Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24457 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24457 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
Once outside, I make the long way down our drive, and then step onto Logan’s property. There are tons of trees which cast shadows over the darkened ground, and I’m careful not to slip and fall, especially not with the precious cargo in my belly. When I finally reach his house, there’s a light shining from his bedroom window on the second floor, where I know my lover’s waiting for me to join him.
I take a deep breath, and then head towards the house with purpose. I can do this. My stride is confident, and my shoulders are thrown back, even though I’m walking in the dark. But just before I step onto the back porch, a bright light comes on out of nowhere, blinding me.
“What the hell?”
Another light pops on and I blink, trying to make sense of what’s happening. Did Logan install motion sensor lights and not tell me? But then, after a moment, the lights lower from my face and I rub my eyes, my head still spinning. What the hell was that about?
Unfortunately, when I look up, my parents are standing in front Logan’s backyard with huge Mag lights in their hands. Even in the darkness, their expressions are grim. My dad’s jaw is ticking, and his eyes are hard like rocks. Meanwhile, my mom’s eyes are wide with shock and disbelief.
“Oh god, honey, what are you doing?” Esther wails.
Her cracking voice almost breaks my heart.
“Where the hell are your clothes?” Dad barks.
I look down at myself, startled. With everything going on, I forgot that I’m dressed in nothing but flimsy lingerie with a silk robe tied around my waist. Even worse, during the walk my robe came untied, revealing the frilly pink lace underneath. Frantically, I yank the sides of the fabric together and fumble with the belt, trying to get myself decent. Not that is really matters now because the damage has already been done.
“I just can’t believe it,” Mom moans. “Why are you here, Emory? Why would you come back after what he’s done to you?”
Now I’m confused. I get that this must be a shock for them. Somehow, Harry and Esther must have figured out that I’ve been sneaking off at night to meet up with Logan. But lots of kids do that, right? So what’s this about him doing something to me?
“Mom, what are you talking about? What are you guys doing here? It’s the middle of the night!”
“Don’t play that game with us, Emory,” Dad snarls. “We know what’s going on.” He points at Logan’s house. “We know about this bastard’s crimes, and we’re putting a stop to it right now!”
My dad’s fist clenches at his side, and my mom starts to cry. Esther pulls me into a hug so tight I can barely breathe while stroking my hair like I’m a little girl. Okay, I get how this looks. I’ve been caught red-handed sneaking out in lingerie to meet up with a man. But now I’m confused because it sounds like Harry and Esther think Logan has hurt me in some way, and that’s as far from the truth as it gets.
“Come on,” my mom says, grabbing my hand while tugging me away. “I’m getting you out of here. Your dad will take care of that man.”
“No no no.” I dig in my heels and pull my hand away. “I’m not leaving. What’s going on? There must be some misunderstanding!”
Harry’s eyes bulge and his face is purple like an eggplant.
“We’re not going to let that asshole get away with this, that’s what!” he bellows. “He keeps taking advantage of you!”
But I shake my head.
“Nobody is taking advantage of me. I mean, I realize this is sketchy as hell, but I don’t even know where you got that idea.”
Mom cups my cheek and blinks back tears as she stares into my eyes.
“You don’t have to lie for him, honey. I understand that you’re a victim and victims don’t always see perpetrators for what they truly are. They can even be protective of the man causing them harm. It’s going to be okay. Let’s just go home.”
But I shake my head and plant myself firmly on the back porch.
“No. I’m not leaving. But you should go.” I look at my dad. “Both of you. I may be sleeping in my childhood bedroom, but I’m twenty-six. I’m an adult. We’ll talk about this tomorrow and you can tell me what your problem is then, but not tonight. Just go home.”
My dad looks about ready to erupt as tears stream down my mom’s face. I hate causing them this pain, but I stand by my sentiment: I’m not a little girl anymore, and shouldn’t be treated as such. But just as Harry opens his mouth to bellow once more, the porch lights come on, blinding us all, and I know it’s my man here to save me.