I shrieked and threw a sponge at him. He was too slow to duck, and it hit him on the cheek with a satisfying thud.
“You would willingly put us all in danger just so you can hide somewhere for the night?” I asked, glaring at him.
He leaned back, his eyes not meeting mine. “If you put it like that—”
“That’s exactly how I’m putting it.”
I was fuming, looking for something else to throw at him that I wouldn’t miss if it broke, when Luca came back into the kitchen.
“Mommy, I’m done with sleeps. I’m awake now.”
I turned to my son standing in the entry to the kitchen, hoping my smile didn’t look as fake as it felt. “It’s still night, honey. Let’s go back to bed and try closing your eyes again, okay?”
He put his arms around my neck when I picked him up, and I hugged him to me. I instantly felt better.
When I had him back under the covers, I’d come to a decision. Jim would never just leave, and it was easier to let him do what he wanted.
I hated myself in that moment for giving in to him once again. When would I ever learn?
As much as I loathed him now, I used to love him. Used to think he was everything that mattered in the world. So with a sigh, all the rage drained from my body and I felt defeated. When I came back, I said, “Fine. You can stay on the couch. But I want you gone before the kids get up.”
He grinned and held his beer up in a toast. “Thanks, sugar. You won’t even know I was here.”
Without another word, I stomped to my bedroom.
***
He was gone the next day, leaving empty beer bottles and dirty dishes behind. But at least he wouldn’t confuse the kids more than he already had.
They looked for him for a hot second before their mind was on breakfast. I was distracted, my thoughts on last night. Something the little hellions took full advantage of. I ended up agreeing to make them pancakes, and we were running late by the time they finished eating.
Luca was going to preschool, and Lena would stay at home with me while I worked. After dropping my son off, the day was as chaotic as always. I’d have to play catch-up tonight since I wasn’t working at the club.
Lena was taking a nap and I was typing out an email when I heard the loud roar of motorcycles. It was a common occurrence in the small town, and I hardly noticed anymore. They had their clubhouse on the outside of town and often rode down my street to get there.
Only this time the noise didn’t fade but rather sounded as if they’d stopped right outside. I looked out the window and choked on my spit when I saw three bikes parked in my driveway.
There was a knock at my door and I shot up, unsure of what to do.Should I call the police? Open the door? Call Malena?
Another knock, this time more insistent. As I didn’t want Lena to wake up, the decision was made for me. I had to open the door.
The three guys who were on the other side didn’t look like anyone you’d want to invite inside. They were big and brawny and wore varying degrees of displeasure on their face. Lots of frowning and narrowed eyes.
“Hi. Hello. Hi,” I mumbled, my hands shaky. “How can I help you?”
“You need to come with us,” one of them said with a scowl on his face.
I took a step back, my eyes going wide. “What are you talking about?”
“This can all be over in a few hours as long as you cooperate,” the same guy said.
I gasped, taking a step back. “Cooperate?”
Is this guy on drugs?Of course I wouldn’t willingly go with them. That just screamed bad slasher movie. They looked like they could kill me with their bare hands.
I tried to close the door so I could call the police like I should have done as soon as they knocked. Instead of the click of the latch, there was a grunt, and the guy who’d talked to me stepped inside, pushing the door open. It hit me in the head, and I fell back.
“Shit,” I howled, clutching my forehead. When I pulled my hand away, there was blood.
