I'm so far in the doghouse right now I can't see daylight.
He laughed. Yes. Yes, I think you really are. That was quite an operation you embarked on there. Dragging everyone with you, no less. Did you prove your point? Was it worth it, Princess? I told you what he was and you didn't listen.
I look at my shoes. Sometimes..sometimes Batman seems less scary to me.
Less scary?
Yes.
That makes me so profoundly sad. There is no reason for you to fear me, Bridget.
Sure there is.
I've spent years now trying to make your life easier. Trying to give you what you want and take as little as possible in return. What could you possibly find in me to fear?
Everything. I shrug, looking up at the house to where Lochlan sits on the top step cleaning and refilling his lighter. Within eyeshot from now on. He's barely speaking to me because we came back here but I will abide by his rules without question.
I wouldn't hurt you, Bridget.
Yes, you would.
He looks at Lochlan too. Lochlan stares back at Caleb openly, thinly-veiled hatred in his eyes.
Is that what he tells you?
No. You've shown me. You have hurt me. Coming back here was as hard as leaving.
You belong with me, Bridget.
No, I don't.
You need to stop fighting it.
I don't. And nothing changes. We'll go around in the same circles, fight the same fights, dance the same fucking dance and destroy each other one little bit at a time only I'll be long gone before you even show any wear because there is less of me to lose.
What if we change the rules again?
What do you mean? I stand up. Loch has made a beckoning motion toward me. I'm not going to delay.
What if I made up a new proposal for you that ends your fear?
Oh, go for it if you think you can pull off the impossible. You know where to find me when it's ready.
Doghouse?
Yes.
With the redheaded guard dog out front?
That's the one.
