“Do you need to have it with milk, or did you want to try with water?” he asks.
“Without milk?” I turn up my nose, making him laugh.
“I promise it’s still good.”
“Okay, I’m trusting you,” I reply, though I’m skeptical. I hope it’s at least drinkable.
Ava walks over to me, her expression soft. “How are you feeling? I couldn’t help but notice you didn’t eat dinner. Is there something else I can make for you next time?”
My chest warms. She’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met—aside from Rage. “I didn’t even see what it was—I’m sorry. Ilike most things, so I’m sure I would have loved it. I was just so exhausted. We both crashed.”
She smiles. “I just want to make sure you’re all okay and fed and you’ve got everything you need because I’ve been where you are. My ex-husband was abusive, and I left and came here to the clubhouse because Elena is my sister.”
My heart cracks for her. “I’m okay. Thanks so much. Rage is just making me a smoothie now. I’m sure your cooking is amazing. I just need to make healthier choices more of a priority.”
She gives me a thoughtful look. “Good for you. I have a young daughter called Hope. She’ll be awake soon. She takes up most of my time, but you’re right, making healthier choices should be a priority. I just get so caught up in family and life.”
“I feel the same way,” I admit. The blender roars to life, so I wait for it to finish before speaking again. “You’ve probably heard my horror story.” I groan. “My partner cheated on me with my best friend. I found out on my wedding day. He hadn’t shown any violence toward me until he got jealous and found out I spent the night with Rage.”
In an earlier relationship, when I was younger, my partner hit me when we had an argument and he was drunk, so I know what it’s like to be hit as well. The first time, I thought it was a once-off. He said he loved me and he wouldn’t do it again. But he did, so I left him.
“I’m sorry to hear that happened,” says Ava. “Honestly, it never got better for me being married. Over time it only spiraled and got worse. He made me feel like a useless wife every day. I was miserable. You remind me of myself. You see the good in people.”
I frown deeply. Why do men have to be so cruel? “I know, I’m my own worst enemy. My partner treated me like crap too, and I stayed. I feel so stupid now. I wasted so much time withsomeone who never respected or loved me.” The stitches holding my heart together rip open, and I can’t stop the tears from falling.
Ava wraps me in her arms, holding me. “You deserve better. And now you’re here with us. There’s never a dull moment, and no matter what happens”—she glances between me and Rage—“I’ll give you my number so we can still talk. I have a good feeling about you.”
I wipe my tears. They feel cleansing—I needed that. I lost my best friend. Maybe I can make some new ones here at the clubhouse, because I’d really like a friend.
When I glance at Rage, he’s frowning.
“I’m okay,” I reassure him. “I’m a mess, and I’m probably going to break down at times.”
“I don’t like to see you upset.” He tilts his head slightly. “If your ex didn’t do anything to keep you, why’d you stay?”
Good question. My shoulders slump. “Probably a mix of things. I’m getting older now and didn’t want to start over. I didn’t think I could do any better than him, so I held on and convinced myself if I was the perfect partner, then he’d love me. He’s never shown the level of violence he did the day I left.” My voice is soft, almost frail.
Rage’s big blue eyes are sad. He pours the brown drink into a tall glass, and before he passes it to me, gives me a big bear hug, then cups my face with his hands. “I can’t wrap my head around you thinking you weren’t good enough for him.” He shakes his head as if trying to rid himself of the thought. “I tell you all the time, you’re hot and sexy. You’re also a smart, kind, and genuine person. That man had nothing on you. He didn’t tell you he cheated, because you were too good for him in the first place and he didn’t want to give you up because you’re perfect. He was just an insecure man.”
The tears fall again.
“Oh shit,” Rage mutters, pulling me into another hug. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you cry.” His words carry a warmth that resonates deep within me.
“Thanks for everything; your words mean more to me than you’ll ever know.”
His gaze softens as he holds steady eye contact. “You don’t have to hide your pain with me.”
I nod, grateful for his understanding. I take a sip of the smoothie. It’s sweet, with a rich chocolate flavor and a hint of banana. I take another sip, surprised. “It’s actually pretty good.” Will this man ever stop surprising me?
After breakfast,we head upstairs. “Are you ready to go shopping now?” Rage asks, grabbing a laundry basket full of clothes.
“Yes, sure. I’ll have a shower and change first.”
“Great.” He looks over at my bag. “Do you have any clothes that need to be washed? I’m putting on a load now.”
I pause, stunned. My ex never lifted a finger around the house. I really was a slave in my last relationship. We both worked. He should have pulled his weight.
“Why are you giving me a strange look?” Rage asks, raising a brow.
