Like every other day, he disappears as soon as the sun is up. I don’t blame him, this is the price of running your own ranch, maybe he thinks that just because he held me until he fell asleep is enough. Our union is not a normal one, I’m here because he wants me to be, he insisted, settled things behind my back and I was also part of that, I should have said no. Seeing it now, no one forced me to be here, to say yes, to sign. The only chance we’ve had to be a couple was pretending to care for one another the last couple of days. I’m a fool for believing that it would continue, just last night he proved me wrong. “The air is turning chillier, you might want to start wearing thick clothes around the house.” Carla has been talking nonstop since we had breakfast. The tea has already gone cold. “I’m guessing we’ll have snow in the next twenty-four hours.” “That’s nice.” Is all I say. The scenery has changed, and the trees are almost naked. Not a single green leaf is left. “Nice?”
It’s Christmas and I have yet to disclose my plans to Lacey. She sits on the couch with a drink in her hand while the rest of the guests parade around the room. “I got you what you ordered me to get you,” she whispers once I'm an earshot. “I could have gotten you those corsets.” There she goes again, talking about lingerie. “It's not like I'm ever going to use them.” “You never know.” She never loses hope. She keeps rooting for team Andreas but we've been married for three months and all that has happened has been mild. “Never say never.” I almost blurted out Camero’s name but the girl code stops me. She has been staying single for the longest time. Her friendly relationship with Dick left her content but also made her understand that some things aren’t meant for her. And I wish she would understand that it was almost the same. That he would never care for me. When it is time for the exchange of presents my heart fills with joy when Paige loves the paint set I got her, with A
“I finished Ms. Rebecca.” “My gosh, that was so fast.” I take the book out of the small hands of little Patricia. Today she’s in pigtails, a little crocked from her constant play. “How many books have you read this week?” “Two.” She shows with her small fingers and smiles wide. “You want another?” “My momma said I could take one more.” I look up at the smiling woman standing back a few steps. She’s teaching her to be independent and the small 7-year-old is thriving. At least with the trusty young librarian. “How about something scary?” I look at the mom before handing her the book we had already discussed while the child had been in class. “Is it too scary?” The girl pulls her hands back and turns to her mother. “Is just a little bit.” I place the book on the counter and wait for her to make the decision. “Or there’s a not scary one I think you’d like.” I watch amused as her forehead creases, she’s thinking hard and the smile as she takes the copy of Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Gh
“Come on, Buddy.” The second I push open the door she throttles in checking every nook and cranny of the place, one would think she hasn’t been at the house in weeks. “We’ll have dinner and watch a movie, right girl.” She plops herself on her small nook and watches me as I discard my bag on the small table and start peeling off clothes. “Thank you for helping with that awful man, it must be something in the air. Everyone is so angry all the time.” Ever since Buddy started living with me it's been a one-way conversation. She looks attentively whenever I talk to her and sometimes I think she understands but maybe is that I’m just used to her sensitive personality. The sound of music coming from the big house makes me smile, even through the hard time Daniel and Connie were able to stay together. They laugh, joke, and remember together. The old couple welcomed me from day one with open arms and I can’t repay them enough. “What do you think girl, a rom-com or should we continue watchi
The elements must have declared the day of my birth as something worthy of celebration, after continuous days of gray clouds and gusty winds the sun shone above and the sky was a pretty blue. The girls had covered the backyard table with pretty plates and fancy napkins. The menu was mostly finger food and tiny pastries. And dog treats. The music was minimal and the laughter was abundant. “Blue looks so good on you,” said Clara as I pretended to try on the blouse I had just taken out of the gift bag. “Thank you, Clara, I love it,” I said as I leaned closer to hug the pretty old woman, her flowery scent always accompanying her, and her short curly bob. “Open mine.” The next one was a beauty set followed by the most leather beautiful jacket. Pressing it to my nose the smell told me everything I needed to know, this was genuine and also second-hand. Also brought back memories of leather and earthy scents, strong hands, and haunting eyes. “I bought this thinking I would wear it,
Word of her return had come in quickly. The buzzing of gossip followed me everywhere and even though people no longer mentioned her name when I was around I knew by the look in their eyes who they were talking to.She had arrived hours ago, and most likely was in bed by now. Staring at the darkened house told me everything I needed to know. Her father's second heart attack had finally drawn her home. But she didn’t seek sanctuary at my house, no she’d chosen her old home. Funny, it was mine but that was semantics. Ours was a set-to-fail relationship, she was too tame and I was too wild, for a second she almost got me to settle, to care but the more I cared and the more I wanted to get away. I didn’t blame her for running away from me and adding to it the constant calls from Cynthia. The arrangement had been her idea but it had stayed with me days later, and when she said no. That got me thinking, a pretty wife and land because she was pretty, too pretty and innocent.Had she stayed i
Word of her return had come in quickly. The buzzing of gossip followed me everywhere and even though people no longer mentioned her name when I was around I knew by the look in their eyes who they were talking to. She had arrived hours ago, and most likely was in bed by now. Staring at the darkened house told me everything I needed to know. Her father's second heart attack had finally drawn her home. But she didn’t seek sanctuary at my house, no she’d chosen her old home. Funny, it was mine but that was semantics. Ours was a set-to-fail relationship, she was too tame and I was too wild, for a second she almost got me to settle, to care but the more I cared and the more I wanted to get away. I didn’t blame her for running away from me and adding to it the constant calls from Cynthia. The arrangement had been her idea but it had stayed with me days later, and when she said no. That got me thinking, a pretty wife and land because she was pretty, too pretty and innocent. Had she staye
After letting Buddy out for the second time I leave her locked inside my room while I prepare breakfast for Cameron. He barely says a word as I move about the kitchen. His eyes are full of curiosity, but he occupies himself with the black cup of coffee as I finish the eggs and toast. “Where’s your shadow?”“Upstairs.”“Don’t worry about me, let her out.”“She gets too riled up in new spaces, once you’re gone I will let her explore.” Once the steamy plate of eggs touches the table he pulls in and thanks me. We might not have been able to get along before but now we can at least civil towards each other. He praised my food and I smiled, we talked a little about nothing at all and then continue eating in silence. “McKinnon came by.” Until he said that. I froze, my fork in mid-air, his expression serious. “He almost walked into your bedroom.” An awkward silence followed until we both heard a loud bark coming from upstairs. “Buddy.” He nodded. “That would have stopped anyone.”I had b
Rebecca sat on her porch, covered in a warm blanket, as the first snowflakes of the season began to fall. Buddy, her ever-faithful companion, sat by her side, contentedly enjoying the quiet moment with her mistress. The previous year had been an emotional rollercoaster, but they had made it through together, stronger than ever.The love she shared with Andreas was worth every hardship they endured. If only Lacey were here to share her happiness. She couldn’t wait to tell her, but first Andreas.Just then, the sound of a car approaching broke her reverie. Andreas pulled into the driveway, his smile as warm as the fireplace awaiting them inside. He stepped out of the car and hurried towards her, his breath creating small puffs in the cold air."Hey, beautiful," he greeted her, leaning in for a sweet kiss.Rebecca's heart skipped a beat as she returned his kiss. "Hey, yourself," she replied with a grin. "You're home early."Andreas chuckled, his eyes filled with affection. "I couldn't wa
She watched, her eyes drinking in his naked form. He stepped towards her, his eyes never leaving hers. He pressed his lips against hers, kissing her hungrily. Their passion intensified as their bodies pressed against each other, and their tongues explored each other's mouths. The room filled with the sound of their heavy breathing, fueling their desire for each other.She opened her mouth eagerly for him, tasting him with her tongue.He moaned and began to kiss her again, moving his hands to her waist. She could feel the heat between them intensify as his hands explored her body, igniting a fire within her. With each kiss, their desire grew stronger, and their bodies became one in a passionate embrace.He pulled her closer to him, his hardness rubbing against her stomach. She could feel the heat emanating from between them, and she trembled. As their bodies pressed against each other, their breathing quickened, and the anticipation built. Their kisses grew more urgent, fueling the fla
His hand reached out, his fingers tracing a delicate path along her jawline, sending shivers down her spine. "I want you, too," he admitted, his voice husky. Rebecca's breath caught as his thumb brushed over her lower lip, and she leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering closed. The intimacy of the moment and the electricity in the air made her feel more alive than ever. His fingers trailed down her neck, sending tingles of sensation wherever they touched. She could feel the heat between them, the anticipation growing with each passing second. Her hands found their way to his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart beneath her fingertips. Andreas leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a teasing, featherlight kiss. It was a promise of what was to come—a tantalising taste that left her craving more. She leaned in, deepening the kiss, their mouths moving together in a dance of passion. Their bodies pressed closer, the heat of their desire igniting like a wildfire. His ar
With a warm cup of tea in her hands, Rebecca watched as the sun fell below the horizon from a seat on the porch. The previous week had been a tornado of feelings and encouragement. Now that John was no longer a danger, she felt relieved, but the recollections persisted in the back of her mind. She inhaled deeply, attempting to shake off the residual anxiety. Andreas walked up behind her and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him, offering a small smile. He had been her rock through it all, supporting her in every way possible. "How are you feeling?" he asked softly. Rebecca sighed, leaning into his touch. "Better," she admitted. "The weight feels a little lighter now that he's gone." Andreas nodded, his gaze full of understanding. "I'm glad you're safe," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "And I'm here for you, always." She reached up and touched his hand, a silent thank you passing between them. They sat in comfortable silence, the sounds of the evening
Rebecca’s heart pounded in her chest as she watched the flashing lights of the police cars in the rearview mirror. John had been trying to evade them for miles, but they finally caught up to them as they attempted to cross the state line. She begged him to stop, to give up, but he only revved the engine and pushed the pedal to the floor. The car swerved through traffic, cutting off other vehicles at a dangerous speed. Rebecca gripped the armrests, her knuckles turning white. She tried to reason with him, telling him that they would only make things worse, but he only laughed maniacally and continued to weave in and out of traffic. Suddenly, a loud bang echoed through the car, and the vehicle next to them spun out of control on the freeway. Rebecca’s head slammed against the window, and she let out a scream. Rebecca was panicking, looking out the window and watching the police cars in pursuit. John was driving recklessly, swerving and dodging as the car hit high speeds. "John, pleas
Andreas felt his heart racing as he picked up the book from the floor. It was one of Rebecca's favorites, and he knew she had been reading it before he left to run his errand. The rumpled sheet and Buddy's whining only added to his growing anxiety. He called out for Rebecca, but there was no answer. Panic started to set in as he frantically searched the house, but there was no sign of her. He tried calling her cell phone, but it went straight to voicemail. It was then that he knew that John had taken her again. Andreas felt a wave of anger and frustration wash over him. How could he let this happen again? He had promised to keep her safe, and he had failed. He felt a sense of responsibility and guilt for leaving her alone, even if it was just for a few minutes. He quickly pulled out his phone and dialed Sheriff Hughs' number. He knew he couldn't do this alone. The sheriff arrived quickly, and together they searched the house and the surrounding area. They scoured the nearby woods, b
Rebecca tried to calm herself down, taking deep breaths to steady her nerves. She couldn't panic; she needed to think clearly. She looked around the trunk, trying to find anything that could help her escape. But there was nothing, just some old blankets and a spare tire. She tried to open the trunk, but it was locked from the outside. She pounded her fists against the trunk, yelling for help, but she knew it was useless. Her mind raced with different scenarios, wondering where John could be taking her and what he had planned. She had to get out of there, but how? She thought of trying to break the taillight and attract attention, but she didn't want to alert John. She needed to come up with a plan that wouldn't put her in more danger. As the car continued to move, Rebecca's mind drifted back to the moment John had taken her. She thought about her options. She could try to kick her way out, but that would be difficult with her legs cramped in such a small
John had been sequestered in a small apartment in another state, watching the news constantly for any developments in his case. He was astounded by how quickly everything had degenerated since that evening. Despite his meticulous planning and careful execution, one slip-up caused everything to fall apart. He sorely missed Rebecca because of the way she made him feel alive by laughing at his jokes. He couldn't allow Andreas to separate from him for her. He had been working on a plan, biding his time until the right moment. He knew he couldn't just show up at her doorstep; that would only scare her away. No, he needed to be more subtle and strategic. He had to make her believe that he had changed and that he was a different person. He couldn't risk losing her again. He spent his days researching and gathering information about Andreas and his life. He needed to know his enemy. He needed to know what he was up against. John knew he had the advantage when it came to money, but Andreas w
Andreas sat across from Sheriff Hughs in his office, worry etched deep in his features. They had been discussing John Clark and his ability to stay hidden for so long."He's got enough money to make it happen," Sheriff Hughs said, leaning back in his chair. "But what worries me is the possibility of him returning. You know what he's capable of."Andreas nodded grimly. "Rebecca's nightmares have diminished; she's sleeping better, but she's almost always looking behind her. I've noticed how she starts to have mini attacks whenever she finds herself alone. Not even Buddy has been able to keep her at ease."Sheriff Hughs sighed heavily. "I wish there was more we could do. We've had people keeping an eye out, but he's just too good at covering his tracks."Andreas clenched his jaw. "We can't let our guard down. I won't let him hurt her again."Sheriff Hughs nodded. "I know. We'll keep looking."Andreas stood up, ready to leave. "Thanks for the update, Sheriff. Let me know if you find anyth