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)
He’s an open book only the pages are a little stiff, so turning them can sometimes be tricky.
“Can we talk about something else,” I say, turning back to the girls. “Please?”
Cassie goes to open her mouth and say something, but Amalie starts speaking, cutting her off. And I’m thankful to her, in that moment. She never pushes, and she knows when something needs to be pushed aside. For now.
“Tell me about this ex-husband.”
I shrug. “There isn’t much to tell. He wants money. I’m fairly certain he is using drugs, because he was okay with everything up until recently. Now he is demanding all these things he’s not entitled to, but seems to think he is.”
Amalie scrunches her nose up. “What a jerk.”
“Yeah, he is.”
“It doesn’t help he has a new mouthy girlfriend,” Cassie huffs. “She’s a twat.”
I laugh softly. “You’re right about that, she certainly is.”
“Do you think maybe she’s pushing him for more, because she wants it?” Amalie questions.
“Without a doubt, she’s definitely the force behind it, but I’m guessing he’s using because of her, also. And she’s convinced him the money is worth it, and he now believes it.”
Amalie shakes her head. “Did he used to use?”
“No, he’s never touched drugs, at least, he didn’t with me. This is a whole different side to him, one I’ve never seen.”
“I know the feeling,” Amalie agrees. “I saw the same thing after the accident with Caiden. Sometimes things change them, and they’re forever altered.”
I nod. “Yeah, I just don’t know how far he can take it. I mean, we signed all the papers, everything is divided, surely he doesn’t have anything to go on.”
Amalie shrugs, looking to Cassie. “I’m not sure. What do you think?”
Cassie shrugs, too. “I wouldn’t think he could touch anything, but I’m starting to think that’s not going to matter, that he might try, anyway. Legal, or not.”
My chest clenches, that’s my fear, too. That he’ll try and take it, regardless of whether he’s entitled or not.
And that idea, scares the shit out of me.
It’s fear of the unknown.
And I don’t like that at all.
~*~*~*~
PENELOPE
“I should get going, Cassie is reading and set for the night.”
I stand in front of Boston, who is sitting on his front porch on a swing he made himself, beer in hand, finished with the men for the night and no doubt chilling before he himself retires, too. He looks up at me, those eyes always speaking the thousand words his mouth isn’t. He nods to the space beside him. While this chair is made for two, when his large form is on it, it kind of looks like there isn’t much space left. I glance at the spot and know as soon as I sit down I’ll be tucked in beside him.
And that idea both thrills and terrifies me.
But I do it anyway, turning and slotting my bottom into the gap beside him. Sure enough, my thighs touch his, my arms, my shoulder. We’re sitting that close. The heat of his body radiates into mine, and it feels comfortable. He shifts, just a little, but not enough to break the contact completely. Just enough so he can turn slightly and look at me. “How’s everything going?”
I knew he was going to ask me this eventually. I was so upset the other day, and I know he’s never seen me like that, but, well, that’s the kind of head space Ashton puts me in. I don’t like being threatened, and I really don’t like being bullied by his drug addict girlfriend.
“I’m doing okay,” I tell him, honestly.
“Heard any more from him?”
His eyes are focused on mine, and I know if I tell anything but the truth, he’ll absolutely know it.
“No,” I say softly. “Nothing. But I’m not sure that’s a good thing.”
“He has nothing, you know he has nothing.”
I do know that, however, like Cassie and Amalie said, the legal side of things is clearly not important anymore, and it seems like they’re going to try and do whatever they want, regardless.
“I know that,” I say. “But I’m not sure that’ll stop him trying.”
Boston’s jaw ticks. “He tries anythin’, I’ll break his fuckin’ neck.”
That feels nice, albeit a bit scary.
I laugh softly. “And I appreciate that, but I shouldn’t have dragged you into my mess.”
“What’s done is done. I’m glad I know. That fucker so much as speaks to you again, I need to hear about it. You’re clear on that, aren’t you?”
I swallow. “Well, I ...”
“You’re clear, Penelope.”
His voice is final, and I stop talking, because, well, how am I supposed to argue with that?
Men like Boston, you don’t argue with them.
“Okay,” I say carefully.
Then, I decide to change the subject. Because, if I’m being honest, I’m burning inside to know if Cassie is right about the situation with Chantelle. Not that I want either of them to be suffering, but I am curious as to what went down. Mostly, because I don’t want it to be my fault. I told Chantelle there was nothing there, and she and Boston started getting close. It wouldn’t be fair for her to get hurt when she thought everything was fine.