Page 44 of Survival

In other words, do what he says becausehe might accidentallybeatyou to death. Got it.

I bowed my head, lowering my eyes to thefloor for only a second and released aslow,deliberate breath before returning my gaze back tohim. I hated these power struggles with him, hated the logicalreasoning he had behind it all, and hated the fact that he wasright. I didn’t know how muchrestrainthe was capable of, but I did have a very goodidea of what would happen should that restrain ever snap.

“Yes, Darren, I understand,” I said,glowering up into his eyes.

“Good girl,” he smiled and kissed me on theforehead. He then took my hand and headedtowardthe back door.

ChapterFourteen

Listen

We walkedoutsideand went down to the beach. The sun was beginningto set and we stopped so I could remove my shoes and walk freely inthe sand. The perfectly white sand was so soft under my feet, and Irelished in its enveloping warmth. As we headed to the water,Darren kept a firm grip on my hand, never letting mefalterand making sure I stayed at his side.

I decided I should try to leave what hadjust happened back at the house and attempt to enjoy something foronce. I didn’t want my attitude to ruin things for me again.

Reaching the shore, I couldn't help but feelcompelled to put my feet in the crystal blue water, and I was alittle surprised when Darren let go of my hand to let me. The waterfelt cool and refreshing as it splashed over my bare feet. Isuddenly had the urge to go swimming, but I didn't think Darrenwould allow it.

I turned back around to face him, unable tocontainmysmile,and found him staring down at me, his hands in hispockets and a slight smirk on his face. The look he displayed mademe uncomfortable as it softened with what I thought might have beensomething like adoration.

“What?” I asked.

“Nothing.” He grinned, shrugging hisshoulders. “You’re just so cute when you're not pissing meoff.”

I scoffed at that. “Cute? Me? I don’t thinkso.”

Cute?Pfft. My ass.

“Baby tiger cute,” he said with that sharkgrin.

“More like full grown tiger cute,” Icountered.

“You’d have to be full grown for that.” Helaughed.

“I am full grown!” I defended myself.

“Are you sure? I think you may have gottenthe short end of the stick.” He winked at me.

My jaw nearly hit the sand. Was he callingme short?!

“Well, maybe someone else cheated and doubledipped,” I shot back and walked off down the shore.

I could hear him laughingbehindme as he caught up to my pace.

“Calm down, killer.” He chuckled. “I didn’tsay it was a bad thing that you’re short.”

“I am not short,” I corrected. “I’m just aninch or two below average female height.”

“Relax. I like that you’re short. It justmakes you cuter.”

I scowled at him in disgust, releasing anagitated grown. Why were we even having this irrelevantconversation?

“I am not cute,” I said quietly under mybreath.

Hechuckled,takingmy hand again, and we continued down the beach towardthesunsetwhile I kept my feet inreach of the water. And then I wondered with his new sense of calmif now would be a good time for a little family history.

“Can I ask you something?” I asked himsoftly, hoping he would sense the innocence in my voice.

“Of course,” he replied cautiously. “But Ican’t guarantee I’ll answer it.”