Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 64751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 259(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 259(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
“Western has a place in town—he rents it out but right now it’s vacant. He said you can stay there as long as you like.”
I don’t answer her.
I know I’m being rude, and I know it’s not right, but, in this moment, I’m so hurt that I can’t think straight. The very idea that they’re all looking at me, thinking that I’m weak and pathetic, is soul crushing. It brings out a part of me that I don’t like, an insecure, broken part. I never thought I’d be seen as the abused woman, but here I am.
I don’t like it, and I don’t ever want to feel this way again.
Right now, I just want the thoughts in my head to stop.
I hope the painkillers work soon, because I’m afraid if they don’t, I’ll break.
Really, truly break.
8
Western’s rental is nice.
It’s a one bedroom, fully furnished apartment with a small courtyard. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s neat, tidy, and perfect for one person. Bonnie told me that the last woman moved out, and he hasn’t gotten around to renting it again. Lucky for me, I guess. Whoever she was, she left the place in good condition.
Standing in the doorway, I’m feeling slightly uneasy with Bonnie behind me. I know she cares, I do, but I’m so hurt that a huge part of me doesn’t want her here. I need space, but the thought of being alone is equally gripping. Turning slowly, I face her. “I appreciate what you’ve done here, I ... I just need to rest.”
It’s a lie, considering I only just woke up, but my body is exhausted, and I’m certain I could probably sleep a little more when these painkillers kick in. Bonnie’s eyes scan my face, and I can see there is so much she wants to say, but none of it comes out. Instead, she nods slowly and takes a step back. “I’m going to leave you to rest, but I am coming back later. I’m sorry, but I can’t not check on you.”
“As long as you’re alone, I don’t care,” I murmur.
Her eyes flash with upset, but she nods in agreement. Then, she turns and leaves.
The moment she’s gone, I close the door and slump against it, exhaling. At the very least, I’m safe here. I don’t have the gun Fury gave me here with me—it’s hidden back at the house—but I know I’d feel a whole lot better if I could get it. I’m not going to take that risk, because I know Ethan will be looking for me. He will be hunting me down, scared of what I might reveal.
Hell, he’ll probably go to the police just to spite me.
To watch me suffer for going against him.
Right now, I can’t find it in myself to care.
I’m tired of being afraid.
Walking farther into the apartment, I go for a look around. The room is basic, but it is very clean. The bed has fresh sheets and the ensuite is clean and smells nice. It’s good enough for me. Kicking off my shoes, I walk over to the bed, the painkillers making my head a little dizzy, and I lie down. Before I know it, blissful darkness takes hold, and I stay that way for what feels like hours.
By the time I wake, the afternoon sun is dancing against the window.
Rolling with a groan, I push myself out of the bed. The pain isn’t as bad as it was this morning, and I’m grateful. Shuffling to the shower, I strip down before staring in the mirror at my black and blue body. My fingers rise up and graze over the bite mark on my shoulder and memories of Fury deep inside me have my body heating. That feeling is quickly replaced by one of hurt and betrayal.
A dark, twisted feeling washes over me.
One I don’t like.
I shower and get changed back into my clothes. I have nothing else. Eventually, I’m going to have to find a way to get my things. I can’t hide forever. I also can’t avoid going to work, and I know for certain that will be the first place Ethan looks. Without my phone, I can’t call my boss and tell him I’m sick, but I will get hold of a new one soon and do just that. I need some time to figure out what the hell I’m going to do here.
A knock on the door just as I’ve finished dressing has my heart jumping. While I’m certain it’s probably Bonnie, it doesn’t stop the uneasy feeling that swims in my chest. Has Ethan found me somehow? Scared to go and check, I carefully walk out, my footsteps soft as I approach the door. I’m not about to call out, just in case it is him. Pressing my ear to the door, I try to hear who is outside.