Chapter Eight: Home 8/24/24
New York City, NY
Damian used to know for sure that he was a punisher, that he ultimately destroyed the good in his life. For a moment in bed with Rhea, he thought of himself as her protector. Because of her, he felt like he was a much better person than he was, and that was dangerous. He considered at least telling her that he was behind the implosion of Judgment Day, but now they were emmeshed. He knew that telling her at this point would only cause pain. So, he let the illusion burn within him. He savored the memories of times when he saved her and she saved him – especially recently. Their codependence was more binding than any ring.
He was so close to her that he only believed her reality now. She had encroached upon his energy to the point that he couldn't hold himself back from her anymore. Her tragic beauty, her tantalizing dance with disaster… her strength and ever-increasing reliance on him made him want her more. He knew she wasn't for him, and he had to be okay with that. But he still wanted her – so badly that it killed. He had to get her out of his head.
When he wasn't at the gym, Damian was at the club. The pounding music and his fluid sway with the beat hushed his obsession and fears… until, once again, he saw Rhea's face in the crowd - clutching her busted shoulder but dancing her beautiful ass off, swigging back a shot of whatever, looking dead inside while entertaining those who approached her, pushing off this creep who wouldn't take no for an answer…
Damian stood, clenching his fists by his side and gritting his teeth. He stalked over to the creep and threw him to the floor with a growl. "She said no, motherfucker! Get that through your thick skull!"
He glanced at Rhea… or, rather, a short ginger with a bob cut, cherubic cheeks, and wide puffy eyes. He stared, stunned by the mindfuck.
"Thank you," she sniffled.
This girl… not Rhea… not even remotely so.
Damian didn't see the creep lunging at him until the guy's elbow slammed into his trapezius. Damian hit the floor. He spun on his ass, kicking legs out from under the creep who fell on top of him. The guy threw strong but wildly imprecise punches. Damian grabbed the asshole by the collar. He flipped him onto his back and laid into him until a couple bouncers threw them out of the club. Then they brawled in the streets until someone called the cops. Blue lights flashed in his periphery as Damian slammed the guy's face into a puddle. Damian bolted, with a patrol car in hot pursuit. Damian weaved through neighbors' yards and hopped over fences. He clamored the stoop of his apartment building and slammed the door behind him. Panting, he closed his eyes.
He had to stay away from Rhea.