Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 68594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
“The only thing I thought when I saw her was how grateful I was not to be him. And once I knew who he was, I decided he deserved whatever she did. I hope she drains him dry.”
“Even after your warning?”
I chuckled. “She’ll sweet-talk her way out of it. But at least I would have made her sweat a little. And he deserves what he gets. Between the epic junk-punch from Abby and the one coming from her eventually, he’s in for a world of pain.”
Amusement danced in her eyes. “Couldn’t happen to a better asshole.”
I nodded. “Cooties.”
She giggled. “Full of ’em.”
“How they met, I have no idea, but she has obviously recreated herself again. And this time, he was the idiot that fell for it. I think they’re both going to suffer.”
“She’s pretty,” Quinn offered. “He likes that.”
I shook my head. “She’s hard and fake. She might have the outside package he is looking for, but inside, she is a cesspool of greed and selfishness.” I trailed my fingers down her cheek. “You’re real. Beautiful—inside and out. There is nothing fake about you. And I love you.”
She kissed my finger resting on her cheek. “I love you.”
I winked. “Now, let’s go make some more great memories, darlin’.”
“I’d love to.”
The rest of the afternoon was a quandary. There were moments of laughter. Lots of smiles from Abby, but Quinn’s seemed forced at times. I caught her more than once looking upset, but when she would see me studying her, she forced a smile to her face and a lighthearted tone to her voice. Internally, I cursed running into her ex. He had spoiled what should have been a perfect day for Quinn. Secretly, I wished I’d had the chance for one good punch myself.
Instead, I was living vicariously through a child who had the satisfaction of throwing said punch.
The boat ride was wonderful, the sun and breeze refreshing, the views of the city spectacular. Quinn finally relaxed and seemed to be enjoying herself. We took turns pointing out different things to Abby, who, as usual, asked lots of questions.
I got her a gooey funnel cake, and we sat at a table, watching the city as it went by.
“Wow,” Quinn said in amazement, looking at the horizon. “Too many buildings.”
I chuckled. “Too many people.”
Quinn leaned her head on my shoulder. “I like our view better.”
I pressed a kiss to her head. “Me too.”
When the boat docked, we took a walk, then headed back to the hotel. Abby wanted a bubble bath, so Quinn filled the tub, adding bubbles, and left her happily singing a made-up song about her boat ride.
I watched Quinn for a few moments, curious. Something had been off since she and Abby had talked. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but Quinn was too quiet. I needed to know what had upset her. Did it have to do with the talk with Abby, or was the earlier incident still playing on repeat in her head?
She stood by the window, staring out at the skyline. I wrapped my arms around her. “Miss the city?”
“No.”
I buried my head into her neck. “Miss our little Richton?”
“Yes.”
“We’ll go home in the morning.”
“Good.”
“You okay?”
“I’m good,” she replied too quickly.
“Quinn…”
She turned in my arms, looking troubled.
“What is it?”
“Would you be upset if we didn’t go to dinner? If we stayed here and ordered in room service?”
“If you wanted to go home, I’d be okay with it. Whatever you want to do, Quinn. Today is your day. Whatever makes you happy.”
“You do. You make me happy.”
“Then why do you look so sad?”
She hesitated, and I took her hands. “I thought we were past you hiding from me.”
She looked down at our joined fingers. A tear splashing on my skin made me hold them tighter.
“Tell me.”
Her voice shook when she spoke. “She thought he was going to hit me. That’s why she punched him.”
I had thought the same thing from the furious look on his face, which was why I had started to block him. But hearing Quinn’s words, my rage was instant. “I thought you said he didn’t hit you.”
“He hit me once, years ago. But he knew the words hurt more, so he used those as his weapon of choice. But he liked to grab me, scream in my face. I learned to tell when he was about to. His hand would flex, the way it did just before—” She swallowed and met my eyes. “I didn’t know she saw that too.”
“That bastard.”
“How can a small child notice something like that?” she whispered. “She never said anything to me until today.”
“She is incredibly smart,” I assured her. “She gets that from you.”
“I should have left sooner.”
“You left when you could. Stop beating yourself up. Stop questioning your choices. You can’t change them.” I lifted her chin to mine. “She is fine, Quinn. Thriving, even. And today hasn’t set her back. Listen to her singing, telling her dolphin friend her stories. She’s happy. She’s safe. I know it sounds stupid, but junk-punching him was probably therapeutic for her. She knows she doesn’t have to fear him. And she has us. We’ll make sure she stays okay. We’ll find a therapist if you think she needs one. But, baby…stop, please.” I shook my head. “I wish I had kicked his ass. I still want to. He needs a good beatdown. Especially with this new information.” I huffed. “If I had known that, I would have taken him out. Put him in the hospital. I’m still tempted.”