It’s late by the time we finish putting the teasers up. Liza arranged some of the swag on the table in cute little bowls she got from a store down the street.
“I wonder where those boys are. I better phone them.”
I look through the shop, making sure we didn’t miss anything while she makes the call. When she’s finished she comes to give me a hug. “They’ll be here any minute. Just let them put the boxes somewhere out of your way. I have to run, my daughter needs me. I’ll see you tomorrow.” After a quick kiss on the cheek she rushes to the door. “Enjoy your evening, hon!”
I smile and watch her walk to her car. I walk to the counter and start my laptop up so I can check my blog page. I’ve asked other bloggers to spread the word of the signing. They’ve all been so awesome helping out.
Lately I’ve been feeling a glimmer of hope. I love what I’m doing. Reading Liza’s book has really helped to set me back on the right path. I owe her for that. I’m going to make Saturday extra special for her.
The bell rings and I look up with a smile. Pins and needles spread through my body like a wildfire. My heart starts to thump wildly in my chest and I hear a faint buzzing noise.
“Kris?” he whispers. His voice still sounds the same, that slight rough tone that claimed my sense of hearing. His hair is a bit longer and he still has that five-a-clock shadow that makes him look dangerously handsome. He looks so good it hurts.
I stand frozen for another second, and then Justin follows him into the store. I was supposed to be safe here. My vision tunnels until there’s only his face. My body reacts before my mind can recover from the shock, and I run. I dart to the back of the shop, towards the stairs. If I can just make it to my apartment, I’ll be safe again.
“Kris! Wait,” I hear him call behind me and it only makes me run faster.
I take the stairs two at a time, but I can hear him behind me. I shove the door open and I’m about to shut it when I see how close he is. I shriek and dart deeper into my apartment but there’s nowhere for me to hide. I see the bat and run for it.
He’s on top of me so quickly. He grabs me, his arms wrapping tightly around me. I let out a scream before his hand covers my mouth.
“Shh … it’s just me. I’m not going to hurt you.”
I dissolve into a fit of tears, because I don’t want to look into his eyes. I don’t want to see the monster I’ve become, because of what he did to me.
~*~
Chapter Twenty Nine
Garrett~
I can’t believe she’s been under my nose all this time. I’ve searched for her but she just vanished. I couldn’t even find her on social media. I know I told Justin to drop them off at a police station after we bought their freedom, but not a single day has passed that I have not thought of her. I worried if she was safe, if she was happy – I worried so much.
And now, here she is in my arms. It feels as if no time has passed between us. She still smells like coconut. I fold my body around hers and she still fits the same way, just perfect.
I feel her hands, her fingers digging into my arm. I brush my mouth along her silky blonde hair, over her ear and take in another deep breath of her as I place a kiss on her shoulder. “I’m not going to hurt you, Kris. Let me just hold you.”
She shakes her head and then with a surprising burst of strength she rips herself from my arms. She swings around and I see her fist coming. I don’t move and take the punch. She’s stronger than I remember.
When the punch doesn’t have the affect she wanted, she shoves hard at my chest and points to the door. “Out! Leave!” She wipes angrily at the tears that keep flowing. “I’ll call the police.”
“I’ll leave, but can we talk first. I’ve been looking for you.” I reach out a hand to her but she slaps it away.
“Don’t you dare touch me!” she shrieks and places a few hurried steps between us. “Please leave,” she resorts to begging. I hate seeing her so upset.
“I just want to say I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” I can’t help but try and reach for her again but she takes another step away from me. I hate the distance between us.
Not once does she make eye contact. “Your apology means nothing to me. You destroyed my life and I’m only now managing to build it back up. Just leave or I swear I’ll call the police. I’ll tell them everything that happened.” Her voice becomes hoarse with emotion. She crumbles to the floor and it pains me to see her broken like this.
I was so wrong. She wasn’t strong enough to handle what happened. I hate myself now more than ever for what I did to her. She paid the price so Andrea could be happy again.