Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“The fight you mentioned?”
She nods. “Yes, and on Saturday, it all just came to a head. He gave me twenty-four hours to move out and took the phone…” She lifts her right hand, “he grabbed my wrist and twisted it so I’d let go of the phone, then he shoved me. I fell and landed on my hand. I think I sprained it.”
God help me.
The rage fuming in my chest is so potent I could kill the fucker for daring to touch Lily.
I close my eyes and take deep breaths in an attempt to calm down, but when I speak, my voice is harsh. “Your family are fucked up people.”
Lily just stares at the coffee table while she nods in agreement.
Then everything she said registers. My heart clenches as I ask, “Lily, where have you been staying?”
“Saturday night I spent here, and Sunday, I found a two-bedroom house in Hastings-on-Hudson. But all my art and supplies are still at the apartment. My parents said I could get my stuff once they’re ready to see me.”
Don’t fucking lose your shit.
Stay calm.
Don’t get violent around her.
“Christ, Lily,” I breathe as I wipe my palm over my forehead.
Not only did her parents kick her out after fucking hurting her, she couldn’t get a hold of me and thought I left her.
Fuck.
I grab hold of her shoulders and yank her to my chest. Wrapping my arms tightly around her, I place my hand behind her head and press a kiss to her hair.
“I’m so fucking sorry you went through all of that alone.”
Her left hand grips my side as her body starts to tremble, and my woman whimpers against my chest, “I thought I lost you.”
“Jesus. Never, baby,” I assure her. “You’re stuck with me forever.”
God hear my vow; I will find a way to make Harrison pay for what he’s done to Lily and me.
Chapter 38
Lily
I feel weirdly empty after telling Callan everything.
I’m not going to lie, tonight went differently than I expected.
I pull back from Callan, and reaching for the bottle, I take a sip of water.
Callan is quiet for a solid minute before he asks, “So with all the shit you were already dealing with, you had to move without your belongings?”
I nod. “That about sums up my past three days.”
“And you thought I bailed on you?”
I nod again. “It’s been a real shitty three days.”
“Fuck, baby, if I had known. You said you spoke to Harper today. Why didn’t you come here?”
I let out an exhausted sigh. “I left messages for you with reception.” My eyes flick to his. “Trust me, I tried to get in contact with you.”
“I trust you,” he murmurs. “Jesus, if I had known…” He pulls me into another hug. “You’re here now. It’s all that matters.”
I close my eyes and soak in the feel of his arms around me. “You’re still mine,” I whisper, the relief I fear audible in my voice.
“I’m still yours.” He presses a kiss to my forehead then pushes me back. “Let me look at your wrist.”
While his fingers gently probe my bruised skin, he asks, “Did you get it checked out?”
“No. It doesn’t hurt as much anymore.” My eyes settle on his face, then they widen because he looks just as angry as he did at the party. “Are you okay?”
His eyes flick to mine. “Yes. Why?”
“You look like you’re about to kill someone.”
He shakes his head. “I’m pissed off with your fucking family.”
“I was starting to think I’m the problem,” I admit.
His thumb brushes over my wrist, and his eyes lock with mine. “You’re not the fucking problem.” The anger coming off him in waves makes goosebumps spread over my skin. His tone is unforgiving as he says, “We’re going to get your belongings and bring them here.”
“I don’t have the keycard to the apartment.”
“Then we’ll go to your parents to get it.”
There’s so much determination in his eyes, it gives me the courage to face them again.
“You don’t mind?”
“Hell no.” He gets up from the couch. “I’m just going to change into a suit before we leave.”
Worried about Callan, I ask, “But what if seeing my father triggers another panic attack for you?”
He shakes his head. “I was caught off guard at the party. I’m prepared tonight.”
“Okay. I just don’t want you to get upset again.”
He lets out a dangerous chuckle. “It’s too late for that. I’m pissed off and ready to give that fucker a piece of my mind.”
He begins to walk away, then stops and gives me an expectant look. “Come, baby.”
“Oh.” I dart up and take his hand. “I don’t mind waiting in the living room.”
“Fuck no. I’m not taking my eyes off you anytime soon,” he mutters. “I missed you too much and need to have you in touching distance at all times.”
I’ve been an emotional mess with everything that’s happened, but Callan’s words act as a soothing balm on my wounded heart.