Way To Unleash Anger 2

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CHAPTER 23

~Arianna’s POV~

My mind barely registered the words, save for warned and fumed.

Each brutal hit reminded me of dark times, of the rage-filled nights when my uncle would lash out, the alcohol fueling his violence. My stomach churned, and my vision blurred with unwanted memories.

I couldn’t watch anymore. I turned and ran, passing through the crowd until I burst through the warehouse doors and into the cool night air.

My heart raced as I leaned against Damon’s car, trying to steady my breathing.

Minutes passed before I heard his footsteps.

“Arianna,” he called, his voice calm yet commanding.

I didn’t answer, crossing my arms and staring at the ground.

He approached, stopping a few feet away. “Look at me.”

I didn’t move.

Damon growled low, stepping closer and gripping my chin, tilting my face up to meet his gaze.

“Don’t touch me,” I snapped, smacking his hand away.

His eyes flickered with something unreadable, but he said nothing.

“I hate this,” I spat, my voice trembling with anger. “I hate the way you act, the way you treat people like they’re nothing. I hate—”

Damon’s expression hardened. Without a word, he turned and walked to the driver’s side of the car.

The door opened, and he slid inside.

I hesitated, my anger warring with the need to get away from this place. With a frustrated sigh, I climbed into the passenger seat.

The car ride was tense, Damon’s hands gripping the wheel so tightly I thought he might break it. My arms were crossed over my chest, and I stared out the window, the cool night air doing little to cool my anger.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I finally snapped. “If you want to die an early death, fine! But don’t take me along with you!”

Damon’s sharp eyes flicked toward me briefly, his lips pulling into a humorless smirk. “Scared of a little speed, little fire? How are you going to handle the real world when you’re this terrified of a common drive?”

My nails dug into my palms as I glared at him. “I can handle myself just fine. And I am not scared of driving. I’m scared of being stuck in a car with a reckless maniac like you!”

Damon’s smirk disappeared, replaced by something darker. “You think you can handle yourself?”

“Yes,” I shot back, my voice rising. “I’m not a child, Damon! And I certainly don’t belong to you!”

That did it. His jaw clenched, and his knuckles turned white against the steering wheel. His voice was low, dangerous, but controlled. “You belong to me, Arianna.”

“No!” I spat back, the fire in my chest surging as I scoffed so loud, the sound filled with irritation. “Who would want to belong to a self-absorbed, unloved child like you? All you know is violence and control.”

The moment the words left my mouth, I knew I’d crossed a line. Damon’s foot slammed on the brakes, and the car screeched to a halt, jerking me forward against the seatbelt. 

My heart pounded wildly in my chest as I whipped around to face him.

“Are you insane?!” I yelled.

His eyes were cold, but there was something raw beneath the surface. “Get out,” he said flatly.

“What?”

“Get. Out.”

I stared at him, disbelief rooting me to the seat. “You can’t be serious right now.” I glanced around in teh car. We were out in the middle of nowhere and he wanted me out?!

Without another word, Damon unbuckled his seatbelt, stepped out of the car, and walked around to my side. The door opened, and before I could react, he grabbed my arm, dragging me out.

“Damon!” I protested, trying to free myself, but his grip was firm.

“You think you can handle yourself?” he sneered, his voice dripping with anger. “Then do it. Get home on your own.”

I stumbled as he let go, the gravel biting into my bare feet. “You’re really going to leave me here? In the middle of nowhere? In this dress?”

He didn’t respond. He just got back in the car, slammed the door, and started the engine.

“Damon, wait!” I yelled, running toward the car.

But he didn’t wait. As I reached for the door handle, he hit the gas, the car speeding off into the night and leaving me standing there in a cloud of dust. The sudden motion sent me stumbling backward, landing hard on the ground on my butt.

“Damn it, Damon!” I shouted after him, my voice echoing into the empty darkness.

Anger surged through me as I pushed myself to my feet, brushing dirt off my hands and legs. 

The cold night air nipped at my exposed skin, and I wrapped my arms around myself, cursing Damon with every step I took.

“Self-absorbed maniac,” I muttered under my breath, my heels clicking against the rough road as I began to walk. “Who even does this?!”

The road stretched endlessly ahead, and the darkness felt heavier with each step. I glanced up at the sky, the stars barely visible through the faint mist. 

My breath puffed in small clouds as I trudged up a hill, my annoyance growing with every passing minute.

But as I reached the top, a glimmer of recognition sparked. I stopped, scanning the landscape. In the distance, a familiar curve in the road caught my eye. My heart leapt at the signboard up ahead.

“Wait a minute…” I squinted, my mind piecing together the layout of the area. A grin broke across my face. “I know this road. I know this road!”

Relief flooded me as I realized where I was. Not too far away was the neighbourhood where my best friend lived.

“Great thing my bestie’s house isn’t far from here,” I muttered, my spirits lifting despite my exhaustion. “This misfortune is a blessing in disguise.”

I straightened my shoulders and began walking with more purpose, a small laugh escaping my lips as I glanced back at the dark road Damon had disappeared down.

“Sayonara, Damon,” I said, shaking my head. “I’m done.”