A New Beginning: Rivers of Styx

TW: Verbal Abuse, Gaslighting, Kink Talk, Adult Language

“If you cross that threshold you will not be welcomed back.”’ Shane’s voice echoed from the back bedroom where he laid in the bed acting like the arrogant prick that he was. 

“Really? That is your threat? I told you we are done, my bag is packed, Briar is picking me up in the next five minutes. I don’t want to come back Shane, this is it. Last night proved to me that I mean nothing to you.” Rhiannon shook her head shifting the weight of her back deeper on the curve of her shoulder. She had refused to go out with her friends last night only to be left home alone all night, and find out that Shane was out club-hopping without her. Needless to say, her New Year’s resolution was to dump his sorry ass and not look back.

“Honestly Rhiannon, I know I promised I would stay in on New Year’s Eve with you but the guys at work surprised me last minute and drug me out. Don’t let one tiny indiscretion ruin all of the years we have together.”

In the three years she had been with Shane she couldn’t remember a time she was happy past the first six months. Maybe if she hadn’t moved in with him things would be different, but he seemed so ready to commit and give her the world. “One little indiscretion? Having a girl’s tongue down your throat at a known kink club doesn’t sound like a ‘tiny’ indiscretion. If you were so worried about all the years we had together you would have been here with me last night, celebrating together. I’m done, Shane. There is nothing left to say.”

Grabbing her suitcase she rolled her eyes. Shane didn’t care about saving their relationship last night, and clearly from the fact that he is still laying in the bed not bothering to come out and talk face-to-face, he didn’t much care about saving it tonight.

Without glancing back Rhiannon  stepped out of the front door and towards the sidewalk where Briar’s little mazda pulled up ready to sweep her away towards her future.

In the first month’s of being with Shane it was blissful. He doted on her, sent flowers, took her out to dinner, showed her off to his friends. He seemed like the perfect boyfriend. He had introduced her to his family quickly and even defended her against his snooty mother when she looked down her nose at Rhiannon’s alternative style. That only lasted until she moved in with him though. 

Once they were under the same roof Shane became controlling, started dictating what she could and couldn’t wear, and when and where she could go. He’d even go as far as trying to set her a meal plan because “As a Dominant it is my duty to ensure you are taking care of yourself.” 

Scoffing at the memorized words Rhiannon opened the door of the little red Mazda and tossed her bags in the back seat. At one time she loved the thought of being controlled at least sexually, but now the whole thought was an utter turn-off. 

“Ahhhhh, Rhia. I’m so proud of you. New Year’s Day done right, leaving Sir Asshat holding the bags. I knew you had it in you.” 

Hearing Briar’s heightened tones she couldn’t help but laugh while she ducked into the car and plopped herself into the front seat. “I’m just disappointed it had to come down to him cheating to make me realize it was time.” Frowning, Rhiannon laid her head back against the seat of the car, closing her eyes. She couldn’t recall a time when she felt as though so much weight had been taken off of her, and even though there was a small ache of loneliness in her core, she was ready for a new start. 

“You know, we should celebrate. It’s Saturday night, all the clubs are live because it’s New Year’s. We should go have a couple drinks to commemorate the day you reclaimed your freedom.”

Briar grabbed the wheel and pulled the car out onto the road while giving her friend a debonair smile. “Seriously, Rhia. You were trapped last night, let’s go have some fun. I have a crazy idea!”

Feeling the car swerve as Briar through both hands in the air Rhiannon gasped jerking sideways to steady the wheel. “Honestly woman, can we make it to your apartment alive before we talk celebratory plans?” 

“I am a wonderful driver, thank you. C’mon Rhiannon, we can check out Underworld. A friend gave me two guest passes for one night. We wouldn’t even have to sign up for a membership, only sign a liability waiver. I started talking about it when you told me that was where Shane tongued some girl, and the girl I work with Lena apparently is a waitress there. She said last night was crazy because it was open guest night. Meaning as long as a friend had a membership, a whole group could get in for a trial night.”

A friend? Frowning Rhiannon questioned the idea. Sure it could be fun seeing how the Underworld operated and what real Dominants were like, but then she risked running into Shane’s friends, or worse, Shane himself.

“I don’t know, Bri. As fun as it sounds I do not want to make it known to anyone who knows Shane that I left him high and dry. His ego is fragile enough, no need to proverbially rub it in his face through word of mouth.”

Rhiannon could see the pout dance over Briar’s lower lip, a look she hated because the pixie size girl looked so child-like when she wanted to. It was sad, but even she could not withstand the charm of her best-friend.

“Fine, we can go, but not for more than an hour or two. I don’t need to make waves.”

Like it was Christmas Day Briar squealed as she turned into the parking lot of her apartment complex. It was amazing how something so small could make the girl so happy. 

“You won’t regret it Rhia, watch. You’re going to have the best night of your life. Just make sure you avoid Styx monitors. Apparently they are all in Underworld MC and do bad things for bad reasons.”

“Huh?” Brows knitted as Rhiannon climbed out of the car grabbing her bags. “No worries there, I am going to drink, dance, and watch. No activity or men for me. Promise you that.”

“You don’t understand Rhi, these men are like.. Hot.. all of them are really hot. I don’t think you could avoid them if you wanted to.” Shaking her head Briar locked the car and  led the way to the bottom floor apartment, opening the bolt lock to grant Rhiannon access. “Just go shower, put on something slinky, skimpy, and hot, and get your ass out here. We are going to have a blast!” 

“Yeah, yeah whatever you say.” Rhiannon caught her reflection in the hall mirror turning her head. She had never thought herself hot considering she weighed about 50 pounds more than any average woman. Thicker in the thighs, hips and midsection the only thing she had going for her was her ginger hair and complexion, and the deep blue of her sapphire eyes.