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“You need to leave,” I say, trying to find my courage. “Get out of my house.”
He flashes an evil smirk. “No. Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for you? There are things that need to be settledtonight, and I’m not going anywhere until they are.”
He tightens his grasp on my upper arm. “Let me go!”
“Everyone saw the little performance you and Tyler put on at the Harvest Festival. Do you have any idea how fucking embarrassing that was for me?” he seethes, and I force myself away from him, backing up until I’m against the door.
“I don’t care. We’re not together, and everyone knows it now. I don’t know what you want from me.” My eyes widen in fear as I live in a continual nightmare loop where I can constantly repeat myself, but Robert doesn’t hear me.
“I want you to marry me, Gemma. Do what you said you’d do.”
The rage comes quickly as I glare at him. “How many times do I have to explain to you that it’s over? I’m not marrying you. I won’t!” My voice is loud and guttural, the emotion pouring out of me like a summer storm.
“Because of you, my deal with Victoria is no longer on the table. It’s all your damn fault I didn’t get that contract signed. You owe me, Gemma. You owe me your fucking life for messing with my future.” He begins pacing in front of me.
My feet won’t move as if they’re stuck in quicksand as I suck in air. “Thereneverwas a deal. Don’t you see that? She was manipulating you to get to Tyler.”
“The only person who’s manipulated me is you. I wouldn’t be surprised if you had planned to string me along all this time so you could gain popularity around town.”
I scoff because that’s the last thing I ever wanted. “Are you delusional? I won’t play into this false narrative, Robert. If anyone has manipulated anyone, it’s you with your games and need to keep your perfect public image. I’m done. I’ve had enough. Now, get the hell out of my house.” I grab my phone from my purse and type in 911. This time, I want him arrested for harassing me. I turn the screen and show him. “I’m not playing anymore. Leave.”
“Call them. They won’t come. I’ve made sure of it. Don’t believe me? Try it out. I dare you.”
But I don’t because he’s paid many people off over the years, and they’re still in his pocket.
“Why are you doing this?” I ask, defeated but trying to stay strong.
“Because I’ve invested too much goddamn time in you and our relationship. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I’m not letting you go. I’ve told you this, and it’s like you can’t comprehend what I’m saying. I refuse to let you make a fool of me in front of the people of Lawton Ridge.” He rakes his fingers through his hair. When I meet his demented expression, I shudder.
“I’ve worked to make a name for myself, and I don’t appreciate you parading yourself around like a whore and letting everyone see how unfaithful you are to me. You’re moving in with me, and you’re going to be my wife and the mother to my children. You will be quitting your job as soon as we get married.”
Laughter escapes me. “Not happening.” I cross my arms over my chest.
Robert shrugs. “Fine then. How much do you love this cottage?”
I narrow my eyes at him, not sure what’s going to come from his mouth next. “What are you talking about?”
“Just wondering, because I hold all the cards in my hands right now, Gemma. So you need to choose your words wisely.”
My heartbeat pounds in my ears as adrenaline rushes through me. He strolls through my cottage and looks at the canvases on the walls. After he makes a face, he moves over to the next, acting as if my mother’s work disgusts him.
“I own the deed to your father’s land. To his house and this cottage.” He continues wandering around. “And I’ll bulldoze it to the ground. All of it.”
“You’re a liar!” I shout, not wanting to believe a word he says.
He looks at me with his arms crossed, wearing a sneer. “See, your irresponsible father was late on paying the hospital bills after your mother died, so he took out a second mortgage on the house.”
I wish he’d stop talking. I wish he’d disappear.
“And he was nearly eight months late on payments. The whole property went into foreclosure, and the bank was ready to sell it off. Considering I’m privy to things that will soon go to auction, I paid his debt. And now you’ll pay his.”
“Shut up,” I snap. “Why should I believe a word you say?”
“You think I’d lie about something like this? Trust me when I say this house will be gone by the end of next week. I’ll flatten it all to the ground with all your precious memories inside. It is mine, after all. Just like you.”
I glare at him, shaking my head in disbelief. He’s so full of shit.
“What? You want proof?” he muses.
