcase.

Taking Missi's hand, I lead her to the door of the bakery, then hold it open for her. The scent of rich coffee beans and confectionery sugar smacks me in the face.

My stomach growls and I frown. I haven't had much of an appetite lately, and I know I've lost some weight.

Honestly, I look like shit.

Missi walks over to the case of cupcakes, and I follow along like her obedient puppy.

I'm surprised that she hasn't tried to leash me already.

Someone calls my name and I glance over my shoulder at the table in the corner. I recognize the guy from one of my classes, but I can't place his name.

I wave at him, then point at Missi. He nods and gives me a grin, raising his cup at me as if in a toast.

I want to tell him he has the wrong idea. That I'm being blackmailed into being with her, but I can't risk the safety of my real family.