“Why? Why did you leave me? I give you everything!”
“I missed my family,” I whine.
“I told you I’d bring you to visit.”
This hurt persona he plays is just that, a play and I haven’t fallen for it for months. But arguing with him won’t get me anywhere, not without broken bones and blood.
I opt for keeping my mouth shut and I cry. He doesn’t like tears.
“You’re coming home, and if you try to leave me again, I’ll fuckin’ kill you.”
I cringe as he leans in close and runs his tongue over the blood trickling from my lip.
“You are mine.”
I nod and sigh with relief when he pulls away and walks into the kitchen.
“Get your shit, we’re leaving.” He walks out empty handed and goes for my phone on the table. “I see it’s still working. I wasn’t sure when you didn’t answer my calls or return a single fuckin’ text.”
I still keep my mouth shut. I pack my bags, not that I’ve unpacked much, and freeze when he thrusts the phone in my face.
“Made new friends, baby. Shane, huh? He’s the asshole who started the fight at the diner.”
“He helped me out one time when my car broke down. That’s all.”
“I believe ya.”
No he doesn’t and this won’t be the last time I hear about him.
“Call him.”
“Why?”
“Tell him to arrange a meet between me and Leo Jackson.”
“Why do you wanna meet with Leo?”
His laughter is cold. “How is that any of your fuckin’ business?”
The call is ringing when he puts it on speaker. I pray Shane doesn’t say anything that will get me in trouble.
“Lily?”
“Hey, I’m with Hopper,” I say, getting it in quick, and add, “He wants you to set up a meet with Leo.”
“Give me a minute.”
The line goes dead quiet, I gather he’s put me on mute. Hopper watches me closely.
“Strange how you only have his number stored in your phone.”
“Like I told you, he helped me out with my car. He gave me his number in case it broke down again.”
Background noise from the club fills the line and I look at the phone as if it’s a lifeline.
“This is Leo. What the fuck do you wanna meet for? I don’t know why you’re still in my town.”
“Now I have my woman back, there’s one last piece of unfinished business to conclude then I’m gone.”
