Jody's white-knuckled grip on the wheel screamed rage, but I was past caring. My own fury, my own gnawing need, drowned out any sympathy I had left for him.

"Christal, I can't do this anymore!" he roared, veins pulsing in his neck. "Rehab or we're done. I can't afford your habit."

A harsh, bitter laugh escaped me. "You're kidding, right? This is your mess! You started me on this shit!" My voice trembled, a tangled mess of fury and desperation. I needed him to understand, to carry some of the weight of guilt that choked me every day of my life.

"Yeah, Christal. Two years ago. I never thought a little fun on our first date would turn into this!" His Hazel eyes darted to me, now wild with accusation.

My mouth dropped open as I stared at him, momentarily stunned."Fun?" I spat. "You think this is fun for me? Living with Mr. Perfect, with your suffocating arrogance and narcissism? You only care about yourself!"

His face twisted into a mask of rage. He slammed on the brakes, the truck skidding to a halt on the side of the road.

My heart hammered in my chest as I watched him unfold before me. He pounded his fist on the steering wheel, the sound hollow in the sudden silence.

"I can control myself, Christal! You can't,’’ he was livid, with a look I had seen too many times — one of pure hatred and discussed.’’It's not my fault you're a junkie with no willpower! And jobless, to boot. Ruin your life, fine, but support yourself!" His words were cruel shrapnel, slicing me with jagged edges.

I refused to let him see my pain. My voice, low and dangerous, slithered out. "Fuck you! ‘’ I hissed, and before I could process even a shred of logical thought, I spit. Directly in his face.

Jody's glare could ignite a firestorm. He wiped the spit from his face, his movements deliberate. Then, with glacial slowness, he got out and yanked open my door.

"Get the FUCK out of my truck," he snarled, teeth clenched so tight I thought they might break.

I stared him down, arms crossed defiantly."Put me out," I dared, my voice steady.

He reached for me, and something inside me snapped. My fist connected with his face in a sickening crack and the world held its breath. Blood streamed from his nose, staining his hands deep Crimson. He reeled back, hands flying to his face. "You broke my nose, you crazy bitch!" he roared, leaning over in agony.

I listened to his cries, muffled by blood and pain. Eye tried to be sorry. To feel any tinge of remorse. But I was numb. A twisted grin split my face. "You may need to go to the hospital, baby,’’ I said sweetly. ‘’ I guess the pain pills are on you after all. ‘’

I watched the man I once loved crumble. Maybe it was the drugs, or perhaps it was a darkness deeper within me, but a chilling satisfaction washed over me. The power dynamic had shifted. For the first time in a long time, I was the one in fucking control.