Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 97557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 488(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 488(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
The thought of Ely reminds me it’s been too long since I last saw or touched her. I need her in my arms so I can be sure she's safe after her trip out with Drew and Bel. It surprised me when Drew messaged and said Bel got her out of the house. I'm glad she made the decision to do something. I know she thinks leaving the house is dangerous, but it’s necessary in terms of healing. She can’t possibly get back to feeling normal if she doesn’t do normal things.
I shift on my feet as the police officer behind the glass assembles my wallet, keys, and phone into a plastic bag. I should tell him to toss the phone in the trash since I won't be using it again. The sheriff might have tampered with it. I suppose Lee could tell me for sure but I'd rather trash it and get a new one just to be on the safe side.
The thin, uniformed cop slides the plastic ziplock bag toward me along with a clipboard. "Sign here."
I stare into the man's eyes while I scribble my name on the paper, then snatch the bag from him, and head toward the double doors. Freedom at last. I step outside, to find the sun setting, the sky painted in an array of pinks and oranges.
Now it’s time to get back to the house, check on Elyse, and figure out what to do with the sheriff. If he thinks he can threaten me and I won’t retaliate, then he’s more stupid than I thought. I pause on the stairs when I spot Ely standing near the car, and then nearly lose my shit when I see who is standing beside her, talking at her.
Piece of shit. Of course he would wait until I’m behind bars to talk to his daughter. Elyse is pale, her body still as stone, although she seems to relax a little at the sight of my presence. The change in her posture is so evident even the sheriff glances over at me. His body language becomes rigid but in a different way. Like he suspects he might have made a mistake.
Fuck, yeah, he made a mistake.
Forcing my legs to move again, I shove the bag into my jacket pocket, my hands along with it, and head toward them. Once I’m close enough that I know the sheriff can hear me, I call out, “I don't care who you are, what your name is, or how much money you have. If you want your hands to remain attached to your body I suggest you remove them from my wife.”
His gaze shifts to me, and there is no hiding the hatred there as I come to a stop beside them. It's only then I notice what Elyse is wearing. The dress hugs her lithe body, the heels giving her a few inches on those long, muscular legs. She's done her hair and makeup, and in the light the ring on her finger glitters.
Fucking hell. My fucking girl is a goddess.
She meets my eyes and gives me a little pout. "We're missing dinner."
I lean down and kiss her cheek gently. "Well, I'll have to make it up to you."
I skip my gaze down her body one more time, and the sheriff's hand clamps harder onto her wrist. "Sheriff, I'm going to give you five fucking seconds to take your hand off my wife before I remove it. And when I say remove, I mean shatter the fucking bones in it so everytime you even consider moving you’re reminded of me.”
"That sounds like a threat, and I do believe you’re in enough trouble as it is, or would you like me to pile on a little more."
I shift closer to Ely in case he wants to try something, and the way my chest tightens when she leans closer to me…there are no fucking words. I know she’s terrified right now, but I doubt her father can see it. I can barely see it, and I've gotten very good at spotting every little emotion she tries to hide.
"That might work on others, but it won’t work on me. I’m not intimidated by you. Now remove your hand or I’ll remove it for you.” I snap.
He works his jaw, the muscles tense, and I know he’s considering what I’ve said, wondering if I’ll really do it.
Try me, fuck face. It’ll be a pleasure to break your hand and watch you squeal in pain.
With a sneer he squeezes her wrist, hard, and in turn Ely winces. So help me God, if he leaves a bruise on her I will kill him. Consequences be damned. Lightning quick, I snatch two of his fingers and crank them back. Almost instantly he releases Ely, who tugs her hand away like it’s been set on fire.