Our eyes lock and the air freezes in my lungs. He doesn’t look surprised to see me. His lips curl into a sinister smile. I spent too many years witnessing that terrifying look on his face. There’s a motive for everything this man says and does.
My brain joins the party and alerts my feet to start moving. I quickly stride to my car, trying to get the hell out of here.
What the fuck is he doing here?
“Brooke!” His booming voice causes my stomach to churn violently, dread pressing down on my chest.
Turning slowly, I back myself against the car. Brian punched me in the face when I told him I wanted a divorce. That was the only time he ever laid a hand on me, but he was a cold bastard our entire marriage. His cruel words from the pastflood my mind, making me cringe inside.
Anger surges through me. This reaction is new, but I like it.
Refusing to let him control me anymore, I straighten my spine and square my shoulders. “What do you want, Brian?”
His mask fades, replaced with his signature icy expression. “No need to be rude, Brooke. I’m in town on some business and hoped I’d run into you.”
Nausea settles in my stomach and the fight or flight reaction kicks in. “We’re divorced and we haven’t spoken in two years. Why would I want to see you? Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
As I turn to open the car door, he grabs my wrist furiously, pain surging up my arm. “Have you forgotten who you’re talking to? You don’t walk away from me!”
Jerking out of his hold, my body recoils.
What the fuck?
He will not put his hands on me again. I can’t be the woman I was before, cowering at his words. I left him, knowing I deserved better. Gabriel has shown me I deserve respect. He’s shown me how a real man treats a woman. Brian is no real man. He gets off on making women feel like shit about themselves.
Something snaps inside me. “You piece of shit! Don’t ever touch me, again. I’m not your fucking wife anymore. You made me miserable our entire marriage. I’m not the weak, soft-spoken womanyou were married to. I don’t want to see or talk to you. I threw you out of my life two years ago with the intention of never seeing you again.”
Damn, that felt good.
As soon as the words left my mouth, a weight lifted off of me.
Looking at him now, his face is flushed, his jaw clenched. “Well, you obviously learned more colorful language. Nice performance, Brooke. Do you feel better since you had your little tantrum?”
This son-of-a-bitch.
I’m done. “Fuck you!”
Opening my car door, I get inside, slamming it closed. He knocks on the window, motioning with his hand to roll it down. Cracking it an inch, I stare at him expectantly. “What?”
He leans forward, his breath fogging a small circle on the window. “Tell Gabriel Layton I said hello.”
My blood runs cold. “What?”
He straightens, smirking darkly. Everything about his expression feels wrong and depraved. “Oh, Gabriel and I haven’t met yet, but we will. It was nice seeing you, Brooke.” He turns, confidently walking away.
Fury surges through me like I’ve never known. I was angry when he directed his temper at me, but I’ll be damned if he hurts Gabe. That confirms the growing feelings I have for him.
Damnit.
It’s too soon. I hate to bring him into this, buthe needs to know Brian has it out for him.
Speeding out of the parking lot, I drive back to Gabe’s house. He said he was going in late today. If I hurry, he may still be home.
The drive seems longer than usual. I notice nothing around me. Apparently, rage gives me tunnel vision.
Pulling into his driveway, I slam on the brakes, gravel crunching loudly beneath my tires. I’m relieved to see his truck. Shutting off my car, I jump out.
The front door swings open and he meets me on the porch. He stiffens as his eyes roam my face. “What’s wrong?” There’s a hint of panic in his voice.
