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“That would make too many dishes.”
I snort. “Such a bachelor response too.”
We continue eating in silence and watch Manifest, a show I've been bingeing after work. If he's never seen it, he's not making it obvious because he's following along as if he's watched every episode.
“So I have to ask about your husband. How long has he been...?” He pauses, then swallows hard as if he's carefully choosing his next words. “Been a threat to you?”
“Ten years or so,” I respond shamefully. “The person I fell in love with in high school wasn't the person you met today.”
Regardless of when it started, I hate that I put up with Justin's abuse for as long as I did.
“Did you ever tell anyone?”
“My little sister, Oakley, hinted she knew something was wrong by how I acted on the phone, but I'd never admitted anything until the day I left. She's going to school in California, and I didn't want to give her a reason to uproot her life. Since Oakley is fifteen years younger, I’ve refused to subject her to my issues. I was isolated from my friends and family for so long that they basically gave up on contacting me. Justin made sure I would have no one to depend on but him.”
“Why didn't you go out there? What made you come to Florida?”
“I knew he'd check there first, and I didn't want to put my sister at risk. Florida has a lot of touristy towns, so I thought it'd be easier to find a job without any skills or education. Plus, I like the heat.”
He nods, scratching his fingers over his facial hair. “I've been mulling over this all afternoon, and I think you should report him. It's not too late, and fuck his authoritative title. I did some research, and you can file a temporary restraining order. I'd tell your attorney you saw Justin here and ask him for help too.”
“If I do that, he'll know for sure I'm here.”
“Yes, but if he decides to show up again, you can get him arrested for violating the terms. He could also risk losing his job. Don't let him silence you or make you feel like a prisoner at home.”
Easton's heart's in the right place, but he doesn't know Justin like I do. He won't let a piece of paper get in the way of what he wants. It would only motivate him.
“And what if I can't get one? I have no proof of the abuse.”
“Well, you said he didn't allow you to be around friends and family. What else did he restrict you from?”
I twirl my fork and fight back the bile that threatens to rise as I begin to list them. “I couldn't have a job or my own money, which is why I had to sneak around for six months just to save enough to leave.” Though honestly, the money I managed to make didn't last long. It's why I nearly begged Easton for this job. I was down to my last twenty dollars. “He told me what I could and couldn't wear outside of the house. Dinner had to be ready by six each night, or he'd violently twist my nipple for as many minutes as it was delayed. At first, I did those things to make him happy and get his approval, but then I realized me being miserable made him happy.”
Easton releases a growl. “Fucking sadist.”
I sigh.
He doesn't know the half of it. I lost count of how many times I felt Justin growing hard while he nearly choked me to death or how he'd compare me to the prostitutes that sucked him off during his breaks. He'd record them, then force me to watch it to “learn” what he liked. At that point, I had no interest in pleasuring him, but if I didn't, there'd be consequences.
“It'll be your word against his, but you can share your story and fight. Don't let him run you out again because then he wins. Please, stay. I’ll be worried sick not knowing where you are or if you’re okay.”
“He's already won,” I confirm. “I lost my home, my social life, my confidence. He's taken it all.”
“Then let's come up with a plan to take it all back. You don't have to do this alone, Tatum. I'm here. I want to help.”
His words are the most comforting ones I've heard in a long time. Still, I wonder if staying is the safest option for me. Or him. Justin wouldn't think twice about hurting Easton if he came between him and me.
“If I have to arm you with pepper spray, an alarm, knife, and whatever else you can use to stop him, I will.”
I bellow out a laugh. “I can't hide in my apartment forever. He'll come back to the store if he really thinks I'm here. I wouldn't be surprised if he's staking out the building right now.”
