Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 136731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 684(@200wpm)___ 547(@250wpm)___ 456(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 136731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 684(@200wpm)___ 547(@250wpm)___ 456(@300wpm)
The monster inside currently leashed, I strained a small smile that didn’t reach my eyes and looked over to the toilet. He got the hint and, with a swift kiss on my swollen lips, left me to relieve myself in peace. When I closed the bathroom door, the floodgates opened. I held myself tightly around my middle, collapsing on the floor in silent sobs.
I don’t know how long passed before Dino knocked on the bathroom door asking if everything was okay. Flushing the toilet, I washed my tearstained face and made my way out to sleep in my marital bed with a man who had laid his hands on me.
My husband made love to me that night. He loved me so sweet and gentle that after he had fallen asleep, I cried silently into my pillow in relief. He held me throughout the night, his arms familiar and his body warm.
When I woke in the morning, I found Dino sitting at the foot of our bed, naked, cradling his head in his hands. My movements alerting him to my newly awoken state, he looked up at me. Still unsure, I pulled the sheet up to my chin and attempted to lick my lip, but as my tongue passed over the split, I winced. I wouldn’t see what he saw in my face until later that day, but his reaction said it all. I was a mess. And he was remorseful.
He stood up, looking down at my face, unblinking. His hands balled at his sides, his jaw locked, I saw many emotions pass through his eyes. Pain, sympathy, fury, shame. Placing his hands on his hips, he dipped his chin and I waited.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice shaking.
Hope ignited somewhere inside of me. A small flame I fanned at furiously, desperately, refusing to let it fade to black.
Black was not an option.
I refused to believe I had married a monster. I was sure the night before had been a one-off situation.
I was wrong.
Tired, frustrated, and hungry, I sit on the edge of the too soft motel bed as I slide on my shoes then tie them.
I tell myself to be cool, but Ling and her prom date, Chip, kept me up last night. I’m not feeling very forgiving. I swear to God, if I hear her mutter a word of complaint about being tired today, I will kick her skinny, Gucci-covered ass.
Making my way to the bathroom, I run a hand over my hair, brush my teeth and wash my face. The bags under my eyes are not a good look, especially when a meeting has been scheduled. Shaking my head lightly at my reflection, I sigh then mutter under my breath, “Fucking Ling.”
The woman is a serious pain in my ass.
I run my hands over my suit jacket then head out, picking up my bag on the way. I slide on my sunglasses then approach Ling’s door. I knock hard, once. When she doesn’t answer immediately, I bite the inside of my cheek in annoyance. As I lift my hand to knock again, she opens the door.
My eyes drift over her. She’s dressed, made up, primped and ready to go. Her cherry red lips curve up into a smile, and when I see not a single glimpse of exhaustion on her face, it pisses me off tenfold.
But then she does something that reminds me of why I keep her around.
“Good morning, sunshine.” Beaming, she holds out a paper bag and a takeaway coffee cup in the largest size available. Extra points to Ling as I notice the paper bag has grease stains on it.
With a grunt, I take the bag and coffee in one hand then reach down to lift Ling’s duffle then mine with the other. Making my way to the car, I hear her soft laughter behind me. “What crawled up your ass this morning?” As she passes me to stand by the passenger side, her smile turns sly. “If you ask nicely, I’ll tell you all about what crawled up mine last night.”
My lip curls as I unlock the car and step inside, throwing our bags into the back seat. Hearing more feminine laughter only fuels my bad mood.
I take a much-needed sip of coffee. It’s lukewarm but strong. Shit, it could be ice fucking cold, and I would still treat it like a lover. Opening the bag, I peer inside, and my stomach growls loudly. Whatever is in there smells good. I reach in and, without stopping to inspect it, unwrap half of the sandwich and take a monstrous bite. The taste hits me, and I groan. Swallowing, I take another bite of the egg and bacon burger, barely chewing before taking another bite.
I feel eyes on me. Still chewing furiously, I turn to Ling and pause midchew. Mouth full, I garble, “What?”