Twylite

you!

Prologue

The darkness made the trees look like threatening giants standing guard over her, ensuring she wouldn’t or couldn’t run. Twylite’s head bopped mindlessly to Trey Songz’s Bottoms Up as she scanned her surroundings while thinking of a way to escape this mess she’d gotten herself into.

She couldn’t for the life of her find the logic in getting into Peanut’s car. Her first mind had told her to keep walking when she saw his forest green BMW pull next to her. She was just trying to get home. Her English paper was due Monday, and she was supposed to be going to choir rehearsal tonight for the first time in weeks.

Common sense had told her that nothing good could come of this meeting. After all, she’d broken up with him more than two weeks ago. It wasn’t an amicable breakup, and it ended with a barrage of curses being thrown at her, topped with a promise that she would be nothing but a book-smart ghetto bitch without him. She shot back that his old ass needed to find a woman his own age and leave her alone. She would be just fine without him.

Now here he was, popping out of the blue without so much as a text in the last two weeks. Here he was smiling in her face like nothing had ever happened, beckoning Twylite to get into his car.

And she did it.

Despite the voice in the back of her mind screaming, no, she did it.

She had to admit that he did look good. His looks and car had always made Twylite the envy of her all-girls school. Tonight, his hair looked as if it had been freshly faded. That, along with the diamond rock in his ear, made his dark skin look smooth and sexy. He wore a light sweater and a pair of baggy jeans, a sensible outfit for the cooling weather. It was August, but it was still fairly warm. Even now, it wasn’t cold, but the breeze had caused the sun to give way to what her mother liked to call jacket weather.

How you been? he asked as he drove down Chef Menteur Highway toward the bridge. He glanced at her quickly, and smiled as he turned his attention back to the road.

I’m good, she mumbled, staring out of the window.

He pushed a little harder. Did I tell you how good you look in dat uniform?

She looked down at the pleated blue, white, and gold checked skirt, the main staple in her Saint Francis Academy uniform, and mumbled, Thanks.

She wondered if the education she received at the historic New Orleans high school was worth the reputation every girl who went there received. Everyone thought the SFA girls were just a bunch of wild girls incapable of being tamed by the nuns who taught them. Twylite was no angel, but she knew she’d never done anything to earn such a badge, so she refused to wear it. While other girls enjoyed hanging out in their uniforms, she always went straight home and changed, which was what she should have been doing now instead of mentally struggling through this situation.

What did Peanut want? She knew he hadn’t picked her up just for a little small talk. He wasn’t even saying anything, which made Twylite even more nervous. He kept giving her these sideways glances. Something was definitely on his mind, but she couldn’t figure out what.

Red flags waved violently as Peanut pulled into a wooded area. Stupid! She’d been so consumed with her own thoughts that she hadn’t paid any attention to where he’d taken her. Now here she was, stuck in the woods trying not to look scared out of her mind.

She looked over at Peanut, who had shifted his position so he leaned against the driver’s door while staring at her. One of his feet rested on the gear shift, which sat between them. Why did he keep looking at her like that? His eyes displayed a curious mixture of anger and tenderness. He sat quietly.

Watching her.

Could he smell her fear?

Why you bring me here? Twylite asked, shifting her own position so she could look him in the eyes. She refused to let her nerves betray her. She would never again let him have power over her.

He didn’t reply, just stared at her.

His silence fueled her anger. Did you hear me, boy? she demanded. I don’t have time for this, now. I got a paper to write. I got stuff I gotta do.

Girl, calm your ass down, Peanut said, seemingly unfazed by her display. You’ll be home soon enough. Lemme just talk to you for a minute.

Then talk.

He rolled his eyes and pursed his lips. This is what I be talkin’ ’bout. Dat damned mouth of yours is gonna get your li’l ass in trouble one day.

Twylite’s face softened. Her irritation only made matters worse. Peanut, please, can you take me home?

You ready to be my woman again?

She should have known that was what this ride was all about. Peanut, ain’t nothin’ changed in the last two weeks. I meant what I said.

Stop tryin’a be hard, Twy, he said with a dry laugh. He leaned forward and ran his fingernails softly across her breasts. The motion used to send tingles through her spine, but now all it did was make her shudder with revulsion. You made your point. I was wrong, now let’s get on with our business.

She brushed his hand away and glared at him. You never did take me seriously, did you? I said I ain’t changin’ my mind.

Who you talkin’ to like dat? he asked, wincing at her boldness. He leaned forward again. This time, he grabbed her left breast. I told you about dat mouth before.

Twylite tried to lean away from him but the passenger door blocked her escape. A quick glance out of the window told her that no one would come to her rescue, and her wooden guards were still on duty. She looked back at Peanut, and begged him to let her go. His clutch tightened, drawing tears to the corners of her eyes. She tried with everything she could not to let them fall.

You act like you forgot everything I did for you, Peanut snarled. He let go of her breast and shoved his hand under her white button-down blouse. He moved closer to her, kneeling on the console between them. When he bumped his head from sitting too high, he held her down and moved onto the seat with her. In one move, he reached down and moved her seat back so he lay on top of her.

Peanut, what are you doing? Twylite screamed, using what little leverage she had to beat on his chest. She knew he wouldn’t move, but she had to try. Part of her mind wanted to believe that he wouldn’t take her sex by force. He was only trying to scare her. He cared too much for her to hurt her, didn’t he?

His left hand joined his right under Twylite’s shirt and gave her a painful massage. His full weight was now on top of her. There was no way she could move, let alone run. I made you what you are. It wasn’t for me, you would be just another plain-ass bitch in the ghetto. A cute-ass uniform with nappy-ass hair. You wouldn’t know your pussy from a hole in a wall if it wasn’t for me, and now your stuck-up ass thinks you can leave without so much as a thank-you?

Now, he was beginning to scare her.

Kiss me, he told her, his hands violently rubbing her breasts.

She turned her head, afraid to see the fire in his eyes. This was a mess she wouldn’t be able to talk her way out of. And judging from the grip he had on her, she wouldn’t be able to fight, either.

Peanut, please let me go, she whimpered, tears beginning their descent across her cheek.

Please? he sneered. Where dat shit come from? You had all that mouth earlier and now you wanna say ‘please’?

I’m sorry, she whispered, her head still turned. She never thought she would think it, but she really wanted her daddy right now. He would kill Peanut for the way he was treating her.

The fuck you sorry for? You meant dat shit. Now if you don’t kiss me I’ma give your ass something to cry about!

She tried to wriggle free once she felt his crotch rub up against hers. She couldn’t believe that very action used to turn her on. Now it only felt like denim scratching against her privates, protected only by a cotton barrier.

She turned her face toward him in the vain hope that a kiss would make him soften his grip on her. He didn’t even wait for her to pucker; he just dived in, kissing her like he was sucking on a T-bone. Her face felt wet with his saliva.

Stop, Peanut, she cried. I’ll do whatever you want. Just please let me go.

I told you what I want. He stuck his tongue in her ear, prompting her to jerk away. He looked surprised. The fuck you pullin’ away for? Your ass used to beg me to do dat. You really do think you’re too good for me now, huh?

Twylite longed to wipe off her wet face and rid her ear canal of the pool she felt inside of it, but she still couldn’t move. All she could do was slightly shrug her shoulders and sigh. I don’t think that. I just need to concentrate on school. I’m going to college next year.

What dat gotta do wit’ me?

Peanut!

He let one of her breasts go and reached down under her skirt, softly rubbing the crotch of her panties. You savin’ this young pussy for one of those college boys?

No, Peanut, it’s not like that, Twylite pled.

Then what is it? he demanded, his finger wiggling around the cotton shield.

She opened her mouth, and then closed it just as quickly. This just wasn’t the right time to tell him he was controlling, and that her mother had finally convinced her that he was too old for her. That she was tired of him yelling at her, of him snatching her around. Her daddy had seen him snatch her the last time and swore he would kill Peanut if it ever happened again. He would have shot him then had his gun been in reach.

You can’t say shit now, huh? Peanut mocked, his index and middle fingers jamming themselves inside of her. All dat mouth earlier, and now you can’t say shit.

Anger began to rise inside of Twylite’s stomach with each thrust. She didn’t know if she was angrier at Peanut for what he was doing, or at herself for showing him fear and yielding her power. She couldn’t believe she had even loved him. How could she love someone who could treat her this way? Was she just blinded by his money, car, and status?

Get off of me! she yelled, the anger boiling over. Rage had overtaken her. She wasn’t about to let this thug of a man manhandle her anymore. It had finally hit her that he was only acting like this because she’d let him for so long. Well, not this time. She snatched her free arm from under Peanut’s body and did her best to smack some sense into his head. Bastard, I said let me go.

The initial shock from Twylite’s slap momentarily froze Peanut in his tracks. But the shock quickly wore off and gave way to rage. He snatched his hand from between her legs, his nails scraping some of her sensitive skin. Before she could move, he grabbed her by the throat.

Bitch, you lost your mind? he growled, squeezing her breast with one hand and her throat with the other. His smile grew as a tear streamed down Twylite’s cheek and touched his fingers. Don’t fuckin’ cry now. You wanna be woman enough to hit a man, you best be woman enough to take this ass whuppin’.

You gonna hit me? Twylite croaked, refusing to back down. She tried using her free hand to pry his fingers open, but she only succeeded in scratching them. Still, she refused to show any more fear. She couldn’t let him win this time. Just ’cause I don’t want your ass?

Peanut’s smile widened. Yeah, dere go dat mouth.

He finally let go of her breast and grabbed her braids, pulling her head toward the passenger door. So you just all that now, huh? Shoutin’ at me, hittin’ on me. I don’t know why you think it’s just gonna be that easy to walk away from me. I done told your ass, I made you, bitch. You leave when I dismiss you, no sooner, no goddamn later.

So I’m your slave now?

Instead of answering, Peanut eyed her as he unlocked and opened the passenger door. He finally let go of her throat, but before she could breathe a sigh of relief, he grabbed her by the shirt and dragged her out of the car. He pushed her down and stood over her. Get up!

You just pushed me down, Peanut, Twylite croaked, still panting as she breathed the warm August air. Her white shirt was now crumpled and stained with mud and leaves. She rose to her knees, still weak from the pain her former boyfriend had subjected her to.

I said get your ass up. He paced back and forth, his anger obviously getting the best of him. Young-ass bitch think she can just talk to me any kinda way. I run these goddamn streets. You do what I fuckin’ say. Now get your dumb ass up.

Twylite rose slowly and faced Peanut. Her body ached. She was sure she looked like living hell. Something in the back of her mind told her this might be a long night. Her parents were sure to be looking for her. She hadn’t heard her cell phone ring, but who would hear Rihanna’s Rude Boy on her ring tone over the noisy rap music blaring from Peanut’s speakers? She could still hear Nicki Minaj rapping about making someone’s bed rock although Peanut had slammed the car door shut when he pushed her down.

Maybe if she could just reason with him, he’d calm down and realize the error of his ways. Peanut, baby, you need to calm down. I can’t talk to you when you get like this.

He shot her an evil glare as he continued to pace. Oh, so now I’m baby, huh? Not even ten minutes ago, I was all kinds of bastards.

He’d finally stopped pacing. Twylite wondered if he’d begun to calm down as she watched him fold his arms and look into the starry sky. She decided to push a little to make sure.

Peanut, I love you, she said slowly. I really do. But I really have to concentrate on school. My momma’s talkin’ about not lettin’ me get a car after graduation if my grades aren’t where they’re supposed to be. She said she didn’t spend all that money for me to go to Saint Francis’s just to mess around with you.

It was only a half truth, but desperate times called for desperate measures. She needed to get him to soften up just enough for her to get home without the situation getting worse. She had no idea how she would explain her dirty clothes, but she’d worry about that later. Right now, it was time to put a plan into action.

She leaned against the car and looked down at her feet. Baby, I really wanna be with you. I just can’t.

Be with me then, he said softly, walking toward her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her toward him. She knew what would come next, but before she could roll her eyes in disgust, he kissed her again. His kisses were far from tender; they felt desperate, as if he was trying to force her to be in the mood. She’d have to pretend to be. It was her only hope to get out of this without more injury.

She moaned, feigning pleasure, and unbuttoned her top button. He took it as an invitation and tore her shirt apart, hungrily plunging his face into his bosom. Her mother was going to kill her.

Think, Twy!

She could kick him and run, but where the hell would she go out in these woods? She didn’t even recognize the area. Maybe she could try getting away from him long enough to jump in the car and leave him there. After all, he had left the keys in the starter.

Slow down, baby, she whispered. This shirt is jacked up now.

Peanut’s kisses were relentless. He began unbuttoning his jeans. I’ll buy you another one.

He reached under her skirt and tried to tear off her panties, but the cotton material refused to give. Instead, he tried snatching them down, but scratched her hip.

Ouch! she screamed. This was not what she’d bargained for. Peanut, stop.

What? he asked, looking confused. It was just a scratch.

Peanut, take me home, she grumbled, pulling together what was left of her shirt. This wasn’t the plan, but a little attitude always worked, and she wouldn’t have to give up any sex. This shit ain’t workin’.

What?

She tried opening the passenger door, but Peanut slammed it shut again.

Where you think you’re goin’? The glare had returned to his eyes.

She looked at him as if he’d lost his mind. Where you think? You’re taking me home. I come out in the middle of nowhere with you, knowing my momma and daddy are gonna whip my ass when I get home, and all you did tonight was fuck me up. You fuckin’ choked me, pushed me down, and scratched me up. What more do you want? I tried to push that aside and let us be together, but this shit ain’t workin’.

She tried to reach for the door handle again, but Peanut didn’t budge. She groaned. Come on, now. Take me home.

I ain’t takin’ you no-muthafuckin’-where, he growled. You gonna stay here and finish what you started. You trying to use pussy control over Peanut? I’m the one taught you how to use your pussy in the first place, and now you gonna try to use it against me?

Before Twylite could reply, he grabbed her hair and forced her back to the ground. With a death grip on her braids, he used his free hand to push down his jeans and boxer briefs. Now, you got all dat mouth? Use it then.

She lifted her tear-filled face to him and pleaded for him to stop, but he jerked her hair toward him, bringing her face to face with his manhood. Bitch, you don’t get to suckin’, I’m gonna mess dat pretty face up.

Peanut, stop, she begged, but before she could get out another word, she felt lightning strike her left cheek. It hurt so badly that she could coax no sound from her mouth. All she knew was that she didn’t want a repeat performance. Without another word, she leaned in and did as she was told.

His orgasm took forever to come, but when it did, he held her hair tighter, forcing her to swallow his seed. Once he finished, he pulled her up and bent her over the hood of the car. Her tears seemed to mean nothing to him. He went deaf to her screams.

Please, Peanut, she begged again. This hood is hot.

You don’t like this? he asked, snatching down her panties. He scratched her again, but Twylite didn’t seem to feel it. She refused to believe she was being violated in such a way. All these months of giving it to him whenever he wanted it, and it had to end like this.

He finally let go of her hair once he forced himself inside of her. He grabbed her wrists and pulled back on them, allowing him to go harder and deeper. Was he laughing at her screams?

Tell me you like this shit, he demanded, continuing to pull her wrists back. When she didn’t reply, he repeated his command more forcefully, pushing himself as far as he could inside of her. You used to beg for this. Come on, lemme hear it again.

Give it to me, Twylite whimpered. Her request sounded nothing like passion, but it still seemed to turn on her boyfriend-turned-assailant.

Say it like you mean it, baby! he said. Louder.

Give it to me! she shouted, more out of pain than pleasure. Actually, this was absolute torture. How can someone who claims to love you turn around and treat you this way?

He let go of one of her arms and bent her leg so it lay on the hood. This allowed him to go even deeper, continuing the torture. Twylite knew that begging wouldn’t stop him, and she had no strength to play tough. All she could do was bury her face in the bend of her free elbow. If her body couldn’t escape, maybe her mind could.

Chapter One

Twylite stared at Dr. Duplessis’s office door, wondering whether she should knock or run. Dr. Duplessis had been her doctor for the last six years, and was like a big sister. They could talk about anything, and sometimes Twylite would hang out at her office even when she didn’t have an appointment.

She wasn’t sure if she wanted anyone to know what had just happened to her, but Dr. Duplessis seemed to be the safest bet. The doctor wouldn’t judge her. Although she would be disappointed in her, she wouldn’t yell at her like her momma and daddy would. Speaking of her parents, how was she going to call them? Her backpack was still in Peanut’s car.

How could he rape her and then leave her like that? Had it not been for the cab in the Winn-Dixie parking lot a mile away, she didn’t know how she would have gotten to the doctor’s office. Aside from a couple of dollars for the city bus, she had absolutely no money. It had to be only the grace of God that allowed the cabbie to drive halfway across the city without asking for anything in return. Then again, only a heartless monster would look at a teenage girl wearing shredded clothing and not take her to get help. At least she wanted to think that.

Now here she was, so close, yet so far. She stood at the door, afraid to knock. Afraid to face the truth. Afraid to recount what had happened nearly an hour and a half ago. She pulled at her torn shirt, trying her best to keep herself covered.

Stop being stupid and just open the door, she told herself quietly. Get some damned help!

She shook her head. It was almost eight o’clock. There was no chance that Dr. Duplessis could still be at work that time of night. Maybe she’d just go home and face the music.

Voices.

They came from the other side of the door.

The doctor was there after all.

Suddenly, panic struck. Her mind was being made up for her way too fast. She still hadn’t convinced herself that she was ready to talk to anyone, but soon someone would take one look at her and ask what happened. She wanted to run, but her weakness wouldn’t allow it. Instead, it turned her feet into lead, keeping her planted in that hallway, leaning and sobbing against the wall.

The voices had reached the hallway. Two women were laughing, but within seconds the laughing stopped.

Twylite? a voice asked.

She knew it was the doctor, but she couldn’t answer. She tried, but only louder sobs surfaced.

Someone touched her shoulders, but she snatched away as if the lady’s fingers were made of white-hot steel.

Baby? You okay? an older woman’s voice asked.

Twylite was sure that voice came from Dr. Duplessis’s nurse, Ms. Kay, but she couldn’t bring herself to look up. Neither woman said anything for a minute. She guessed they were standing there, watching her, wondering what they should say.

Twylite, sweetie, Dr. Duplessis beckoned, gently pulling her by the shoulders. Twylite snatched away again, but the doctor was undeterred. She guided her into the office anyway. Come sit down and talk to me.

Twylite did as she was told, but kept her head down and face covered, afraid of what she would reveal if she looked Dr. Duplessis in the eyes. She hadn’t even looked in the mirror. It wasn’t hard to know that her once-pretty face was now beaten, burned, and tearstained. Why look at something like that?

Dr. Duplessis guided her to the sofa in her waiting room. Twylite’s hands remained over her face. She knew she couldn’t hide her wounds forever, but she would delay the inevitable for as long as she could.

Ms. Kay, can you get her a cold drink or something? Dr. Duplessis asked. Twylite, you want something to drink?

She shook her head no and continued sobbing.

Baby, what happened to your clothes? Ms. Kay asked. What happened to you?

Twylite sighed and uncovered her face. The moment had come. Both women gasped and covered their mouths when they took in the horror that had overtaken the young girl’s beauty.

Twylite, baby, who did this to you? Dr. Duplessis asked, nearly shouting her words. I should have known something was going on. You standing in the hall crying with your clothes all torn and dirty. Have you been to a hospital?

Ms. Kay turned to her, concern etched into her eyebrows. Dr. Duplessis rolled her eyes and shook her head.

What am I saying? she asked, smacking her forehead. Of course you have. That’s why you’re here. I’m a doctor. You’re in my office.

Doctor, Ms. Kay stated,