chapter Five

ADRIENNE leaned against the wall, unconsciously rubbing her arms as if she was cold. She watched him chop up the roses in the garbage disposal. When the last of it was gone, he leaned into the sink with his hands placed on either side. She could see the muscles in his back tighten beneath his shirt, his head hanging down. Jamar exhaled a deep breath, something she knew he did when he was trying to control his temper. His voice came out, punctuated with anger. “I know that’s not the first time he’s hit you. So don’t try to tell me it was.” Slowly, intentionally, he turned to face her. She looked down at the floor and rubbed her arms nervously. When she looked up again he’d closed the distance between them. He reached up and ran his hand down the side of her face. There was a gentle strength to his touch, the warmth of his hand and the deep mahogany of his akin not being the only contrasts to her frigid pallor. She shut her eyes and held her breath. He ran his mouth across her lips. All she could smell was him. Her head started to spin. Abruptly she pulled away. He grabbed her arm. “What? What the hell is the matter with you? Everyone else can touch you but me, is that it?” she turned and faced the wall so he wouldn’t see the tears running down her face. She didn’t see him leave, but she heard him slam the door.