The Letter – Part 2
Yayyy! Another Chapter! Thank you to all who took the time to comment and review on the last chapter, you all make my days, truly, I love it! I read every single one. Your insight, thoughts, questioning and comments are awesome. A lot of you make me laugh out loud. This not only motivates me, but knowing people are enjoying it and taking an interest in the things I write is so encouraging. I really appreciate the support and continued interest in the story.
That being said, please note, Merle is a flawed character (again not 'nice'). He may get too dark in this chapter for some people's liking which is totally understandable, but please, if you are worried or triggered by it, just spare yourself and don't read.
WARNING: This chapter contains talk of SPANKING of an adult female by an adult male. There is harsh language, violence, talk of rape and assault. If this bothers you, please, don't read.
Addy swerved recklessly down the winding wooded path managing to keep the old chevy on course despite her careless speed. Addy might have even enjoyed the off roading course if it wasn't for the unfortunate circumstances or the fact that she had just stollen Merle Dixon truck. The loud booming angry utterance of 'GIRL!' still echoed in her ears like a bad omen. He had only shouted one word, but that one word spoke volumes to the young woman instilling a dreadful anticipation of what awaited her after this whole distressing situation was over. He didn't just sound angry, he sounded downright livid. If she had any hope that her ass would receive any sympathy from the angry man, that one angry bellow just crushed it like a bug hitting a windshield. Her ass was grass and she knew it. And just the thought of feeling Merle's belt smack her backside again made her feel sick to her stomach. What the hell had she gotten herself into?
However, there was no turning back now, she had made her decision and she had to follow through with her intentions despite the fearful consequences to come. She felt she had an obligation to fulfill and if she was being honest with herself, some much needed closure for not only Eric's benefit, but her own. She wanted this whole tragedy to be behind her so she could go back to Merle and Daryl with a clean slate, even if it did mean she was going to get one hell of an ass whopping because of it. She felt cared for, safe, appreciated and needed something she had not really felt in…well ever. They were not perfect, by any stretch of the imagination, in fact, they were rough in many aspects, but Addy saw them as her family now who she would support, care for and love despite their faults and imperfections. Because that's what families did and Addy held onto that prospect for dear life.
Once she made it to the main paved road, Addy slammed down hard on the gas pedal making the old truck lurch forward as she increased her speed three times than that of the lawful speed limit. Addy carelessly overlooked the dangers of deer and other wildlife crossing her path on the winding country back road. Addy's entire focus was on putting as much distance between her and Merle as she could. As her only advantage at this point was the fact that neither Daryl nor Merle knew where she was going. Although, she got a head start on them, it wasn't much of a head start and she knew they wouldn't be far behind in Merle's prized agile motorcycle. Therefore, she recklessly disregarded her safety as she sped through the winding back country road like she was practicing to become a drag racer. Addy glanced in her rear-view mirror incessantly, fearfully expecting to see Merle's Harley on her tail, but luckily for her, and thanks to her reckless lead foot, she managed to make it to town. Passing the main strip, Addy turned off the main road onto a small dirt road, that was more like an off beaten path, that winded parallel to and round the Greensboro trailer park which was known as the old Harlow Road that dead ended. That was where Eric wanted to meet.
Addy slowed her speed down significantly as she traveled down the dirt road satisfied and relieved that Merle was not tailing her. However, the closer she got the more her fear and uncertainty build up against her will. She had not seen Eric since the assault and while she was still confident in her decision to come meet him, an unnerving and anxious feeling was beginning to blossom in her chest. However, despite her body's cautions, she fought harshly against it willing herself to continue.
Addy's breath abruptly stopped in her throat as she rounded the last corner of the dead-end road, the trucks headlights illuminating the familiar black 1985 Toyota Supra and the silhouette of a tall lean man leaning against the driver's door. Addy slowly brought the truck to a halt pulling it steadily into park. Addy warily watched as Eric abruptly pushed himself off the side of his sports car taking a few steps towards the truck his body facing her headlights. Addy swallowed hard feeling her body go jittery with a nervous anticipation feeling her heart grow heavy with a bitter sadness as she was reminded of his betrayal and abuse to her person. Feeling her bottom lip tremble slightly, Addy slowly turned to the driver's door and pulled at the handle with her shaky fingers before pushing the rusty door open. Leaving the truck running and the headlights on, Addy emerged from the truck slowly giving herself a quick out if she needed to depart in a hurry. Although, she did not anticipate their conversation to last very long as she had no desire to stay in his presence any longer than she felt she had to.
Leaving the truck door open, Addy only walked one step forward before planting her boots by the front tire and had no intention of coming any closer to the man. That one step she took forward was even too much for her comfort.
Addy eyed the man that stood in the light of the truck's high beams. He had not changed a bit, expect for the visible scar that ran across the bridge of his nose right between his bold brown eyes. A gift from Merle, Addy expected, that he would permanently wear as a reminder for the rest of his days. However, despite that, the rest of him looked surprisingly well, as the scar did not take away from the handsome semantical features of his young face that Addy once found attractive. Many would comment on how physically alluring Eric was, especially young women Addy's age. However, it seemed the good-looking man did not hold the same appealing features as she once viewed. Having had the misfortune of seeing a vile side from him, somehow made the attractive man's features seem dull becoming displeasing and even distasteful in the young woman eyes.
The black leather jacket he wore constantly hung over his slim build making Addy inwardly cringed crinkling her nose remembering the heavy and lingering smell of the potent cologne he wore. His dark brown hair hung in a choppy bowl cut that was cleaned and well-groomed like he always had it. His small silver hooped earring swayed slightly as he shifted his weight on his black sneakers. He cocked his head to the side, a haughty shadow of a smirk appearing on his lips as he stared at her with interested eyes seeming pleased she had come to see him. His posture was somewhat hunched in a relaxed laidback manner, his hands stuffed halfway in the front pockets of his dark washed jeans letting his thumbs hang out loosely.
Addy said nothing as she just eyed the man in a cold impassive manner.
"Nice ride." Eric expressed sarcastically lifting his hand out of his pocket and pointing an idle finger at the rusty old chevy.
Addy's brows pressed downward into a deep detestable frown.
If he wished to break the ice and say something amusing, he did not succeed. As far as Addy was concerned, it was in poor taste to insult the vehicle she was driving thus insulting the men who owned it. Addy was in no mood for humor, especially poor idle humor, as it seemed unfitting and inappropriate for their first meeting since his assault on her. Little things that might have been amusing before were downright unseemly now.
"Look Addy…" Eric expressed in casual manner as he took a careless step in her direction. To which Addy, immediately, took a flinching step back. As far as she was concerned, being fifteen feet from the man was close enough.
Eric stopped instantly seeming somewhat surprised by her defensive attitude, but then almost immediately nodded to himself like he understood her reasoning. The young man put his hands up in a surrendering pose seeming to respect her desire to keep her distance, not wanting to frighten her away.
"Okay, okay. I get it." He said feebly, in a tone that was highly unconvincing to Addy, as there was an edge of annoyance to it that suggested her actions were either unnecessary or a frustrating inconvenience.
Ha! Do you? Addy thought bitterly in distrust.
Addy sneered in disgust as she was becoming severely doubtful in his ability to understand the gravity of what he had done. The immaturity and the egotism were mindboggling, to Addy, and she wondered how the hell she did not see it so plainly before as she was undeniably seeing it now. Was her self-worth that low when she was with him?
"What happened that night was inexcusable." Eric admitted adamantly, almost too firmly like he was trying to sell his words to her making it come off to the observant woman as fake and insincere.
Addy's brows creased downwards into a skeptical frown.
"And I am sorry. I had too much to drink and was not in my right mind when I did and said those things." Eric expressed, poorly explaining his reasoning, not even bothering to look up at her until he was finished getting out his weak and meaningless words.
If that was his idea of an apology, it was immeasurable inadequate for the horrendous circumstances. In fact, it was appalling to the deeply hurt woman.
"You mean when you backhanded me and tried to rape me? Those things?" Addy asked in a bitter accusing tone, expressing the gravity of what he had done to her feeling her heart race and fill with a frustrating distress.
Addy felt her chest become heavy with grief and resentment. This was not what she wanted to hear. All she was hearing were excuses from the man who couldn't even own up to what he had done. Blaming the alcohol rather than a man with a free will responsible for his own actions. It was gutless, manipulative and just plain ugly. He was talking to her like he forgot her birthday rather than beat her and tried to molest her. It was pathetic, and downright disgusting. Inexcusable. Addy's bottom lip trembled slightly in hurt and anger. She just wanted to cry.
"Yes. It was a mistake." Eric agreed keeping his voice firm, but again, it did not come across as sincere nor did it bring her any comfort, reassurance or hope that he was even one ounce remorseful.
"A mistake? Forgetting to pay your bills is a mistake, Eric. What you did was vile." Addy condemned giving him a disdainful scowl feeling her pained heart blossom in anger. It was insulting and appalling that he felt that an apology was all he needed for his wrongdoing. Did he think so little of her worth that, that was all she deserved?
"And it'll never happen again." He exclaimed in a resounding tone lacking any depth. "You have my word." He said holding his hand up like he was swearing before a court.
Addy shook her head slowly, a look of hurtful disbelief crossed over her scowling features. The truth was his word did not mean jack shit. It was meaningless and about as useful as a screen door to a submarine. Despicable. He betrayed her trust and, although Addy had room in her heart to forgive, she did not have room to hope.
"I vowed off drinking, baby." He exclaimed like it was a revolutionary notion that would change and absolve everything. Addy cringed inwardly at his use of 'baby'. She was not his 'baby' anymore and hearing him utter it made Addy crinkle her nose in disgust like she had smelled something rotten.
"God as my witness, I will never touch another drop and it can be like it was before." He expressed in a calm confident tone giving her a gentle somewhat pleading look. However, as Addy eyes honed in on his chocolate brown eyes she was not met with an open sincerity. There was something behind his eyes that appeared deceitful to Addy, masking a selfish intent and young woman was not fooled.
The vigilant woman shook her head building up a protective wall around her battered heart as she gave him a distrustful hurt frown. It was becoming very clear to Addy, now, that his letter was all just a manipulative ruse to get her back into his abusive clutches using insulting tactics to convince her that everything that happened was simple error in judgement rather than an outrageous and vile act. The malevolent man even went as far as suggesting suicide playing off her kind and compassionate nature. Just another cruel betrayal of trust. This certainly was not a man contemplating ending his life as he didn't appear even marginally remorseful.
She wasn't going to be deceived by this man anymore. She did not deserve what he did to her, she was worth far more than he made her believe. And she wondered how she did not see all this until now? Was her self-esteem that low? Was she so desperate for love and acceptance that she allowed herself to be manipulated, deceived, and victimized? Addy couldn't help, but picture Merle and Daryl in her mind clutching onto them for support as she bravely refused to tolerate being wronged and misused anymore.
"It will never be like it was before." Addy expressed with unyielding resolve elevating her voice a bit as her emotions for all the pain she suffered was beginning to take hold. "You cross a line that can never be uncrossed, Eric. You destroyed everything ounce of trust I had for you. You betrayed, you hurt me, in the most brutal heartless way imaginable. And you think I'm just going to fall into your arms like nothing happened? No. I'm done, Eric. We're done."
Emotional tears lined the bottom of her wounded green eyes as she declared herself free and upheld her self-worth. As far as Addy was concerned, Eric had no hold on her whatsoever anymore. This freeing feeling began to spread over her body like an invisible heaviness being released from her tense muscles.
Suddenly, Eric's brown eyes flashed with astonished anger as his fists balled up at his sides. Like he couldn't believe she was putting her needs over his own or she was not being turned by his well-crafted words.
"So, nothing in our relationship meant anything to you? You won't even try to work through it or help me?" Eric heatedly accused spitting out his words venomously.
"You know what, you're a selfish bitch." He cursed pointing an aggressive finger at her. "After all that I gave you, all that I done for you over the years and you can't forgive and forget and just move on? What about your fuckin' Jesus Christ? Doesn't he say to forgive? What a fuckin' load of bullshit!" Eric shouted hostility throwing his hands up in the air exasperated as he leaned forward in a combative manner.
Addy took a timid step back eyeing the hostile man cautiously feeling a very familiar fear come rising to the surface. It was astounding and exceedingly frightening how quickly his anger appeared after she expressed her feelings and defended herself calling out his bullshit. And while, attacking her religion was another clever manipulative tactic on his part, it ultimately, did not sway the liberated woman. She would forgive him in time, for her sake, but that did not mean she was going to be guilted into what he had done. It was not her fault, in anyway shape or form.
It was not my fault. Addy repeated in her head over and over again in defensive strategy to encourage herself not be swayed by his manipulations and slander.
"I loved you and now you just want to spit in my face after everything!?" Eric spat his voice raising in fury attempting to play on her guilt with insults and blame.
Addy's scowl deepened giving him a look of disdain. Although, his words were hurtful and Addy's soft heart felt heavy under his nasty selfish words, every word he spoke was condemning which, ultimately, convinced Addy further of just what a lowlife bastard he really was. It was clear he held no respect or regard for her. It was all about himself and she knew any more words she spoke would fall on deaf narcissistic ears.
It was not your fault. Addy repeated inwardly.
"Are you done insulting me?" Addy asked in a calm cold tone of indifference. "If so, I would like to go back home."
Eric's brown eyes grew wide in raving astonishment.
"Home? You mean with those fuckin' hicks?" He asked scornfully his face scrunching up in an angry abhorrence at the realization. Appearing deeply appalled and offended that she not only had a home to go back to, but a home with the two men who stepped in his way.
Addy dipped down her head as her glare penetrated him with hate. She did not know where he heard she was staying with Daryl and Merle, but she found herself not liking it making her wonder just how much information he knew about her living situation. Perhaps he was simply guessing, but her gut was telling her otherwise.
Beau. It had to be Beau as he was the one who gave her Eric's letter in the first place. How the hell do they know each other?
"So that's it? Huh? You fucking some redneck trailer trash up in the wood like some fuckin' dime store hooker?" He insulted hatefully boring his eyes into her accusingly like she was the one with the more shameful shortcomings in all this.
Addy pressed her lips into a tight line keeping silent at the disrespectful and crude question. It didn't seem worth it to indulge him with an answer of denial or antagonize him with false acceptance. He can believe whatever his selfish mind wanted to as Addy was determined not to let any of his judgments and ill-thoughts affect her. Don't take the bait. Be the bigger person which is not all that hard regarding the likes of him.
There was a beat of silence before Eric scoffed in disgust jerking his head to look away from her like her silence proved his accusations true and he was sickened by it. Eric turned his attention to the ground running a frustrated hand over his well-groomed clean face. He let out a small chuckle of disbelief as he shook his head seeming to find her resistance mind boggling and laughable. Like it was out of character for her to be so uncooperative and immovable making Eric wonder where these newfound balls of hers come from.
What Eric's narrow mind could not seem to wrap around was the liberated woman gained something while she was away from him and that was awareness and a little something called self-respect and self-worth.
Eric placed his hands on his hips keeping his focus on the ground continuing to shake his head in frustration and disbelief.
"You know this all could've been a whole bunch of fuckin' nothing if you would have just opened your fuckin' legs that night instead of being stubborn ass bitch." Eric declared harshly to the ground before turning his attention back up to look at Addy giving her frighteningly dark contemptuous look, not bothering to masked or hide his feelings any longer as his anger took hold of him.
Addy's eyes widened with shock as her jaw dropped utterly appalled by his blatant and disgusting declaration. Like it was her fault for not letting him just rape her? Like it would be all hunky-fucking-dory if she would just allow him his drunken pleasure? He just declared her as nothing more than a service object for his benefit. What a twist, evil, thing to say!
"I can't fuckin' believe this shit!" He bellowed out violently as he began to pace back and forth in a heated rage as he was not getting what he wanted out of her. "You'll fuck redneck white trash, but you wouldn't fuck me, your boyfriend? Your man?..." He questioned appalled as he pointing to his chest like he was her responsibility to only please and service.
Addy felt a sudden rage exploded harshly in her chest, throwing her restraint right out the window.
"Man?! MAN!?" Addy bellowed allowing all her frustration and pain rise to the surface. "You'll be lucky to pass for a 'little bitch'? You sick, selfish, prick!" Addy insulted loathsomely forgetting all about being the bigger person in all this. Fuck him. He did not deserve or earn her respect in any way and she allowed her anger and hurt to take hold. He was showing her to be nothing more than a vile human being with no room for decency in his selfish cold heart.
Addy shook her head in detest.
"I can't believe my dumbass didn't see it sooner." She proclaimed feeling a bite of disappointment at herself for allowing herself to be so blinded.
Eric's eyes were wide with astounded fury as his chest visible rose and fell in quick low breaths. The man dipped his head down his eyes blazing with heat as he took a menacing step towards her making Addy's body immediately surge with alarm.
"You little…" Was all Eric managed to say before he halted his pursuit towards her instantly as the sound of a rumbling surge of sharp engine cut against the silence.
Addy's heart dropped into her stomach as she turned to see a single flickering light zooming against the darkness of the trees. Within seconds, Merle's Harley rounded the corner of the dead-end road, the back tire flinging to the side kicking up dirt as he brought the bike to a grinding halt, just a few feet away from the back of his truck.
Merle's sharp blue eyes widened as a look of shocked fury crossed over his hard features taking in the scene before him. Merle suspected a lot of reasons for Addy's little joyride, but he did not suspect this. A contemptuous fire sparked within his blue orbs wildly in an unmatched rage at seeing Eric, the attempted rapist, in such close proximity to Addy. His Addy. He could hardly believe what he was seeing, but, there it was, right in front of his face as plain as day. Merle didn't why the hell Addy was meeting the son of bitch who assaulted her! Hell, he didn't know why she was anywhere near him, let alone having this nice little reunion at the dead-end of Harlow Road at ten o'clock at night, behind his back! Everything about this screamed of foul play and ill-intent to the experienced man. And this is why the little brat stole his truck?!
Merle didn't know how the fuck all this came about, but, the truth of the matter was, he didn't rightly care at the moment. Eric was in Addy's presence and he was not bleeding. That was a severe problem to the infuriated man and Merle aimed to rectify that.
"Well, lookie what we got 'ere." Merle declared in deeply unsettling tone as he kicked the jiffy stand down and got off the bike, never taking his preying eyes off Eric who stood stiffly tense where he was.
Daryl felt a resounding fury of his own build up at the sight of Eric near Addy. He dipped his head down allowing his wispy bangs to hood his sharp blue eyes as he rounded the back end of the bike and made his way discreetly around the back of the chevy. Daryl walked purposefully to the opposite side of the truck stopping by the passenger side headlight; blocking a space where the cowardly man might be tempted to run. This location also gave the teenager the ability to back Merle up if the opportunity arose. However, Daryl doubted that as he did not expect much from a man like Eric. He was no match for his older brother and taking him down would be like swatting away a fly. Daryl felt the side of his lip curl up into satisfied sneer. He was going to enjoy watching the man receive his comeuppance.
"Ya remember me, boy?" Merle jeered in a disturbing mockery as he slowly walked towards Eric settling his boots only a few feet in front of Addy, not even glancing in her direction acting as if she wasn't even there. His focus was solely on the fucker that stood in front of him that had the gall, not only to show his face again, but to sneakily slither back into Addy's presence somehow. And what really pissed Merle off in all of this, was it was all done right under his nose, playing him for a damn fool, which was not only infuriating, but damningly troubling to the protective man. How fuck was he so blindsided by this? Merle saw it as a shortcoming on his part as a seasoned man. It was his job to protect, therefore, it was his job to know. Thinking what could have happened if he hadn't found Addy made the man immeasurably angry and unhinged.
Eric parted his lips like he was about to respond, but nothing seemed to escape. The nervous young man fidgeted and swayed slightly before he glanced away in an uneasy manner. His timid eyes soon meet Addy's concerned expression for a split second. A rage of aggravation sparked in Merle's chest that took every ounce of his self-control to repress. How dare he fucking look at her? He was having a problem with him breathing near Addy let alone looking at her. As far as Merle was concerned, the fucker didn't get the privilege. If he thought he was going to use her pity and concern to aid him anymore, he was sorely mistaken. Merle sidestepped slightly using his broad body to block her from his view completely forcing the man to focus on him. Merle cocked his head to side his untamed blue eyes piercing him savagely like a predator focusing on his prey.
"L-Look man." Eric began tensely as he ran his fingers through his dark brown hair nervously shifting in an awkward manner peering back up at Merle his brown eyes wide and fearful with apprehension.
"I-I don't want any trouble." The man expressed in an anxious tone feeling his body grow tense with unease as he put up his hands in a surrendering pose attempting to lessen the man's obvious suppressed rage. He had already been on the receiving end of Merle's wrath which was utterly terrifying and immensely painful and wanted to do everything he could to spare himself.
Merle let out low raspy unsettling chuckle that echoed ominously against the trees. Merle turned his attention to Daryl on the opposite side of the truck knowing exactly where his little brother would be.
"Ya hear that, Daryl? He don't want no trouble?" Merle jeered scornfully in a tone that suggested he was not in the mood to sallow bullshit. His fake declaration of innocence was insulting to Merle and damn near laughable. Did this little shit think he was born yesterday? He may be able to manipulate and lie to a soft little woman, like his Addy May, taking advantage of her innocence, like the little bitch he was, but if he thought he could fool him – he was fucking with the wrong man.
Daryl kept his eyes glued on Eric narrowing them sightly with distain, not caring an ounce about the man's stupidity against his brother.
Merle brought his attention back to the apprehensive man giving him a dark unsettling look before glancing down at the ground as he took a couple of slow purposeful steps toward him. In response, Eric took a few cautious steps back keeping his alert eyes fixed on the peeved man which was fine with Merle as long as the little shit didn't try to run. Not that he would get far, but it was an inconvenience that would just piss the enraged man off even more and that would not bode well for the stupid man's health. Even though Merle was just a head taller than Eric, his presence was far more overbearing and severe, making Eric seem far smaller than he really was. His slump timid posture and slim build only added to his small appearance against Merle's aggressive and stiff motions.
Addy arched her neck around Merle's broad shoulders leaning her body to the side slightly as her wide green eyes captured all of what was happening. A fearful apprehension filled her gut with unease, not knowing what Merle's exact intentions were. Although, Eric was a lowlife son of bitch, her kind heart did not want him harmed or…worse. Addy swallowed hard as she took in Merle's tense combative movements.
Daryl's eyes cast over to Addy as he sensed her movement which set him on high alert with the intention of grabbing her and keeping her away if she had the reckless audacity to move putting herself in harm's way for a second time tonight. If she had any good sense left in her, she would keep her ass where she was and not get in Merle's way.
"Ya know, I kinda remember tellin' ya at the bar if I ever saw yer fuckin' face 'round 'ere again, you'd be one sorry sack of shit." Merle said unsettlingly casual, but his tone was tense and tight. He tilted his head up his blue eyes hooded with a dark repressed anger that was barely hanging on by a thread.
"I said that, but, yet 'ere ya are." He expressed calmly with a ridged edge to his tone feeling his chest grow heavy and his muscles tense as he forced his anger into his body. "And with little Addy at the dead-end of a road at night? And you don't want no trouble?" Merle asked quizzically holding onto his mocking tone of contempt cocking his head to the side as he squinted his heated eyes in disbelief.
Merle clicked his tongue in a scoffing manner as he took two quick pursuing steps forward. "Lyin' like a dead dog on the side of the road, boy, ya must think I'm fuckin' stupid." Merle expressed his voice elevating to an enraged growl. And like a rubber band snapping back, Merle released his rage drawing back his fist and smashing his calloused knuckles square into the startled man's nose. There was a dull thud and muffled crack as Eric stumbled back wildly from the hard blow, his legs giving way slightly as he lifting a hand up to cover his bloody nose managing to just barely gain his footing. However, that did not satisfy Merle, in fact, it pissed him off. He immediately lifted his heavy black steal toed boot and rammed it into the man's chest making Eric's body fling back violently smashing hard his back hard into the dirt.
Oh, God. He's gonna kill him!
"Merle, wait, no!" Addy yelled taking a step forward to stop Merle from doing the unthinkable. His rageful manner and murderous look made Addy fearful. She did not want that.
"Keep yer ass back there, girl." Merle ordered harshly in an angry unrestrained tone just barely turning half way around as he raised an arm behind him not bothering to even glance over his shoulder at her. His focus was on the piece of shit on the ground. He would deal with her later.
Daryl immediately moved into action, rounding the front of the truck stepping in front of Addy to stop her pursuit towards them. He shot a commanding finger at her feet which held a clear message of 'don't move'. Addy's lips parted in shock and a little bit of fright, as she never has seen Daryl's face so fiercely commanding and harsh before. Addy swallowed taking a step back from Daryl's imposing body language that was essentially blocking her from watching what was happening. Using himself as a protective barrier, shielding her eyes from the violence that was occurring.
"Either ya have a piss poor memory or ya just thought I was talkin' outta my ass?" Merle spat down at the man with a hateful sneer. It was clear this man did not take him seriously last time or he thought he could pull the wool over his eyes like a two-faced stupid little shit. That was a mistake.
Eric groaned in misery as his broken nose surged with pain. His clean-shaven face was smeared with fresh blood that was dripping down into his mouth and down the sides of his face. His nose was now tilted slightly crooked and a hue of purple bruising and swelling appeared prominently along the sides of his nose and under his eyes.
Eric's chest constricted in an aching pain where there was a prominent boot print stamped on his white t-shirt. The injured man shifted against his bruised back gasping for air as he strained to lift his head and shoulders. Merle, however, had other ideas.
"Ah ta, ta, ta." Merle mocked scornfully as he firmly slammed his boot onto his bruised chest making Eric's head jerk back hard onto the dirt as he sputtered, gasped, and moaned in pain.
"Ya just stay under my boot where ya belong, boy." Merle commanded hatefully feeling himself tense with suppressed rage holding himself back from beating the man into a bloody pulp.
Merle bent his torso down casting an ominous shadow over the injured man, angling himself toward his bloody pain-stricken face.
"Ya move and I'll stomp yer face in." Merle threatened in a dark meaningful tone, malevolently hoping he would dare to defy him so he could follow through with his rageful impulse. Addy presence was the only reason for his frustrating suppression of his wrath, but if Eric was stupid enough to try Merle would only be too obliged to show the jackass, he was a man of his word.
"And ya won't be pretty anymore that's fer damn yer sure." Merle added sneeringly as he lifted his torso back up to his full height rolling his shoulders back as he fruitlessly attempted to take away the fierce tension he was holding in his body.
Feeling the sudden need for a smoke, Merle pulled out his pack of cigarettes from his jean pocket. He pulled one of the sicks out with his mouth all the while keeping harsh pressure onto the man's damaged chest making him gasp desperately for air finding it exceedingly difficult to breathe through his broken and battered nose. Merle ripped out a match that sat loosely in his back jean pocket before the cigarette out of his mouth holding it between his fingers that were slightly bruised and tainted the Eric's blood. Merle barely noticed the throbbing pain in his knuckles which bit against his bottled anger further wanting them hurt far worse as he craved to break and batter them into the man's bones.
He crudely ignited the match by flicking it under his two center top teeth and lighting his cancer stick taking a nice long drag before turning to look down at the suffering man.
"I don't know what yer intentions were meetin' little miss Addy ta night. But seein' as I wasn't invited and you being one of those stupid little shits, I can only think of one. Ya see, ya might be able ta fool innocent little women like Addy May 'ere, but ain't foolin' me, son. I guess keepin' that little picker in 'em tight ass pants of yers is just too much of a fer a little bitch like you. Huh?" Despite the cool and calm deliverance of his words, it held an ominous edge to it that suggested he was anything, but calm.
Merle took another puff of his cigarette allowing the small illuminating spark to light up his unhinged and menacing eyes. He blew the smoke downwards into the man's direction making Eric wince a bit.
"Ya know what I do ta rapist 'round 'ere, son?" Merle asked bluntly giving Eric a condescending look his eyes holding a disturbing malice as he thought about him putting his hands on Addy once again. God, did he want to break his fucking neck.
"Huh?" Merle snapped impatiently feeling his stiff muscles bulge and flex in vexation. "Open yer fuckin' mouth, boy!" Merle demanded leaning his body over his in an aggressive manner as he stomped his boot hard against Eric's bruised chest making the man rasp and grunt in pain.
"No." Eric wheezed out with difficulty his voice straining with pain and torment.
"Seeing, yer not from around 'ere and you being a stupid little shit and all that, I guess I'm gonna have ta spell it out real nice and slow fer ya so ya understand me. Cause believe me, boy, I only got the patience ta see say it one time. When little bitches like you rape a woman, ya can bet yer ass no damn law enforcement is called. Ya know wanna know what I do?" Merle asked in condescendingly rough tone before taking another quick puff of his cigarette.
Eric shuddered slightly in distress as he attempted to shift his aching body, but it was uselessly under the fierce pressure of Merle's heavy boot, not allowing the man to gain any comfort or relief.
"Sure ya do." Merle said curtly not even batting an eye at the man's obvious agony. It was Merle's intention for him to feel pain while setting the man straight, in fact, it was his pleasure, not only because he felt he earned it, but he found that it would make his words have a more profounding effect on the man's psyche for what he was about to tell him.
Merle crouched his body down so he was closer to the man's face letting his cigarette hang loosely between his fingers as he continued to press his boot sharply against his chest making the man let out a wheezing grunt.
"Frist, I'll tie yer ass ta the back of my truck, that one right there." Merle said casually gesturing lazily behind him showing him just which truck he can expect. "With one those thick trailer chains so ya can be sure yer ass ain't gonna slide off. I'll drag ya fer a bit, till yer all bruised and bloody like a motherfucker." Merle nodding his head once in a nonchalant manner, his voice holding a disturbing conversational tone that was deeply unsettling, sounding almost like he was simply listing off directions on how to build a piece of furniture rather than torture someone.
"Then I'll git me some road salt and rub it nice and deep into yer wounds." Merle looked away from Eric as he took another drag of his cigarette letting his words sink into the man's psyche. Merle rested his forearm on his thigh idly with his cigarette hanging between his fingers as he turned back his attention back down to terrified man.
"Then just watch ya bleed out and piss yerself till yer feet stop kickin'." Merle expressed cooly pressing his lips together and nodding his head to the side, like it would be just another Sunday to him to end the man's life.
"Oh." He said like he had forgotten something holding a lazy finger up. "And that's all after I cut off yer dick fer ya." Merle said like he had just told him some very useful information that he should be mindful of which was not far from the truth as it was, if he valued his life that is.
Eric's eyes grew wide with terror obviously believing Merle's threats which in turn satisfied Merle to a measly extent. The side of Merle's lip turned up into sideways sneer snorting lightly in his throat at the man's distressed face. Merle reached out and patted the side man's cheek mockingly making Eric wince and grimace his face in pain.
"Ya see, yer nothin' but a little bitch, annoying shit on the bottom of my boot." Merle insulted scornfully, his face grimacing into a disgusted scowl. "And believe me when I say, I ain't gonna lose no sleep on gettin' rid of the likes of you, boy. Little Addy 'ere ain't yers no more and I ever catch wind ya of even thinkin' of contactin' 'er again, well, yer just a dead man walkin', boy." Merle's words were intensely ominous said with an unyielding chilling tone making Eric's body grow harshly tense in terror.
"Now, ya got 'bout five seconds ta git yer little pansy ass outta 'ere 'fore I change my mind 'bout endin' ya right 'ere and now." Merle declared standing his body back up abruptly lifting his boot off the man who grunt and coughed grasping for air as he placed a hand over his bruised chest. Eric slowly struggled to work his body onto his hands and knees attempting to pushing his shaking limbs to stand.
However, he's attempts were not nearly as fast as the angry impatient man desired. Merle growled roughly in his throat as he violently snatched a hold of the back of Eric's leather jacket and t-shirt jerking the man into his wobbling feet. The collar of the man's t-shirt cutting into his neck painfully. Merle, then rammed his boot hard into the man's ass making him stumble forward and slam hars into the side of the black Toyota Supra. Eric pressed his palms into the side of the black metal forcing himself to stand upright and regain his balance.
"Three seconds!" Merle bellowed in a hostile rage as he took a step forward looking maliciously savage as his impatience was being sorely tested. Eric scrabbled towards the door like his life depended on it because it did, fubbing fearfully with the handle a few times before getting in and slamming the door. Wasting no time, Eric revved his engine, his tires spinning in protest flinging dirt up as he sped out. Eric had the good sense to go into the brush of the woods allowing his pristine sports car to get scratched and banged up by the undergrowth to avoid hitting Merle's prized bike. The wisest decision he made all night apart from making a break for it.
Addy turned her head to watch Eric's black Toyota swiftly disappear down the path. There was a huge weight of unexpected relief that lifted off Addy's chest. Although, there was a disappointment in how things all turned out, there was this freeing feeling of release from a painful burden that couldn't be ignored. Despite her wishes for a more congenial and satisfying closure, which she ultimately knew, in her heart, was never going to happen, that fact of the matter was, she was finally free of him and that she unquestionably grateful for.
Once Eric's car was out of sight completely and the rumble of his engine was muffled by the distance, Daryl finally sidestepped out of her path turning around to look at his older brother.
Merle stood rigidly with where he was with his back facing them which was stiff and immensely tense. The man's chest was rising and falling in short heated huffs, his arms muscles constricting and tensing as he clenched and unclenched his fists at his sides. He was gravely unsatisfied letting the fucker go as it went against his instincts and impulses.
If he would have laid a hand on Addy or worse, the man would not be breathing tonight, but to the good fortune of all, he didn't get the opportunity. And the lucky bastard was just fortunate enough that Merle did not want Addy's soft heart to be exposed to the violence and the cruelty that he was capable of inflicting if he deemed it necessary. And right about now, it was seeming Goddamn necessary and he was battling with himself on his weak decision. Personally, it pissed Merle off that he didn't break a few more bones and the lowlife only got off with another bloody face which was more than the bastard deserved, but he held back despite his instincts for Addy's sake and Addy's sake only. The things he did were not for innocent little eyes. And it angered him that it was ironically Addy's kind heart that truly saved him, something he was not worthy of in the slightest in Merle's opinion. Merle scoffed harshly at his weakness towards giving into mercy because of the one little woman who the gull to run off in his truck like a thoughtless little shit. Merle felt himself git his teeth thinking about how badly this all could have gone, if he did not make the right call and go down this road.
Without warning, Merle abruptly snapped his body around, his attention solely fixed on Addy for the first time since he arrived, an intensely piercing and accusingly harsh glare penetrated right through her like sharp daggers. The terrified woman took a flinching step back jerking her shoulder to the side like the force of his glare had physically push her somehow. Addy blinked her wide green eyes in panic feeling her body surge with incredible apprehension as her heart plummeted into her stomach. She had never seen him look so murderous before and it was all being channeled in her direction which was utterly petrifying.
Merle kept his intense glare piercing the young woman for a beat longer, before abruptly breaking it and stomping towards the tree line along the dirt road. Addy watched with wide apprehensive eyes as Merle reached into his pocket and flung open his pocket knife with a forceful jerk of his wrist as his large heavy boots crunched against the sticks and leaves of the woods floor. Due to the darkness of the late hour and his back tense back towards her, Addy could not see exactly what Merle was doing, but she heard the leaves rustling together then a sudden snap which made her flitch far more harshly than it should have. Merle turned around emerging from the woods with a small thin branch covered in long narrow leaves.
Addy sucked in a harsh breath feeling all the air leave her lungs as her body stiffened like a bord, her big round eyes widening even further. Addy was no idiot, although all evidence to the contrary tonight, she knew that stick was for her backside. As much as she may have wished it at the moment, Merle was not cutting off branches for collecting purposes.
Merle turned making sure his body was directly square with Addy's wanting her take in everything he was doing. He ran his hand roughly down the length of the branch ridding it of all it's beautiful green leaves. Lifting the switch up to his eye level he stripped it of any excess notches and debris until it was completely bare. He held it out slightly eyeing it gruffly for a brief second before taking it swooshing it down suddenly onto his thigh twice in a row testing its durability and sting. The switch swooshed down cutting against the humid air sharply as it hit Merle's thigh making Addy wince and grimace in dread at the terrible whizzing sound it made. Addy had no idea how much a stick could hurt, but in the rough hands of Merle, who was undeniably infuriated at her, perhaps more than he has ever been, she imagined it would be utter agony. Although Merle did not even bat an eye when he tested the switch on his thigh, which Addy thought was unnecessarily hard, she knew it had to have hurt him at least minorly.
Merle inwardly shrugged, it was no hickory switch, but guessed it would be fine. If the damn thing broke on her reckless little ass then he'd just cut himself another one. Merle then dipped his head down slightly a dark shadow passed over his intense hard eyes as he locked onto his little target who had the good sense to look terrified. Without a word, he set his feet into motion pounding his heavy boots into the dirt as he marched towards her with intent.
A severe panic shot through the young woman like lighting. A dreadful helplessness began to come over her as she mindlessly looked to her right then to her left like something of aid or use could be found to shield her from Merle's wrath.
Terror was exploding with in her, her mind whirling with desperate panic. What should she do? Beg for mercy? Try to explain herself to lessen his fury and bring him to reason? Run away and hope he would not catch her? Addy knew that would only end in disaster on her part remembering the last time she ran from him. His speed was far superior and she would not only be caught but she imagined she would only irk his temper further, and it being at the state it was at the moment, was a terrifying thought.
"Merle, wait." Addy implored in distress and desperation as she held out her hands in front of her defensively.
However, Merle did not 'wait' as he continued to move towards like she had not said a word. His hard blue eyes were set in a determined resolve completely unmoved by her fear.
"No, Merle, please I-I can explain." Addy tired, her words stammering out urgently as she backed away along the length of the truck, her arms stretched out slightly as she attempted to keep her balance on her unsteady legs. Her finger tips brushing along the side of the rusty chevy as continued her retreat.
Merle treaded his boots towards her in long purposeful strides the switch gripped tightly in his clenched fist. As he past the truck's open door, he reached out his palm and forcefully slammed it shut. The loud bang echoing through the tree making Addy's eyes squeeze shut for a split second and tense body flinch.
A terrible dread filled Addy's gut as it appeared Merle had tunnel vision and there was nothing that she could say that was going to break his stubborn resolve to light her little ass on fire without a word. To him, no matter what Addy had to say, it would not save her from a damn good switching that he was only too obliged to give. She fucked up majorly and Merle was determined to set her straight and show her just what happens to reckless little girls who put themselves in shitty dangerous situations.
"Listen!" Addy shouted despairingly hearing her voice crack a bit in a distressful panic. Praying Merle would say something, anything or at least acknowledge that she was even speaking to him. However, it was all in vain as it appeared the man had completely tunned her out. It was clear, her words were useless and her fate was sealed by man who had no mercy, sympathy or fucks to give.
TBC
I know, I know, I know. I'm so sorry to cut it off here, but if I continued the chapter would be way too long. And there is nothing wrong with a little suspense. Right? Plus cutting it off here enable me to post it sooner which is always a plus.
Please let me know your thoughts, comments, suggestions, opinions, or critique. I love to hear it all!
I hope to post part 3 as soon as I can. Stay tuned.