Renee’s POVThe sudden force of the door bursting open causes me to jump out of my seat, which I only too soon after realize makes it appear that something suspicious was going on. I resist the urge to blurt out that nothing was actually going on. I bite my tongue, knowing that would only make matte
Ignoring Eric’s intense gaze, I shoulder my way to the door. “Nilo is not my biological child.” Eric calls out after me and I hesitate, almost turning back around, but I don’t.Annie might care about that statement, but Renee doesn’t because ultimately it doesn’t matter, even if Eric is telling the
Renee’s POV I expect the principal to sort this out right as this would be an excellent opportunity for him to exemplify his credentials, but to my horror he rushes over to Nilo with great concern.He wraps Nilo into a hug, fawning over him, checking his body for scrapes and bruises. “What happened
I want to be bothered by the amount of times Eric has stood up for me considering I should be able to fend for myself, but this is for Debbie. Word by word, Eric’s voice builds her confidence back, and for that I’m grateful.Unfortunately, Eric defending her is only going to increase her desire of h
Renee’s POVBack home, I send Debbie upstairs to play and get out of her pink dress while I try to wash out the dirt.I lock myself in the laundry room, close my eyes, and rest my head against the door. My pride got the best of me. I stubbornly agreed to a physical exam just to prove to Eric that I
I can hear the laughter and ringing of gaming stands when someone wins a prize. “Cmon!” Debbie says pulling at my hand.“I’m going!” I tell her, she’s really excited to get inside. When I look back up, I stop moving causing Debbie to nearly trip over her feet.Eric is casually leaning up against the
Renee’s POV Eric and Debbie assume their positions on the field. Eric is offense and Debbie is center, the only position in soccer other than goalkeeper that requires the least amount of running. For the sake of her health, I’m grateful for this.I’m also grateful for the opportunity to stand back
“I’m going to sit this one out,” I say, needing a break. I expect Eric to say the same thing as shuts his eyes and he rubs his temples. I brace myself for his attitude.“I’ll go with you,” he says instead and I shake my head. Did I just hear him correctly? He clearly looks like he’s had his brain ra
He opens the glass window separating us and hands me a sack full of cash. It’s heavy like it’s filled with bricks and I sling it over my shoulder. Andrew follows me out the door, we ignore the concerned eyes glued to us as we leave.No one says a word. The only sound is the swooshing of a machine co
Eric’s POV “What is it?” Andrew asks picking up on my sudden shift in energy. Eric, Eric. Renee’s voice echoes in my head.“I hear Renee,” I stammer, I touch my head as though I’m touching her. “I can’t hear her,” I repeat. Andrew looks at me like I’m crazy and I know I might sound that way but thi
“How much do you want?” I ask, if it’s money they’re after then they can have it all. This time Dan bends down next to me. He takes his finger and lifts my chin so my eyes meet him. It looks like he has two heads and I struggle to decide which one to focus on.“We need Eric’s banking information and
Renee’s POV Eric’s father eyes widen in surprise. I blow some hair out of my face but it doesn’t do much and wet curls still stick to my sweaty forehead. I strain to listen to hear what the other person on the end of the line says.Something tells me, Eric’s father, what was his name again? Isn’t
“Meet me at our spot,” I tell Andrew before hanging up and throw the car into reverse. I hear the awe of children and cursing if parents as my car speeds out of the lot.Twenty minutes later, I spot Andrew at the woods where we meet when we need to talk privately. I explain my last interaction with
Eric’s POVIt’s happening again. It has to be. I crack my neck. I knew I was pushing her too hard. I jam my phone back in my pocket.It’s not like she couldn’t handle the pressure. She’s stronger than she gives herself credit for. But maybe it’s just me she couldn’t tolerate. That’s why she left bef
Consciousness creeps slowly throughout my being, bringing with it a spreading of pulsating pain. I groan. Big mistake. My head explodes with pain, my vision is instantly blinded by bursts of red and orange.“Oh Renee, you’re waking up!” A familiar voice squeaks causing bile to rise up in my throat f
Renee’s POV Okay. I officially have no idea where I am. My GPS has taken me completely off any main roads, and away from any sort of civilization.I’ve checked the location Natalie has sent me at least twenty times and apparently it’s correct. I’m just glad my GPS is still connected to the interne
I should text him that I’ll be a tad late for our second session of therapy today. I wonder if a therapist ever had a client where the husband and brother have seen the private parts of the wife but it was to ensure protection of a child because an ex-lover and the father is plotting a murderous att