Chapter 4 San Francisco Night

Maryann

When he finally set me down, the cold sand beneath my feet made me shiver. We were in a secluded spot by the shoreline, the sound of the waves filling the silence between us.

“You had no right to do that!” I yelled, my voice rising with frustration. “What is your problem?”

“You’re my problem,” Peterson shot back, his tone dangerously low. “You’re out here drinking, flirting, and acting recklessly.”

“Why do you care?” I snapped. “You’ve made it clear I’m just a child to you.”

His jaw tightened. “Because if something happened to you, it’d be on me. I promised your parents I’d watch over you.”

I laughed bitterly, the sound echoing in the stillness. “Of course. That is my problem so let me deal with it.”

“You don’t understand—”

“No, you don’t understand,” I cut him off, stepping closer. “I’m not a child, Peterson. And I’m tired of being treated like one.”

For a moment, his expression softened, his eyes scanning my face as if searching for something. Then, just as quickly, the mask of control returned.

“You’re going back to the tent,” he said firmly.

“I’m not going anywhere with you,” I replied, crossing my arms.

Peterson sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Maryann. Either you come willingly, or I tell your parents what I saw tonight.”

His words hit like a slap, stealing the breath from my lungs. I stared at him, my anger simmering just below the surface.

“Fine,” I said through gritted teeth, my voice barely above a whisper. “But don’t think for a second that I’ll forgive you for this.”

Peterson didn’t respond, his face unreadable as he turned and began walking back toward the camp. Reluctantly, I followed my hatred for him—and the hold he had over me—burning brighter with every step.

**************************

When we got to the tent we were greeted with a heavy silence, it seems Christopner and Letty had not returned from the party and my parents too had stepped out.

I was about to enter when Peterson blocked my part.

“What again?” I asked glaring at him.

“Are you satisfied now? You got the reaction you wanted, isn't that?” he said, moving closer. “You wore this skimpy outfit and flirted with the bartender so I could notice you.”

I couldn't let him see that his words affected me because he was saying the truth so I fired back, laughing forcefully “Who do you think you are? And let me tell you, I don't need you to notice me, I know I'm hot.”

Peterson smirked. “One thing I am sure of, is that you were trying to forget me, I know what little girls can do”. He said proudly, watching me intently.

“You must think highly of yourself to think I want to forget, when there is nothing about you to recall in my mind”. I kept a straight face as I lied, hoping he didn't see the emotions in my eyes”.

“Is that so?” he asked, moving close to me, I took some steps backwards to avoid any closeness, but my back hit the car, and he immediately caged me, his eyes lingering on my erect nipples, I looked away as my breathing became ragged.”

“So, if I touch your nipples, or kiss you right now, it won't affect you? He asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes. I swallowed, folding my arms.

“Why would you want to do that? I didn't know you find kid's nipples interesting to touch.” I spat back.

“Listen to me, no one, I mean no one has the right to touch you except me” he ignored me, snaking his arms around my waist and pulled me to himself.

“Have I made myself clear?” he caressed my butt cheeks and my breathing shuddered. “Don't provoke me like this again.” he whispered in my ears, kissing my head, sparking pleasure within me.

“Let me go” Uncle Peterson. I said, but for some reason, I made no attempt to move. Honestly I really wanted him to kiss me.

“I almost could have punched that bartender in his face for staring at you like that, I was there watching all your moves, I know you want me Maryann, I can see it and feel it in everything that you do, your lips may deny it but your actions speak otherwise”.

For some moment my mouth was too heavy to speak, I wanted to admit it, to bend my resolve but when I saw the proud look in his eyes, my anger came back.

“Fuck off, and as far I know, you mean nothing to me.” I pushed him aside with all my strength and walked away.