Chapter4
Ida Jane
My text app chimed again, as it had all day. I’d stopped checking my messages after lunch because I’d been so busy preparing for my long weekend. And I hadn’t wanted to after I read the first few.
Maxim looked down at the screen. “These are all from Dillon?”
He could only see the name, not the entire message. I hadn’t told Millie, not wanting her to worry, but the longer I went without responding, the more aggressive Dillon’s messages became.
Up until my birthday, I would have answered him, even though he’d hurt me by cheating with Stella. That night outside the restaurant changed my perspective—showed me that I’d been taken in by a narcissist. I shuddered, hating that I’d given him my time and my love.
“Open the screen, Ida Jane,” Maxim said, his voice soft, coaxing.
I licked my lips, the swallow that followed painful. I didn’t want Maxim to see the ugly words Dillon wrote to me, but I couldn’t keep the burgeoning worry at bay. Dillon was the same—used to getting what he wanted when he wanted it—but I’dchanged. Dillon clearly didn’t like my newfound will, and he seemed more than willing to escalate his dominance to reestablish our previous relationship.
I wavered as I stared at the screen, shocked I hadn’t thought to block Dillon earlier. I considered it now, but I worried my ex would come to my place if I did so. I shivered, unsure of what to do. Maxim helped me on my birthday—maybe he’d know what to do now.
You think you can move on? Bullshit. I made you someone years ago, soIget to decide what you do.
That was the most recent message that flashed as I looked on, but there were more messages. Many more.
“Ida Jane?” Maxim’s voice softened. “You’re shaking.” His warmth enveloped me in a much-needed hug, and I shoved my nose against his chest, inhaling his scent. His deodorant smelled piney-fresh, but underneath was pure male.
“I’ve got you, krasivaya. I won’t let harm come to you. Let me see.”
I did, my hands shaking so badly, Maxim had to steady me. As soon as the messages popped up, Maxim plucked my phone from my numb fingers. He scrolled through the texts, his lip curling as he went.
“Stupid shithead.”
I swallowed but the fear continued to bite at my throat. “He…he’s mad at me.”
“I can tell,” Maxim muttered. “You need to get a restraining order. We can start by going to the police, see what the process is.”
I looked up at him, desperate to believe it would help. “I’m scared.”
Maxim’s expression softened. “You should be. He’s become more aggressive with you.” His thick fingers brushed a lock of hair away from my cheek. “But you have me, and I’m not going to let this pathetic man take your life from you.”
“H-how?” I whispered.
He pressed a kiss to my temple. “I’ll help you, all right? We’ll come up with something. Together.”
I didn’t have it in me to argue.
Chapter5
Maxim
Ida Jane calmed once I promised to help. She even managed to joke around with Naese and Cruz. Both of my buddies liked her, hanging off her every word. I kept an arm around her waist or at the small of her back, glaring when the guys inched in too close.
“I’ll take you to the police department,” I said, after noting it was getting late.
“Oh, you don’t have to do that, Maxim. He’s stopped blowing up my phone.”
“For now,” I said.
She nodded, her expression concerned. “For now.” Her discomfort wafted off her. She didn’t feel safe, but she didn’t want to impose. Well, the second was easy enough to fix.
“I’d still like you and your friend to sleep with me,” I said.
