18 ??This couldnt be happening?? (2/2)

”I . . . didn't know you were coming,” I stammered. ”This soon, I mean. The meeting is still—”

”Shh,” He placed a finger on my mouth and I stepped back unsteadily.

Whether he got the message or not, he didn't show it. Casually, he all but dragged me towards where my parents sat on the bed.

Dad looked angry. I knew he had seen the little show Ammar had just put up and did not like it one bit. Some of the weight from my shoulders lifted when Dad's kind eyes met mine.

I didn't regret anything I'd done for Dad but I knew he felt guilty. I'd have been free of Ammar's clutches long ago if it wasn't for this man. But he was worth it. Just one look from him would make my day.

No, I didn't regret it one it.

”You okay with Ammar being here?” Dad's voice was weak with sickness but it was fierce and protective. It was everything I needed.

I smiled, hoping it was convincing enough. Before I could reassure him, Ammar slipped an arm around my waist, sleazing a hand up and down. I tried to keep the smile on my face intact although it was getting harder and harder to. The constant need to throw up was too much.

”Why wouldn't she be, Uncle?” For a moment I thought I saw a flash of anger in Ammar's eyes.

Nothing I disliked more than disrespectful men.

Dad didn't look convinced but he didn't say anything either. Soon, Mom got up to heat up leftover food for Ammar. I offered to go in her stead but Ammar wouldn't let me.

That's what I disliked the most about him. He wanted to possess. To consume. To tell me who was boss.

It felt like I was put in a too-small cage again and I couldn't, for the life of me, breathe.

I knew it was only the beginning of this torture, though.

I knew there was more to this night by the glint in Ammar's eyes.

But I wouldn't let the horrors let me down.

In moments like these, I tried to remember the good things in life and hugged them close to me.

I needed them to face the monsters.