Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 138683 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 693(@200wpm)___ 555(@250wpm)___ 462(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 138683 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 693(@200wpm)___ 555(@250wpm)___ 462(@300wpm)
Karl kept his rage checked, though I could see it writhing behind his eyes. “I’ve been trying to get in touch with you, and you haven’t returned my calls.”
“That’s because I don’t want to talk to you.”
His teeth ground in restraint, his expression pompous and hard. “I told you I didn’t have time for your games, Tessa.”
“That’s good, because there is no time left for us. I told you I was finished, and I meant it.”
“You’re being ridiculous. Overreacting, the way you do about everything. You can do me a favor and stop acting like a spoiled brat.”
My brow pinched tight as the hatred roared. “I was a fool for ever staying with you. This went on for way too long, and it ends now.”
A scoff ripped from his mouth. “Are you fucking kidding me? After everything I’ve done for you?”
“You didn’t do any of those things because you care about me.”
His hand scraped through his too-perfect hair. “I did it because I love you.”
What bullshit.
“I don’t think you ever loved me. You just needed a pet project to show off to your friends and colleagues. Look at what a good guy Karl Haller is taking care of the poor girl, while you treat me like garbage behind closed doors. I’m finished with you degrading me. Of you making me feel stupid and small. I’m tired of you trying to control my every move.”
It was plenty without him becoming physical.
But when he had?
“It’s done, Karl.”
He flew into my face. The venom spewing from his mouth held me just as tight as if he held me by the arms. “Well, I’m not done with you.”
Fear slithered down my spine, but I lifted my chin, refusing to give into him.
“Screw you, Karl. You don’t get me anymore.” I started to back away as I spoke. “I’ll be by your house to get my things tomorrow. I’d appreciate it if you weren’t there when I come.”
I turned on my heel, digging into my purse to get the keys to Milo’s Tahoe.
I slowed when the snarl of words hooked me from behind. Quiet but delivered with the deathly strike that Karl intended. “You know what happens if you walk, Tessa. Don’t try my patience.”
I barely turned, my voice a thin sheet of sadness. “And there it is, Karl. Proof that you don’t love me. You’d gladly let my brother suffer if I don’t do what you say. That’s not love.”
His mouth slashed in a downward sneer. “Do you actually think I’m going to continue to spend $15,000 a month for your brother to stay here after you’ve made me look like a fool?”
Regret wrapped around my ribs. “You are a fool, Karl, because if you did love me? If you had treated me with respect? I wouldn’t be walking away.”
I honestly didn’t even know how I’d ended up in this position. When I’d first started dating him, I was young. He’d been charming and charismatic, and it wasn’t like he was bad to look at. I’d thought there might actually be something there.
And after losing my parents?
I’d wanted it.
Love. A family. Security.
My person who cared about me the way I cared for them.
Maybe I’d been a fool for thinking that might be Karl.
Somewhere after Bobby’d had his accident and Karl had offered to put him in this facility, things had changed.
Maybe he’d resented me for the promise he’d made to provide for Bobby. Maybe it’d become too much for him. Maybe he knew just how much Bobby had disliked him when Karl and I had first started dating.
Most likely, the asshole just got off on having me under his thumb.
Whatever the case, our relationship had twisted itself into this ugly thing of bitterness and hostility and shame.
Before I’d recognized what was happening, I’d been stuck. Basically contracted to a man I’d come to despise.
Gathering myself, I turned back around and headed for the SUV I’d parked in the lot.
Karl’s voice echoed behind me. “You don’t get to just walk away from me, Tessa,” he warned.
I clicked the lock and opened the door, glaring at him when I said, “Watch me.”
SIX
MILO
“Paula, please…” My voice was ragged, my heart squeezing so fuckin’ tight I thought it would implode as I pressed the phone to my ear.
I wasn’t sure I would physically make it any farther.
Not when she dug deeper at the guilt. “How could you be so selfish, after all you’ve done? After everything you’ve already taken from us?” she spat.
Anger coiled with the shame. “You know there’s no chance I’m just going to turn my back on them.”
“Like you didn’t before.”
Grief clutched my spirit, right along with a giant slab of guilt. “I was mourning, Paula.”
Her voice was bitter. “They’re better off with us. You can’t actually think they’d have a better life with you.”
“I’m their father.” Agony spiked through the air.