“Um…Jacob. I told you I didn’t w…want to g…get married,” I stuttered. I really didn’t want to do this right now. He still hadn’t let go of my wrist. Instead, he tightened his grip and began leading me to the table. I refrained from struggling due to the increasing pressure and pain. He stopped, gestured for me to take a seat, so I did. He slid into the booth beside me, making my escape harder.

“You don’t get a choice, Abby. You’re mine and no one else’s. Especially not my half-brother’s.”

I couldn’t keep the shock from my face and it was clear he could see right through my visage.

“Wha…what are you talking about? I hardly know him.”

“You really think I’m that stupid? Just because I’m out of town doesn’t mean I haven’t kept a close watch on you.”

Oh my goodness, this man needs to be in a mental institution. How can anyone be as possessive as him? Has he done this to other girls or am I his first?

“Yeah, we hung out as friends, but nothing more. I promise,” I begged, trying to pull my hand away without success. He just tightened his grip.

“Stop lying,” he hissed at me. “You will be mine forever and nothing you do will change that.”

I was about to reply, but the waiter came over to deliver our meals. Turns out it was the same waiter that took care of us the night I ran out. Well, doesn’t this day just get better and better. I gave him a nervous smile and looked down at the table. Jacob still hadn’t let me go. I should have known better and stayed away.

The plan we had in place at that moment was looking more and more like the best idea ever. How was I going to simmer this whole situation down? Jacob scared me right to the very pit of my existence. His touch caused my skin to burn; he was one vile man. If I can get him put away, and keep other girls from being his victim, then that’s what I would do, even if it costs me everything. My family, my friends, and even Blake. He was the one real thing in my life right now. Of course, I loved my family, but to have someone like Blake hold me and tell me it would all be all right made it ten times easier to live with the long-term decision I’d made.

The waiter placed our meals down and gave me a cautious look that said, “I remember you and I see what he’s like.” I gave him a weak smile and then he turned to leave us.

“When should we tell our families about our upcoming nuptials?” Jacob’s question stunned me. So much anger and frustration at this man was building up within me. Why couldn’t he let me be? Surely he saw how unhappy he’d made me. Okay yes, once he was the most perfect guy, but then after I gave myself to him he changed in so many ways. His possessiveness became so much worse and then he became abusive and unpredictable. I should have made my move back then before we’d gotten to where we are now, but I was stupid and naive to think he’d change, or even wanted to change. People like Jacob are who they are and there was no changing him.

What’s that saying? A leopard can’t change their spots.

What do I say to him? Time to throw things into motion and, let the pieces fall where they need to.

“How about we discuss that tonight when I come over?” A cloud of anger washes over his face and his eyes become hard.

“Who says you’re welcome at my house? Do you still have the ring?”

“Yes.” I reached into my bag and pulled it out.

He snatched it from my hand. “Why aren’t you wearing it?” he growled at me, causing me to slide a little away from him in fear and shock.

“Be…because I wasn’t sure what our relationship status was after my foolishness the other night. I’m sorry about that.” It was incredible how the lies kept falling from my lips. I’d never been one to lie to anyone, but now my life was going to be full of them. It wasn’t the greatest feeling in the world to know what you’re about to do to your family.

“Fine, come over tonight and we will discuss it. I have to go now, enjoy the meal.” He didn’t even try to kiss me; he just slid out of the booth and walked away. As soon as he was out the door the waiter came by with the check.

Are you freaking serious?

“Sorry about this, Miss.” He placed it down on the table and walked away.

I hoped Jacob got what was coming to him. I managed to eat some of the meal, only just being able to keep it down. I paid the check and went home to plan for tonight’s events. The nerves began to kick in and I knew they’d get worse as the day wore on. I messaged Blake and informed him of what went down.

Chapter Nineteen

Abby

Three Years Ago

I stood in front of the mirror, my reflection staring back at me. After tonight, I would no longer be known as Abby White. I would now have a new name and papers and new bank accounts had been set up using my new name. Blake handled it all. I supposed being a police officer he had connections with people who could do this kind of stuff. He informed me today that everything was in place and ready to go and that I only had to worry about the setup.

I turned my back to the mirror and glanced around my room. A mixture of emotions ran through my body. I felt sad for what I was about to put my parents through and was scared out my mind. Blake would always be here for me, I knew that. He did say he would try to visit wherever I was. It was funny that I didn’t even know where I was going yet. It was one big mystery to me.

A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.

“Come in,” I yelled, as I scrambled around to finish getting ready. I couldn’t take anything with me. I’d managed some keepsakes, only a few photos and trinkets, though. They meant the most to me and if my house were burning down, my photos would be the first thing I would grab.

Looking up, I saw Melodi poking her head through the door.

“Hey. Where are you off to? You look good.” She smiled as she sat on my bed.

“I’m going to see Jacob.” Silence crackled through the room. Her screwed up facial expression told me everything I needed to know.

“Really? How can you still be with him?”

“I’m not really with him. He has changed since we met and I can’t deal with it anymore, so I’m going there tonight to end things.” I was a little hesitant as to what to tell her because I knew Melodi and if she thought something was up, then she would never give up.

“Oh…do you want me to come with you? It makes me nervous to think what he might do when you end things.”

I sat on the bed with her and took her hand. “Everything will be all right. Yes, he has changed, but he would never do anything harmful to me.”

“Pfft…whatever. I don’t trust him. Let me come with you, please,” she practically begged me. It broke my heart that I couldn’t do this with her by my side. I didn’t know how I was going to get through this, I was not going to have any support and it shattered me like a glass window getting a rock smashed through it.

“It’s okay, Mel, really. I won’t be long,” I lied. Another lie that sealed a nail in my so-called coffin. The thought of my parents burying an empty coffin chilled me to the bone. I was half tempted to pull out.

How am I going to leave Blake?

He had awoken a new life inside of me. Every morning I woke up and he was the first person that was on my mind. He was the one person I wanted by my side forever, and now I couldn’t have that because of this monster. Blake’s touch gave me tingles on my skin and flutters in my heart. I knew I’d only known him for a short time, but when you know and feel it in your heart that something was right, you couldn’t help but want that in your life forever.

Melodi nodded reluctantly giving in.

“I hope everything goes well tonight. I expect details tomorrow.” She smiled as she got up and walked out my room, leaving me emotionally raw and open like a gaping wound. A small tear escaped my eye, and I quickly swiped it away. I grabbed my bag, throwing it over my shoulder, and took one more look around my room, leaving it how it was and knowing that I wouldn’t be coming back here again. I turned around and walked out the door without looking back.