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“Good girl,” Robert coos. “Now we’ve got some things to discuss, don’t we?”
I check the clock on my phone and hope Everleigh hurries. When she shows up unexpectedly, Robert won’t be able to force me to stay. I want to get the hell out of here as quickly as possible before he hurts me again. The way he’s acting makes me think he will, if needed.
“Alright.” I sit on the edge of the couch, counting down the minutes.
“The wedding will happen, Gemma. You’ve already committed. You know how I feel about people who back out of contracts, and when you accepted my proposal, you verbally agreed to be my wife. So, it’s happening, and things will move forward as discussed.”
“Why did you have me followed?” I snap, ignoring his words.
He grins, not at all concerned that I found out. He’s practiced the doting husband act so much that he can switch it on and off so easily. That’s more terrifying than his words could ever be. “Followed? I’m not sure what you’re talking about, sweetheart.” He tilts his head back and takes a large gulp of his scotch.
“I saw the receipt in your desk for the private investigator you hired. When I called you all panicked about someone following me, you didn’t seem concerned, and it’s because you were behind it all along. What’s wrong with you? What kind of man hires someone to stalk the woman he supposedly loves and trusts?”
Robert charges toward me. I want to get up and run away, but it’s no use. I try to act as if I’m not threatened by his sudden movement and keep a straight face. He doesn’t seem to like that reaction either and pushes me down until my back is against the couch. With his strength, he forces my arms over my head and straddles me. His face is inches from mine, and the scotch on his breath smells rotten.
“It’s time for us to be honest with each other, isn’t it?”
I blink up at him through the tears forming in my eyes.
“I don’t fucking trust you,” he says roughly, adding more pressure to my wrists. He’s heavy and too strong for me to break free.
“Get off me!” I scream. “You’rehurtingme.”
He moves his face even closer. “You think I’m stupid? You lied about your past with Tyler. Didn’t think I’d find out you two used to be a hot item, huh? I know about it, Gemma. The whole goddamn town does too,” he snarls.
“Stop it,” I cry out, fighting against his hold and jerking my body. “Robert, stop!”
It doesn’t faze him as he squeezes his knees tighter into my ribs. “I knew about you and him before he returned. Then he conveniently started working at the garage, so when I asked, I wanted to hear the truth from your lips. Being my future wife, I thought you’d share everything with me, but you acted like there was nothing to tell. So you left me no choice. I had to ensure my assets were protected.”
I snap my eyes, wishing this would end. “What assets?”
“You.Gemma. You’re my property. I knew it would only be a matter of time before you fucked him. I arranged for you and your littlefriendto be watched for weeks. I have a handful of photos of you two flirting, and it makes me so fucking sick. Everyone sees the way he looks at you, and the way you eye fuck him when he’s around you. So goddamn embarrassing,” Robert hisses before trying to force his mouth against mine, but I turn my head. I don’t want his lips anywhere near me.
“Why are you even with me then?” I wiggle against his hold. “There’s no trust between us, so it’s time to end it.”
“I’ll never let you go, Gemma,” he growls. “Not unless one of us is dead. Don’t you fucking get that by now?” he snaps, his eyes darkening with every word.
“No!” I scream. “It’s over.”
“It’s not. And I’m only gonna tell you this only once, Gemma. You need to beveryfucking careful. And so should Tyler.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I say, tears spilling down my cheeks.
“Exactly what you think it means.” He tsks, sliding his body down mine.
“Get off me!” I’m brought back to being eleven years old when the boys picked on me at recess. Lifting my knee, I plant it right between his legs. Robert grunts, and I push him to the floor. “You cunt,” he breathes out, holding his crotch.
I’m breathing hard, my chest heaving as Robert manages to stand.
“Just stop,” I beg. “Please, stop.” I create space between us, ready to run out the front door. If his neighbors heard us arguing on his perfectly landscaped lawn, Robert would die of a heart attack because the rumors would fly. He’d do anything to avoid being the talk of the town.
“Don’t you go anywhere,” he orders as if he read my mind. “Sit. Right now.” He talks to me as if I’m a child, and I guess in his mind, I am one. Only wanting to temporarily appease him, I do.
Before I can open my mouth to rebut his threats, the doorbell rings followed by rapid knocking. Robert narrows his eyes at me. “What have you fucking done?” he hisses.
Robert moves toward the door, and I take the opportunity to grab my shit. I hear Everleigh ask where I am, and Robert lies that I’m taking a bath. She doesn’t believe his bullshit and barges past him. Once Everleigh sees me, she grabs my hand, then pulls me through the house.
“You’re not going anywhere!” Robert shouts.
