by Kennedy Fox
“I don’t care. We’re not together, and everyone knows it now. I don’t know what you want me 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 9-1-1. 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 try 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 roughly runs 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.”
Laughter escapes me. “Not happening.” I cross my arms over my chest.
Robert shrugs. “Fine then. How much do you love this cottage?”
I narrow my eyes at him, not sure what’s going to come from his mouth next. “What are you talking about?”
“Just wondering, because I hold all the cards in my hands right now, Gemma. So you need to choose your words very wisely.”
My heartbeat pounds in my ears as adrenaline rushes through me. He strolls through my cottage and looks at the canvases on the walls. After he makes a face, he moves over to the next, acting as if my mother’s work disgusts him.
“I own the deed to your father’s land. To his house and this cottage,” he continues wandering around. “And I’ll bulldoze it to the ground. All of it.”
“You’re a liar!” I shout, not wanting to believe a word he says.
He looks at me with his arms crossed, wearing a sneer. “See, your irresponsible father was late on paying the hospital bills after your mother died. So he took out a second mortgage on the house.”
I wish he’d stop talking. I wish he’d disappear.
“And he was nearly eight months late on payments. The whole property went into foreclosure, and the bank was ready to sell it off. Considering I’m privy to things that will soon go to auction, I paid his debt. And now you’ll pay his.”
“Shut up,” I snap. “Why should I believe a word you say?”
“You think I’d lie about something like this? Trust me when I say this house will be gone by the end of next week. I’ll flatten it all to the ground with all your precious memories inside. It is mine, after all. Just like you.”
I glare at him, shaking my head in disbelief. He’s so full of shit.
“What? You want proof?” he muses.
Robert pulls out his cell phone and brings up the tax documents for the property. He shows it to me, and I press refresh in the corner. It’s real, and the realization nearly smothers me to death.
“No,” I whisper. “No, no, no.” I bend over, tears rushing out of me as I try to come to terms with this. Why didn’t my father tell me? Why didn’t I know? I suck in air, hoping not to hyperventilate.
“So you’ll do exactly what I say, or you’ll both lose everything.”
I focus on the ground, feeling lightheaded and weak in the knees. I refuse to pass out in front of him, refuse to let him see how much this really affects me. He’s the type of psycho who gets off on having control. I straighten my stance, pushing my emotions to the side, and realize I don’t have a choice in the matter. He’ll take everything from my father and me. He won’t stop until I do what he says.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you. You’re going to have to speak up,” he says sarcastically, cupping his hand over his ears.
“I hate you,” I say between gritted teeth, and it’s obvious he’s finally found a way to break me.
“Good. So we’re going to tell everyone that after a short breakup, we realized how in love we were and decided to get back together. And since we can’t live without one another, we will be getting married as planned.”
“Robert, you can find someone else. Plenty of women would marry you in a heartbeat and do everything you want and say. People will understand you’ve moved on. It’s not as big of a deal as you’re making this out to be.” It’s the truth, but also my last resort to help him change his mind.
“The date is set. November. And it’s final. You love your dad so much, and I’m aware of how you’d never want anything to happen to this land or his business. So start wearing your ring again.” He pulls it from his pocket and forces it roughly on my finger. “Prove your loyalty to me publicly. You’ll do what I say, or everyone you love will pay the ultimate consequence. I know you, Gemma. You care too damn much to let that happen.” He smirks, proud of himself.
I speak up. “What’s that threat supposed to mean?”
“Threat?” He moves until he’s inches from me and grabs my cheeks, forcing my mouth closed. “It’s not a threat, dear. Keep our arrangement or I’ll make sure Victoria gets her revenge on Tyler without any consequences. I’m sure you don’t want anything to happen to your criminal lover.” He lets me go and laughs. “I’m sure I can start adding your friends to the list too. Everleigh. Katie. Owen. Your brother, who may conveniently find himself doing more time. I’ll hurt every person who means anything to you.”
“You’re a monster.” I replay his words.
Robert has the financial stability to pay anyone hush money. He and Victoria would both win at that point. Robert would get rid of the man I’m in love with, and Victoria would finally be able to bury the hatchet. Tears well on the rims of my eyes, and I don’t think I’m strong enough to hold them back, not as everything crashes around me.
“Break up with the boy toy. Tomorrow. Then we can go back to hosting the wedding of the century. We’ll plan a public appearance, and you’ll wear that black dress I love so much,” he demands.
Bile crawls up my throat, and I might empty my stomach, though there’s nothing in it. “Tyler will never agree to this.”
“He will as long as you convince him. You’ve apparently been acting while you’re with me, so turn on the charm. Be demanding and make it believable. You’ll marry me, Gemma. Because there’s too much at stake for your fuck buddy’s life and your own. Not to mention, your father’s livelihood and this piece of shit cottage. The choice is yours, but don’t make the wrong one.” He chuckles.
&n
bsp; “Cheer up, buttercup.” Robert comes closer and forces his mouth against mine. I try to push him off, but he’s too strong. He tastes like stale coffee and sweat, and it’s enough to make me gag.
“Fuck you,” I mutter as he moves past me. He opens the door, and before he leaves, he silently threatens me with a glare.
“We’ll have plenty of time for that during our honeymoon.” Once he’s gone, my knees give out, and I fall to the ground. No matter how much air I try to suck in, I can’t breathe. Hunched over, I’m hyperventilating, and my head seems like it might explode.
Tears stream down my face because Robert’s words aren’t threats. He’s a man of action and will do every single thing he said. I’m not stupid and fully understand that from being with him for so long.
Somehow, I stand and walk to the couch. I cover my face with my hands and let my wails release. The pain is too much to comprehend. The loss I already feel nearly destroys me.
How will I ever be able to let Tyler go and marry a maniac who’s determined to ruin my life? I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t, but Robert uses my weaknesses against me. He knows I’ll do whatever I can to protect the people I love, even if that means being miserable for eternity.
He’ll never allow Tyler and me to be together.
I wipe the tears away, trying to figure out how to convince the man I love that we’re over. It’ll completely destroy me—and him—but I have to be strong because our lives are on the line.
Chapter Fifteen
TYLER
I’ve been strolling around the gym with a cheesy grin on my face that I can’t wipe off. This past week has been amazing, and nothing could piss me off right now. Gemma’s mine again, and everything between us has worked out perfectly. Our mutual attraction and the feelings we have for each other are beyond my wildest dreams.
After I close the gym, I walk home and immediately jump in the shower. Gemma and I have breakfast plans in the morning, and if the weather cooperates, we’ll go on a hike too. Honestly, I don’t care what we do as long as I’m with her.
Thoughts of her take over as the water streams down my chest, and my dick comes alive at the memories of her mouth on me. I loved the way her hands slid down my chest before she gripped my shaft and stroked it hard and fast. Or how she moaned when I growled out in satisfaction.
It’s all too much.
I pump my cock, squeezing tightly as flashes of Gemma flood through my mind. The way she simultaneously looked at me with so much hunger and tenderness has me increasing my pace. Resting one hand on the shower wall, I pump with visions of Gemma kneeling in front of me and am soon grunting out my release, exhaling roughly as my head tilts back in relief.
Fuck.
I miss her so goddamn much.
Though we see each other every day and most evenings, I can’t seem to spend enough time with her. Everything’s still new and exciting, but it’s always felt that way when we were together.
Once I’m out of the shower and have dried off, I slip on a pair of shorts and look for food. I see a note on the counter from Everleigh.
Hanging out with Ruby at the pub and will probably crash at her place. See you tomorrow!
PS–Can you take Sassy out for me PLEASE?
That little shit.
She probably didn’t text me because she knew I’d give her hell for leaving me to dog-sit.
“C’mon, Sassy. Let’s go for a walk.” She immediately bounces when she hears her favorite word. I grab her leash, and we go around the block. She stops at every tree and doesn’t leave a fire hydrant unmarked. By the time we get home, it’s been thirty minutes, and my stomach is raging with hunger.
After warming some leftovers, I sit down on the couch and click on the TV. As I flip through the channels, I scarf down the food and stop on an old episode of Seinfeld. Once I’ve finished eating, I take my plate into the kitchen and grab a beer. Just as I settle back in my spot, a knock sounds on the door.
It’s late, which means Everleigh’s probably drunk as fuck and can’t find her keys again. I’m gonna give her so much hell for this.
As soon as I open it, I’m pleasantly surprised to find Gemma standing there.
“Hey.” I smile. “Wasn’t expecting you to be here.”
“I know.” She steps in when I shift to the side. “But this couldn’t wait.”
After I close the door, I notice something’s wrong. She looks like someone stole her prized possessions—bloodshot eyes, tousled hair, fidgety hands. Gemma frowns, and when I scan down her body, I notice red marks on her wrist.
What the fuck?
“Gemma, what’s going on?”
We walk into the living room, and I cross my arms over my bare chest as I wait for her to answer.
“Did something happen?”
She swallows hard as if she’s trying to find the courage to tell me the worst fucking news on the planet.
“I don’t wanna hurt you, Tyler, but I have to be honest with you.”
My jaw immediately tightens. “Alright.”
“I’ve realized we can’t rewrite the past and just pick up where we left off twelve years ago. I can’t pretend you didn’t crush my heart when you left. I still carry resentment from how badly you hurt me, and because of that, we can’t be together. Robert has always been there for me, and I was having mixed feelings, but they’re clear now. I love him.”
Blinking hard, I wait for her to admit she’s kidding and this is some cruel joke.
“Excuse me?” I nearly stutter.
“I love Robert, and the wedding is happening. I’m so sorry, Tyler.” She stares at me emotionless, and it’s obvious something isn’t right.
“Bullshit,” I blurt out, lowering my arms. “I can see right through you, Gemma. You’re lying.”
“I’m not. It’s the truth. Robert and I are getting married in a couple of weeks, and I’m quitting my job after I find a replacement.”
Now I know she’s playing me for a fool. She’d never quit working at her dad’s shop.
“What happened between today at work and now?” I challenge, not taking her words at face value.
“I already told you. I had a realization…”
“Goddammit, Gemma,” I hiss, stepping closer and causing her breath to hitch. “What’d he say to you? Why’re you doing this?”
“It’s not gonna work out between us, so stop trying to—” I close the gap between us, cup her face, and crash our mouths together. Her words are full of fucking shit, and the way her body responds gives her away.
At first, she tenses, but then she quickly relaxes in my hold and wraps her arms around my waist. Sliding my hands down, I grab her ass and lift her off the ground. Her legs wrap around me, and I push my erection against her. She releases a moan, and I’ve undoubtedly got her. Walking to the couch, I sit with her straddling my lap. She grinds against my cock as I hold her in place.
“You wanna tell me again how we’re over?” I growl, moving my lips to her neck and sucking on her soft skin. “Tell me you don’t love me. Convince me you love him. C’mon, repeat it,” I demand.
Gemma shakes her head and looks down. I cup her face and watch as tears form in her eyes. “What’d he do to you, baby? Please, tell me.”
The tears fall, and she becomes visibly more emotional. “He showed up at my house and told me he owned my dad’s land. If I don’t marry him, he’ll bulldoze it to the ground, and everything my dad and I love will be forever gone. Robert’s fucking crazy, so I have no doubt he’ll actually do it.”
“What?” I look at her in shock. “How’s that possible? Are you sure he’s not just BS’ing you?”
She nods. “He showed me the paperwork. It’s confirmed. I guess my dad took out a second mortgage to take care of my mom’s medical bills years ago and wasn’t able to keep up with the payments. Right before it went into foreclosure, Robert bought it and waited for the opportunity to use it against me so I’d bend to his will. He’s a monster.” She wipes he
r cheeks, and I hate that bastard for putting her through this.
I grip her face and rest my forehead against hers. “Why didn’t you just say that?”
“He threatened your life, too.”
Rolling my eyes, I scoff. “How?”
“He said he’d make sure Victoria got her revenge without any consequences. Though they aren’t working together—another thing he blamed me for—I believe he’d find a way to cover up her crimes.”
Fuck, fuck, fuck. Victoria already has an endless amount of money and can pay anyone off. She doesn’t need him to get away with murder. She has done it several times already.
“Sweetheart, listen to me,” I mutter softly, and she meets my gaze. “I’m in this for the long haul, you got me? Be honest with the shit he says or does to you, and we’ll get through it together. Promise me.”
She nods again. “You’re right, I should’ve, but I was so scared. He’s worse than usual and admitted that even though we don’t love each other, he wants me as his wife for his public image. I’m not sure what I’m going to do. I can’t lose my cottage or the house my mom and dad built together. He’d be devastated.”
“I don’t have the answers right now, baby, but we’ll figure it out. Okay? If we have to be together in secret until we find a solution, then so be it. It’ll suck, but there’s gotta be a way out of this.”
“There isn’t much time,” she insists. “The wedding invites went out today.”
“Well, he’s not the only person who knows people. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe and for us to be together.”
She wraps her arms around my neck and presses into me. I hold her to my chest and inhale her scent. “We’ve got this, baby,” I whisper in her ear. “I’m not letting you go this time. Never.”
“I’ll have to keep up the act until we have a plan,” she explains. “In public, I’ll have to pretend we’re a perfect couple, but hopefully, we can find a way to end the charade before the wedding day.”
