TW: PTSD

I arrived in Austin a few minutes before midnight as the two-hour time difference from Pacific Daylight Time changed to Central Daylight Time.

Taking my phone off airplane mode, I texted Leo I had landed.

I walked through the airport, rolling my suitcase along the smooth floor as I enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere. It was always less crowded during late night hours.

I made my way to the passenger pick-up area, bracing myself for the weather as a warm gust of wind hit me as the airport doors automatically opened. Once I was outside, I glanced up at the night sky, relaxing my shoulders as I didn't feel any muggy humidity that would instantly frizz up my hair.

I leaned against my suitcase handle as I waited for Leo to arrive, vaguely smelling cigarette smoke in the distance.

I took my phone out of my back pocket, deciding to text Christian.

Me: Hey Christian, I'm not home yet lol but I'm back in Austin

I smiled to myself as I quickly saw the three dots pop up, indicating he was typing.

Christian: I'm glad you had a safe flight

Christian: I'll let you know when I'm officially in your city 😉

I grinned, eagerly replying to his texts.

Me: lmao okay see you soon, I can't wait :)

Christian: don't forget that housewarming gift lol I'm really looking forward to it

I felt the subtle rush of butterflies in my stomach and I looked up. My eyes quickly veered to the left, noticing Leo's white Camaro slowly pull up to the curb.

I turned my phone screen off, stuffing my phone into my back pocket again. I walked over to his car and he lazily stepped out, shutting the car door behind him as he strolled over to me.

I flashed him a bright smile. "Hey Leo." I threw my arms over his shoulders, leaning against him as I slightly stood on the tips of my toes.

"Hey." He somewhat smiled at me, wrapping one arm around my waist as he leaned down, giving me a quick impassive kiss. I immediately tasted tequila on his lips.

I planted my feet back on the ground and he narrowed his blue eyes at me. They seemed darker than usual.

"Why do you smell like that?"

I blinked a couple times, taken back by his question.

"Smell like what?" My nose crinkled up as I sneered.

"Like...cologne."

Shit.

Right, dark amber and oak.

Christian.

I shrugged. "I don't know, it was probably from the guy sitting next to me on the plane." I lied.

I sighed, intently eyeing him as I remembered the taste of alcohol on his lips. "I didn't know you drive drunk now." I sarcastically remarked.

Leo scoffed and his jaw ticked. "I'm not drunk. It was one shot." He muttered, gripping my suitcase handle in his hand. He nodded his head towards his car. "Get in the car. I'll put your shit in the back." He stepped away from me, walking over to the trunk.

I stood there for a bit, raising my eyebrows in shock at his shitty ass attitude. I slowly opened the passenger side door, slumping down into the seat. I slammed the door shut, angrily crossing my arms over my chest. I heard the trunk close and a few moments later Leo got in the car.

I put my seatbelt on as he started to drive off. The car started to beep as a warning, indicating the driver wasn't wearing a seatbelt. Leo took his hand off the steering wheel for a moment irritably grasping his seatbelt, finally buckling it in place.

I glared at him. "What the fuck was that about?"

His jaw clenched as he kept his eyes on the road. "What the fuck was what about?" He aggravatedly mumbled.

Leo merged onto the freeway and the engine quickly revved up. I nervously peered at his speedometer, seeing he was pushing 85mph already with no intentions of slowing down. 

My eyes softened to a hurt expression. "Leo, are you okay?"

He quickly glanced at me, shifting in his seat before fixing his eyes on the road again. "I'm fine."

I leaned towards him, innocently gazing at him with alluring eyes. I slowly wrapped my hand around his bicep. "So, can I stay with you tonight?"

His shoulders relaxed a bit as he decreased his speed. "Yeah, sure. Whatever."

...

We were a couple shots in and the liquor clouded the thoughts of Leo and I's hostile car ride and airport altercation. He swiftly took my shirt off, throwing it to the ground. He lifted me up and my legs wrapped around his waist as he gripped my thighs.

My right hand wrapped around the nape of his neck, lightly tugging at his hair as I feverishly kissed him. My left hand rested on his bare chest, excited from the pulsing of his rapid heartbeat.

Leo stepped forward and I felt my back harshly hit the wall behind me. My mind wasted no time ambushing me with unsettling flashbacks of Danny repeatedly cornering me against the walls of the room he assaulted me in.

I tensed up, trying to bring myself back in the moment but the memories only grew more intense. I opened my eyes, gasping as I unwrapped my legs from Leo's waist, shoving him away from me.

He furrowed his eyebrows at me, angrily putting his arms out in confusion. "What?" He breathed out.

I lightly shook my head, anxiously looking away from him as I tried to control my breathing.

"Nadia what is it?" He grasped my chin, turning my head back to look at him and I slapped his hand away.

"Don't do that." My voice shook as I recalled the way Danny used to harshly grip my chin.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" He slurred.

I frowned at him, holding my tears back. I pushed past him, grabbing my shirt off the floor. I touched the clasps of my bra, making sure they were still hooked together. Leo aggressively took hold of my arm.

"Leo, let me go. Please." I spoke sternly, trying to keep my composure. "I just need some air."

I could see the flicker of rage in his eyes and it honestly terrified me.

But he let me go.

I rushed out of his bedroom, thankful he didn't follow me out and question me.

"You always have to ruin shit, don't you Nadia!" He yelled out from his room.

I curled my lips back, ignoring his words. He's only saying that because he's drunk. I put my shirt back on, smoothing it out as I staggered to the living room, swaying a bit.

My eyes landed on the silver patrón bottle sitting on the coffee table and I quickly took a swig of tequila before walking over to the patio. I closed the back door behind me, feeling a slight sense of peace once I was outside.

"Oh fuck, oh my god." I mumbled to myself, panicking as I wiped the cold sweat off my forehead.

I closed my eyes, deeply inhaling and exhaling to calm myself down.

There's no way...

Nadia you know the signs of PTSD.

"No," I whispered to myself in denial, shaking my head as I felt tears slip down my cheeks.

There's no way Danny traumatized me.

...
Looks like Nadia's past is finally catching up to her.
And Leo's back to being an aggressive drunk smh
Anyways, anyways thanks for reading!
Leave a vote/comment if you'd like :)
Until next time!