Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 101662 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 508(@200wpm)___ 407(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101662 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 508(@200wpm)___ 407(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
“Stop it, Henry.”
“Nothing,” he echoed, getting right in my face. His words spat out as he said it again. “Nothing.”
“You don’t see it, do you?”
“See what?” he asked.
“How you’re acting just like your father.”
Without a second’s pause, his hand rose and landed straight against my cheek—hard.
He slapped me.
I stood there frozen in place as the realization of his actions settled into both of us. My body broke into shivers as he stood in front of me, wide-eyed with panic. My cheek stung from the intensity of his smack, and my heart shattered into pieces as I realized one of the truths I’d held about Henry was no longer a reality.
At least he never hit me.
He took a step away from me and placed his hands on top of his head, stunned by his own actions.
“Fuck,” he muttered, his eyes filling with tears. “Fuck, Kierra.”
He paced slightly as I remained frozen. He then moved back over to me and forced me into a hug. He pulled me in to him, holding on as if he was trying to hold on forever. “Why did you do that?” he whispered against my ear as he pressed my body to his. “Why would you make me do that?” he cried, his tears falling against my cheek. “We were doing so fucking good tonight.”
I felt sick.
I needed him off me, but I feared the consequences of my actions. What if they sent that into a deeper spiral? What if I said the wrong thing? What if my words made the situation worse? I should’ve kept it all to myself. I should’ve never spoken up about Ramona. I should’ve shut up and sat down and played my role in our make-believe marriage.
I should’ve stayed in line, but I couldn’t. Maybe because I was tired. Maybe because I was betrayed. Or maybe because Gabriel was right.
I deserved more.
I didn’t even know more was an option until those words fell from Gabriel’s mouth. I didn’t know I could crave more than imprisonment. I thought the only moments of happiness in my life could come from my time with Ava. I didn’t know I was allowed to feel good except with my daughter.
“It’s fine,” I lied, hugging him back. Afraid that if I let go, he’d grow angry again with me for not forgiving him quickly enough. “It was my fault. It’s fine. I’m okay.”
He pulled back and placed his hand against my stinging cheek. He cupped my face and moved in to kiss it. His touch made my skin crawl in a way I wasn’t certain I could handle. He made me sick. His lips began to move to my lips, and I felt vomit rising in my throat.
“Henry,” I whispered, slightly turning my head.
“Kiss me,” he ordered, his mouth brushing over mine.
“Wait,” I murmured.
“Kiss me,” he repeated. “I love you, Kierra. I love you.”
That broke my heart.
I couldn’t remember the last time those words rolled off his tongue. I didn’t know he knew how to say he loved me anymore. What broke my heart the most was how those words were soaked in lies. If that’s what love was, I didn’t want anything to do with the sentiment. Love wasn’t meant to feel this way.
“I just need to use the bathroom,” I told him. “I just need a moment.”
He held me tight for a second before dropping his hold. His eyes looked empty. When did he lose it? His soul? All I saw was darkness as he stared so deeply into my eyes.
I pushed out a smile. “I’ll be back in a second. Maybe I can meet you in the bedroom?”
Any doubt in his stare faded as he gave a slight nod. “Okay.” I began walking to the bathroom near the foyer. “Kierra?”
“Yes?”
“I’m going to fuck you like I’m sorry tonight.”
He said that as if it were a compliment before he turned to walk to our bedroom.
The moment he rounded the corner and was out of my view, I hurriedly but quietly slid on my shoes, grabbed my keys and purse, and headed out of the house.
I drove off as fast as I could.
I drove for what felt like hours, looping around in circles, uncertain of what to do or where to go. And then I remembered Gabriel’s last words to me. Call me if you need me. No matter what.
I dialed his number.
He answered on the second ring.
***
I drove to his house.
He opened his screen door and stepped onto the porch the moment my car pulled up. The porch light cast a soft glow against his skin as he gave me a look packed with concern. “Hey. You okay?”
I shook my head.
He stepped closer. “Did something happen with Henry…?”
I flinched at the name as my heart pounded painfully against my chest. I swallowed hard as I pushed away the tears wanting to fall. “I was just wondering if you could… Can you…can you hold me?” I whispered, my voice breaking.