returned. Then he conveniently started working at the garage, so when I asked, I wanted to hear the truth from your lips. Being my future wife, I thought you’d share everything with me, but you acted like there was nothing to tell. So you left me no choice. I had to ensure my assets were protected.”
I snap my eyes, wishing this would end. “What assets?”
“You. Gemma. You’re my property. I knew it would only be a matter of time before you fucked him. I arranged for you and your little friend to be watched for weeks. I have a handful of photos of you two flirting, and it makes me so fucking sick. Everyone sees the way he looks at you, and the way you eye fuck him when he’s around you. So goddamn embarrassing,” Robert hisses before trying to force his mouth against mine, but I turn my head. I don’t want his lips anywhere near me.
“Why are you even with me then?” I wiggle against his hold. “There’s no trust between us, so it’s time to end it.”
“I’ll never let you go, Gemma,” he growls. “Not unless I’m dead or you are. Don’t you fucking get that by now?” he snaps, his eyes darkening with every word.
“No!” I scream. “It’s over.”
“It’s not. And I’m only gonna tell you this only once, Gemma. You need to be very fucking careful. And so should Tyler.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I say, tears spilling down my cheeks.
“Exactly what you think it means.” He tsks, sliding his body down mine.
“Get off me!” I’m brought back to being eleven years old when the boys picked on me at recess. Lifting my knee, I plant it right between his legs. Robert grunts, and I push him to the floor. “You cunt,” he breathes out, holding his crotch.
I’m breathing hard, my chest heaving as Robert manages to stand.
“Just stop,” I beg. “Please, stop.” I create space between us, ready to run out the front door. If his neighbors heard us arguing on his perfectly landscaped lawn, Robert would die of a heart attack. The rumors would fly, and he’d be the talk of the town, and he’d do anything to avoid that.
“Don’t you go anywhere,” he orders as if he read my mind. “Sit. Right now.” He talks to me as if I’m a child, and I guess in his mind, I am one. Only wanting to temporarily appease him, I do.
Before I can open my mouth to rebuttal his threats, the doorbell rings followed by rapid knocking. Robert narrows his eyes at me. “What have you fucking done?” he hisses.
Robert moves toward the door, and I take the opportunity to grab my shit. I hear Everleigh ask where I am, and Robert makes up a lie that I’m taking a bath. She doesn’t believe his bullshit and barges past him. Once Everleigh sees me, she grabs my hand, then pulls me through the house.
“You’re not going anywhere!” Robert shouts.
“Fuck off,” I throw at him as Everleigh rushes us toward the door.
“If you leave, I promise you’ll regret this,” he warns as I walk outside. The warm air feels amazing on my skin. The front door slamming behind us startles me, and I’m tempted to look over my shoulder, but Everleigh keeps up her fast pace toward her car that she’s left running.
She opens the passenger door, and I climb inside. As the adrenaline subsides, I begin to breakdown and become overwhelmed by emotions. He has no idea how much I regret agreeing to marry him. Everleigh hops in the driver’s side, and my body begins to shake. She glances at my torn dress and frowns. Seconds later, she backs out of the driveway. The silence fills the ride to her house, which I’m grateful for.
When we pull into Everleigh’s driveway, she turns and looks at me. “I know this is a stupid question, but are you okay?”
I clear my throat and find my inner strength. “I’m not sure,” I say honestly. “I’m safe tonight thanks to you, but I don’t know how Robert will retaliate tomorrow.”
Chapter Three
TYLER
Waking up in Lawton Ridge without a target on my back is such a relief. Now that it’s starting to feel like home again, I actually miss it when I’m gone. It just sucks that Gemma can hardly stand being around me. Ever since we lost control with each other two weeks ago and she said it was a huge mistake, things between us have been awkward. It