Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 74022 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74022 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
It was a pretty fair deal.
“I’m done with this conversation,” I say, trying to keep calm but I’m starting to get irritated.
“Well, I’m fuckin’ not!” he roars.
I slam the door, locking it quickly.
He pounds on it, bellowing my name, kicking it so hard for a second I’m scared he’ll smash it down, and if that happens, I don’t know what I’ll do.
I rub my arms, just waiting, phone ready.
After a little while, he finally roars that this isn’t over and leaves.
And I know he’s right, this isn’t over.
Not even close.
~*~*~*~
PENELOPE
“He came to your house!” Cassie says, eyes wide, face angry.
I nod, pushing her down the sidewalk on our daily outing.
“Yeah, demanding the car again, or money. I think he’s using drugs, it makes sense.”
She nods from her chair. “That does make sense. I’ve seen people do crazy things for drugs, especially if they owe money.”
“He just looked ... terrible. Like he’d been doing something awful to his body, and the desperation, and anger, it all points to one thing.”
“You should tell Boston, Penny. He could help you. Get rid of him.”
“No way,” I say quickly, stopping the chair and walking around so she can see me. “He doesn’t need to be involved in this. Please don’t tell him.”
She scrunches up her face. “He could help you. The club could help you.”
“No.” I put my hands up. “No, I don’t want the club involved or Boston. It’ll only make it worse. He knows I have problems with my ex, but he has enough going on, without adding my problems to the mix. He’ll only flip out if he knows that I’m being threatened.”
Cassie purses her lips. “I don’t like this, Penny. Not at all. He could be dangerous; he could hurt you.”
“He won’t, I know him. He won’t.”
She stares at me, eyes narrowing. “Are you sure about that?”
Absolutely not. In fact, I have no idea what he’s capable of now. I don’t know the man Ashton is now; I literally have no idea what he’s become. The man abusing me at my doorstep yesterday was not the man I know. And that makes me a little uneasy, because I don’t know what he is capable of.
“I’m sure,” I tell her, even though it’s a lie. But she doesn’t need to worry. “Now, tell me about the next book you’re reading.”
We spend the next two hours talking about books, and then we go to the store for some groceries, I help her with her showering, and we make dinner for the evening. When Boston gets back, I disappear quickly, not wanting to face his questions. I’m a terrible liar, and if he asks me what’s wrong, I can’t guarantee I won’t spill it all, and that’ll only make things worse.
When I arrive home, however, I’ve already received a message from him.
Boston – Could you run out any faster? What’s up?
Dammit.
He’s onto me.
I can’t ignore him, so I just respond casually.
Penny – Sorry. I have a friend coming over, I had to get some drinks on my way home.
A flat-out lie, which makes me feel even worse. He doesn’t deserve my lies. He’s always open with me and upfront, and he’s the best man I know. I hate that I can’t tell him what’s going on, but I simply ... can’t.
Boston – Looked upset to me.
He’s smart.
Too smart.
Penny – I’m okay. I swear. I’ve just got a lot going on and I was stressing about getting things done.
Boston – Can stay with Cassie on Saturday if you want a day off.
Penny – No, of course not! I love hanging out with Cassie. I swear, everything is fine!
I add a few smiley emojis, hoping that’ll convince him.
Boston – You’re a fucking shit liar. But I won’t push. Let me know if you need anything yeah?
Dammit.
Nothing gets past him.
Nothing at all.
I spend the rest of my night watching movies before an early bedtime the next day. I don’t have a shift with Cassie again until Saturday, her other carer takes her for the next three days, so I just work at the bar until the time comes that I get to go over there again. I look forward to seeing her when I’m gone, working with her makes my life enjoyable.
When morning rolls around, I spend my time grocery shopping and enjoying my day off. I’m due to catch up with Amalie tomorrow for breakfast, which I look forward to. Her ex, Caiden, is the reason I know her, and I’m grateful. If I didn’t meet her, I wouldn’t have gotten the job with Cassie and I wouldn’t have met Boston, or the club members. I like knowing all of them.
They’re incredible people.
Early afternoon rolls around, and I’m about to head out for a walk when someone knocks at my door. Sighing, I walk over and open it to reveal Taryn, Ashton’s girlfriend. She’s standing, hand on her hip, staring at me.