Total pages in book: 186
Estimated words: 178688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 893(@200wpm)___ 715(@250wpm)___ 596(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 178688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 893(@200wpm)___ 715(@250wpm)___ 596(@300wpm)
“Devil woman,” he says, then enters the garage.
The afternoon is busy, and customers come in for last-minute repairs, something that never fails to happen every Friday since we’re typically closed on the weekends. By the time I look up at the clock, it’s past closing time, and I can’t stop yawning. After Tyler and Dad finish cleaning their messes, and I’m done picking up the lobby, we lock up and leave.
Tyler and I hang around outside for a moment, but I know he has to get to the gym because he’s particular about being on time with his clients. “Drink some wine and go to bed at a decent time,” he demands, leaning forward and giving me a kiss on the cheek.
“I will. See you in the morning,” I murmur, stealing another kiss.
“Bright and early,” he tells me. We linger for a moment, then break apart. I go to my car with a smile and drive home elated. Feeling this happy should be illegal, but I’m so damn glad it’s not.
I turn into my driveway, grab my purse, and head toward the cottage. I’m on cloud nine as I unlock the door and go inside.
“About fucking time,” a booming voice barks, and my adrenaline spikes when I see Robert standing in front of me. He’s wearing a grimace from the pits of hell. I take a step back, ready to bolt through the door and run to my dad’s house, but he grabs me before I can escape.
“How did you get in here?” I grit my teeth.
“I’ve got my ways,” he warns, his beady eyes trailing over my outfit. Robert narrows his gaze. “You disgust me.”
With every passing second, I grow more scared.
“You need to leave,” I say, trying to find my courage. “Get out of my house.”
He flashes an evil smirk. “No. Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for you? There are things that need to be settled tonight, and I’m not going anywhere until they are.”
He tightens his grasp on my upper arm. “Let me go!”
“Everyone saw the little performance you and Tyler put on at the Harvest Festival. Do you have any idea how fucking embarrassing that was for me?” he seethes, and I force myself away from him, backing up until I’m against the door.
“I don’t care. We’re not together, and everyone knows it now. I don’t know what you want from me.” My eyes widen in fear as I live in a continual nightmare loop where I can constantly repeat myself, but Robert doesn’t hear me.
“I want you to marry me, Gemma. Do what you said you’d do.”
The rage comes quickly as I glare at him. “How many times do I have to explain to you that it’s over? I’m not marrying you. I won’t!” My voice is loud and guttural, the emotion pouring out of me like a summer storm.
“Because of you, my deal with Victoria is no longer on the table. It’s all your damn fault I didn’t get that contract signed. You owe me, Gemma. You owe me your fucking life for messing with my future.” He begins pacing in front of me.
My feet won’t move as if they’re stuck in quicksand as I suck in air. “There never was a deal. Don’t you see that? She was manipulating you to get to Tyler.”
“The only person who’s manipulated me is you. I wouldn’t be surprised if you had planned to string me along all this time so you could gain popularity around town.”
I scoff because that’s the last thing I ever wanted. “Are you delusional? I won’t play into this false narrative, Robert. If anyone has manipulated anyone, it’s you with your games and need to keep your perfect public image. I’m done. I’ve had enough. Now, get the hell out of my house.” I grab my phone from my purse and type in 911. This time, I want him arrested for harassing me. I turn the screen and show him. “I’m not playing anymore. Leave.”
“Call them. They won’t come. I’ve made sure of it. Don’t believe me? Try it out. I dare you.”
But I don’t because he’s paid many people off over the years, and they’re still in his pocket.
“Why are you doing this?” I ask, defeated but trying to stay strong.
“Because I’ve invested too much goddamn time in you and our relationship. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I’m not letting you go. I’ve told you this, and it’s like you can’t comprehend what I’m saying. I refuse to let you make a fool of me in front of the people of Lawton Ridge.” He rakes his fingers through his hair. When I meet his demented expression, I shudder.
“I’ve worked to make a name for myself, and I don’t appreciate you parading yourself around like a whore and letting everyone see how unfaithful you are to me. You’re moving in with me, and you’re going to be my wife and the mother to my children. You will be quitting your job as soon as we get married.”