Still feeling a little nervous he hid behind a falsely enhanced level of anger as he stormed into the house where he found Julie waiting in the living room, drink in hand. Thinking that a quick belt might help steady his own nerves he poured himself one. He used those silent moments to think over what he was going to say, and how he would act. He wanted her to believe that she was on the verge of being sent packing. Moments later, when he stared into her fearful expression, he knew he had been successful.

It felt good yanking her to her feet by her hair. It felt better...