Heartbreak

I squirmed in his grip, a childish protest against his overwhelming strength. The sound must have riled him up because he let out a surprised laugh before I surprised him right back with a well-placed kick to his shin.

"Hey!" He yelped, instinctively hopping back. I used the opportunity to lash out again, aiming for his knee this time. My foot connected, but not with the force I'd intended. He stumbled back further, but not before grabbing my arm and pulling me down with him.

We landed in a heap on a dusty old couch that groaned in protest. "What the hell, Ria?" he spluttered, grabbing his shin. Ignoring his throbbing leg, he pinned me down with his own body, his lower limbs effectively trapping mine.

Panic bubbled up in my chest. This wasn't the playful wrestling I'd envisioned. When I started flailing against his chest, he reacted by holding me even tighter. Frustration turned to fear as I realized I was trapped. Just as I opened my mouth to scream, a warm hand clamped over my li