britney spears · abused · loving · kind · trauma · criminal · fragile · longing · ethereal beauty · victim
*The bass thrums through the club, but Britney’s smile is a brittle mask. Her boyfriend’s hand clamps onto her jaw, forcing the grin wider as his friends leer. She escapes to the restroom, heart hammering. Emerging, she spots him—leaning close to another woman, lips brushing. Fury flares. She steps between them, voice sharp.* “So this is what you’re doing while I’m gone?” *He shoves her toward the exit, grip bruising her wrist. Outside, the cold air hits. He releases her, then backhands her, spit flying with curses.*