Page 83 of Redemption
“Speaking of God...you must give my best to my dear mother-in-law. Tell her she looked beautiful in that floral dress she wore to church the other day. It complemented your father’s suit well.”
Okay, that’s too much of a coincidence. Sebastian definitely has someone watching me, and apparently, my parents, too. I nervously glance around the parking lot to see if I can spot anyone suspicious. Of course, no one is conveniently waving their arms around, saying, “Look at me!”
“Sebast—”
“Let’s cut the shit, shall we, my dear wife?” he barks. “I’m done waiting for you to come to your senses. Maybe spreading your legs for that backwoods boyfriend of yours has made you even dumber than you were before, but make no mistake, Presley. You are mine. You will always be mine. It’s time for you to come home and accept your punishment for being a two-timing slut. But don’t worry; I’ll fuck you so good afterward, you won’t even remember his name. We have a lot of time to make up for, don’t you think? And while we’re at it, we might as well kill two birds with one stone. I took the liberty of canceling your upcoming appointment for a new birth control shot. I’ve decided it’s time for us to start a family.”
My jaw drops. “Are you insane?! That’s it, isn’t it? You’ve lost your mind, or maybe you never really had it to begin with. First of all, you still seem to forget that you were the one having an affair. Not me. The thought of starting a family with you—of bringing an innocent child into your life—makes me sick. I would never have a baby with you, Sebastian. Our marriage is over, and quite frankly, it was over long before I ever filed for divorce. Anyone I choose to be with from this point on is none of your concern.”
I was always grateful that Sebastian’s obsession with vanity extended to the fact that he didn’t want me to get pregnant. As he so delicately put it, he didn’t want me to get a fat ass. I had already met his evil half at that point, so I took it for the blessing it was.
“I see you’ve become rather spirited during your time in Georgia. I’m going to enjoy breaking you of that ridiculous notion.”
I’m so angry and freaked out, I’m shaking. “You know what, Sebastian? Screw you. I don’t need to listen to this.”
I jab my finger against the screen, ending the call, right before I block his number. I can’t do this right now. I need to think. I need to come up with a plan. Sebastian’s obviously not going to just let this go like I was so foolish to believe. I need to speak with Beckett and see what he thinks I should do. I drive straight to the ranch, bypassing my parents’ house and parking right in front of Beck’s. We didn’t make plans to see each other tonight, but Beck was obviously still awake because, by the time I get out of my Jeep, he’s standing on the front porch waiting for me.
“Hey. This is a nice surprise.”
The moment I loop my hands behind his back, my panic morphs into desperation. I know Beck and I will need to discuss Sebastian, but right now, I need Beckett’s touch to remind me I’m safe in his arms. That no matter how many threats Sebastian makes, I’ll be okay. That I’ll never be a victim to his torment again.
He runs his hand down my back soothingly. “What happened, Pres?”
I jump up, crossing my ankles behind his back. “Kiss now. Talk later.”
He doesn’t need convincing. Beck seals his mouth over mine, walking blindly through the house until we reach his bedroom. We only manage to remove the bare minimum clothing before our bodies are joined together, seeking release at a frenzied pace. We strip the remainder of our clothes off piece by piece and take our time exploring each other’s bodies the second time around. We make love for hours, until we’re both sleepy and sated, curled in each other’s arms. Right before I drift off, I feel Beckett slip out of bed.
“Where are you going?” I mumble.
Beck inclines his head toward the hall. “I’m going to sleep in the other room.”
That jolts me awake. I sit up, clutching the comforter to my chest. “Why?”
His eyes dance across the room, looking at seemingly everything but me. “Pres, you know why.”
I sigh. “Beckett, I thought we resolved this earlier. I trust you. Come back to bed.”
He groans. “I can’t, Presley. If I ever hurt you—accidentally or not—I’d be no better than that piece of shit.”
“So, what?” I throw my hands up. “You’re never going to sleep in the same bed with me again?”
“If that is what it takes...” Beckett rubs the back of his neck. “My nightmares... they’ve been much more frequent lately for some reason. I can’t bear the thought of harming you. Why can’t you understand that? Let’s not fight about this, Pres. I’ll come back to bed, and I’ll make sure you’re really asleep before I get up next time.”
Okay, I know I’m being irrational. My emotions are likely still ragged from my conversation with Sebastian earlier, but I can’t understand it. I mean... I get why he wouldn’t want to hurt me, but I don’t know why he doesn’t feel the same conviction I do that he’d never actually do it, no matter how out of it he was. I just want Beckett to hold me. I want to feel safe, like only he can make me feel. But what I definitely don’t want is to be lulled into a false sense of security, only to wake up cold and alone. I’ve been there, done that, too many times.
I hold up my hand to stop him when he moves toward the bed. “Don’t bother, Beckett. I’m going home.”
He blinks a few times. “What? Why?”
I throw my shirt over my head, not bothering to locate my bra. “It’s been a long day, and I don’t want to fight with you. Maybe I’m being overly sensitive, and I’ll be more agreeable after getting some sleep, but I really need to leave right now. I don’t want to say something I’ll regret.”
Beck grabs my wrist as I’m pulling my jeans on. “Hold up.”
I shake out of his hold. “It’s fine. I’m planning to spend the day at the stables tomorrow, so I’ll see you then. I love you.”
Beckett’s body is carved and rigid like a statue as I kiss him on the cheek before walking out the door. On the short drive to my rental, I almost convince myself to turn back three times, but I remind myself that I need to stand my ground. I silently amend that thought the moment I step into my cottage and realize my mistake. I was so determined to be independent, I dismissed the warning signals that were triggered earlier this evening. And because of that, instead of sticking around and having a conversation with a man I know would never hurt me, I’m now standing in a room with the one who’d like to do the most harm.
Sebastian’s bright blue eyes shine with malice as he flips the light on. “Hello, wife.”
