Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 81867 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81867 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
I’d thought I was angry just seconds ago, but nothing can describe the white-hot fury that sizzles through me. How dare he act as if a baby would have fixed things, especially when he was responsible for killing what we had. “I was never going to get pregnant, you arrogant son of a bitch. You think I’d ever give you the chance to do that to me again? I started on birth control as soon as I lost that baby. I mean, fuck… I could barely stand to have you touch me, what made you think I’d want to have a child with you? The only reason I stayed with you was because of my dad, but that’s not a chain locked around me anymore. So you need to leave and don’t look back my way because I want nothing to do with you. You’re a monster, Joshua, but you’re no longer lurking under my bed at night to scare me.”
Christ, that felt good. I could never talk to him like that when we were together because I’d pay for it with bruises. But here I’m free and no longer under his control.
I expect him to become livid by my harsh words and there is a brief flash of fury before his face goes completely lax.
Almost blank.
As if he’s gone and nothing resides behind those flat eyes. “You took birth control?” he rasps as if the words shred his vocal cords. “Without my permission?” Red tinges his cheeks and his lips peel back. Fire rages in his eyes as he turns from robot to enraged maniac. “And now you’re fucking Callum, aren’t you?” he screams at me. I cringe, knowing that anyone standing in the parking lot heard that, but I don’t dare take my eyes off him. “How could you not be fucking him when you’re living with him? Just a whore… hopping into the bed of the next man to take care of you.”
“Get out of my way,” I grit out, since he’s still blocking my driver’s door. “I’m done talking to you.”
“Well, I’m not done with you,” he sneers. “Not by a long shot.”
I hold up my phone. “You have until the count of three and then I’m calling the police.”
Joshua laughs. “It’s a free country, Juni. I’m just standing in a parking lot.”
“Juniper… are you okay?” I spin around, relief coursing through me as I see Charity walking toward me with a security guard. Her eyes cut from me to Joshua, who I’m sure she recognizes, and back to me again.
I try to control my voice but there’s a tiny shake to it. “No, I’m not. I’m trying to get in my car and leave, but he won’t let me.”
Joshua starts laughing and my head swings his way. I’m too slow to recoil as he reaches out, chucking me under the chin playfully. “You’re adorable. One of the reasons I love you.”
I shudder from the touch… the words that are so hollow.
Joshua backs away, giving me a blinding smile. “Good seeing you, Juniper. We still have a lot to talk about.”
I watch silently as he jogs across the parking lot and gets into a gray car that is, without a doubt, a rental. I have no clue when he came to Pittsburgh or how long he’s been here, but I know he’s got no intention of leaving.
Turning to Charity, I ask, “Do you mind if I hang out in your lobby for a bit?”
“Not at all,” she says, offering her arm and motioning me to join her in the walk back. As Joshua pulls slowly out of the parking lot, I walk inside with Charity while dialing Callum’s number.
♦
We’ve been at Callum’s house for fifteen minutes and he hasn’t stopped pacing. I’ve never seen him so agitated before, as rattled by Joshua’s visit as I am. Except while I’m somewhat scared, Callum brims with anger.
My phone rings and I grab it, relieved to see Julia’s number on the screen. I connect via speakerphone and Callum comes up behind me, hand going to my lower back where his thumb rubs gently in comfort and support.
“What did you find out?” Callum asks Julia as soon as I connect the call.
“There’s nothing we can do right now,” she says with a sigh. “I’m sorry. But I worked my contacts and was able to talk to someone in the district attorney’s office there. He’s just not done anything to warrant a restraining order at this point.”
“He’s stalking Juniper,” Callum snarls. I reach out, touch his arm and shake my head for him to calm down.
“I agree,” Julia says soothingly. “But under Pennsylvania law, there has to be a pattern and one encounter isn’t enough. I did call his number though, Juniper, and left a very strong voicemail that we would be seeking a restraining order if he contacts you again. I also reminded him that this was not going to be a good look for the Willard brand as that would most certainly make the news back home.”