“Sweetheart, I hate you driving yourself over there.”
I rolled my eyes—though he couldn’t see—at his protectiveness even if I secretly loved it. All the men in our circle were the same. “I’ve been driving alone for a long time and can take care of myself, dear,” I replied sarcastically.
“Yeah, but you’re not alone and have me to take care of you now. Not just now, butforever.”
I will not, dreamy sigh. I will not, dreamy sigh.
The man turned me to mush.
“You’re too good to me.”
Before he could say anything, I rushed on because I knew he hated when I said stuff like that. He didn’t get mad at me, but it made him sad that I even thought that way.
“I look forward to forever with you.” I stared down at my ring. “I’ll meet you there,” I said again.
Huffing out a breath, he caved.
“Okay, I’ll grab everyone and see you in a bit. I love you.”
There was no way I was ever going to get tired of hearing that.
“I love you too.” Before I hung up, I added, “I’ll be okay.”
I didn’t realize then that I’d just lied to the man I loved.
I wasnotokay.
Making my way to my car out front in the building’s parking lot, I’d just started to open the driver’s door when a massive body caged me in from behind and my door slammed shut, stopping my entry. A large, black leather-gloved hand covered my mouth, cutting off my air and suppressing my scream.
I’d fucked up.
I hadn’t been paying attention to my surroundings—I knew better— like Huntley was always telling me to do. It was still light out, we had cameras, yet that didn’t stop what was happening. I’d been thinking about London, excited for myfriend.My friend—I was actually getting used to those words.
What if I didn’t see her, the baby or the others again?
Fear set in and panic rose.
Or even worse, what if I didn’t see my children or Huntley again? My mind raced and I struggled against the hold my attacker had on me, but his big body held me hostage.
It was no use.
Suddenly something flashed in front of my eyes and I was catapulted back in time as the shiny, silver knife laid against my cheek, the pointed edge swimming in my vision. I froze, not wanting to get cut and tried breathing in through my nose that was slightly exposed.
That old smell of sweat and whiskey penetrated my senses.He’s back.Somehow he found me and was going to finish the job. My body began to tremble and bile rose into my throat. I was going to throw up and choke to death first.
Or I was going to suffocate.
I couldn’t get enough oxygen and was close to passing out when I heard the deep, evil rumble of a man’s voice in my ear.
Wait, this was a different voice. It wasn’t the monster from my past.
But I still wasn’t safe.
“Mind your own fucking business, bitch and stop trying to get into other people’s heads, or you will be sorry.” The knife in his hand slid down my body toward my stomach.
Bile then made it’s way from my throat into my mouth as the trembling in my body increased, and all I could think was…
Not again.
