Free Essentialism (Bridgette & Troy's Story) by LK Collins Page B

“The only person I can think of is David.”
    “Are you kidding me?”
    I shake my head. “There’s no one else that would do something like this.”
    “Bridge, I think he’s a bigger problem than you imagined. There are M80 shells all over outside. That’s the noise you kept hearing.”
    “Are you serious?”
    “I wish I wasn’t. I hope he and some friends just thought it would be funny to scare you. But those things are loud and they’re not shit to fuck with. What if one of those caught fire to your grass or something? I’m sure they were just lighting them and then tossing ‘em, but still…” He trails off and I can’t believe David would do something like that because I broke up with him.
    I’m stricken with disbelief. “Who does something like that?”
    “Someone that’s fucked up.”
    “I know he didn’t take the break-up well, but seriously? I kept telling myself he would get over it. God was I wrong.”
    “What the fuck did he do?” he asks in anger.
    “It’s hard to explain. He just wouldn’t accept the fact that it was over.” Troy traces his fingers over my arm making it hard for me to concentrate.
    “What did he do, Bridge?” He says my name like silk, letting it roll off of his tongue and I’m pissed we’re talking about David. Troy’s finally here, at my house, and we have to waste it discussing some piece of shit.
    “He pleaded with me. He said he would change. I kept telling him that’s not what I wanted, that’s what he wanted. Then he accused me of being with you.”
    “What did you tell him?
    “The truth. You and I aren’t together, although it was none of his business. He told me he and I belong together. Then he pinned me down, holding my face and hands while he kissed me aggressively. I tried to fight him off, but I couldn’t. Before he walked away, he said we’re not finished.”
    “What the fuck – who does he think he is? Did he not hear you clearly? He held you against your will and fucking kissed you?”
    I nod my head a little uncertain of Troy’s tone. I’ve never seen him this worked up before. Tears fill my eyes and I search for the strength to speak – but it’s lost.
    “Give me your phone. I wanna call the asshole.”
    “It’s not going to help, especially now. Something’s clearly wrong with him. He’s gotta be on drugs or something.”
    “Jesus, are you serious?” I nod my head. “Well, that explains why he did what he did tonight. He’s not thinking clearly.”
    “I know and a pissing contest is only going to make things worse.”
    “I hate seeing you upset, especially over him. I want him to know that I’m going to protect you.”
    “We’re not together, you made that pretty clear. It’s not your job to protect me, Troy.”
    “I want it to be.” His words catch me off guard and I move my face from the comfort of his chest. We stare at one another staying silent. “Don’t look at me like that,” he says.
    “What are you talking about?” I ask.
    “That look in your eyes with your lips all pouty.”
    “But you said—”
    He cuts me off, “I don’t give a fuck what I said. I was being a complete asshole. I want you, Bridgette, there’s no denying that.” His words increase my heart rate. I watch his mouth and can’t help, but want it on me. His breath is sweet as it washes over mine. I won’t make the first move, not this time. I did that last time and was mortified when he turned me down. He knows I want him. I fucked up and can’t change the past, so it’s all on him now if we move forward or not. Taking his time, he connects our mouths. This time I move slowly, getting to know every bit of him. It doesn’t take Troy long before he’s holding my face again, and controlling not only my mouth but my movements. Fuck, he’s a good kisser, even better than I remember.
    We go on like this for God only knows how long. I’m scared to stop, scared that he’ll leave. But as he slows the kiss, he doesn’t move.