~~ETHEL~~
I tried to scream, but the sound was muffled by the hand clamped over my mouth. Panic shot through me as my attacker dragged me deeper into the dark alley, away from the main paths and street.
"Shut up! Shut up!" a slurred voice hissed in my ear.
My blood turned to ice. It was Max.
He spun me around and shoved me against the brick wall, his hand still covering my mouth. The stench of alcohol hit me. I'd seen Max drink before, but never like this. His eyes were bloodshot, unfocused, and wild.
"You ruined me," he snarled, his face inches from mine. "Do you understand that? You f*****g ruined me!"
I tried to pull away, but he pressed harder against me, pinning me to the wall.
"My clients and investors are pulling out every day," he continued, spit flying from his lips. "Do yo
