Damaged

by Miley Maine

  She smiled up at me, but it was still a sad smile, framed by tears. “Thank you, I really appreciate it.”

  “Of course.” I kissed on the forehead, then helped her to stand. “Now, let’s work on getting some stuff packed up.”

  “Okay.”

  I went over to where her suitcases were. “Anything you want me to grab?”

  “My books,” she said immediately. “I don’t want to leave my books behind. I’ll grab a few more bags, and then I can grab the other things I need while you get the books.”

  “Right,” I said, looking over at her bookcase. “Were you planning on taking all of these?”

  She shook her head. “I knew that I could only take so many, but now that you’re here, I don’t have to leave them.”

  I kissed her forehead. “Alright, I’ll make sure that all your books are packed then.”

  I could only understand so much of what this must mean to her. All her books must be treasures, filled with memories and worlds that she loved. To leave them behind would be more devastating than I could know.

  So I began taking each of her books down very carefully and putting them in the bag, noting the books that she had packed before I had gotten here. Those had to be the ones that were most special to her, something that helped me to understand her even better.

  They were all fantasy romance and a few poetry books, with covers that made them look incredibly cheesy. But if she liked them, then they must be good. I would have to ask about the possibility of reading them later. I wanted to understand why she liked them so much, why they were so important.

  She took a few pieces of clothing from her bedroom, then lots of little trinkets that seemed to hold some sentimental value. We began to have to move some things out to the car so we had a better idea of how much we could still pack.

  We finished with all the art that she had done—paintings and sketchbooks and weavings and even a rug.

  “I thought I would have to leave a lot of these behind,” she said, letting out a small sound of distress. “I had to do that last time, but I was able to give many of my pieces to my friends before I left.”

  It was true that she had a lot of art. It definitely wouldn’t have been possible for it to all be comfortably held in her car with the other things she might need, considering she didn’t have much money. But now I was here, and she could take whatever she wanted to.

  My car was also a bit bigger than hers. We had considered taking both of our cars but decided that her car would be too easily traceable. Even if Luke might already know where I lived, and it would be all too easy for him to find out, she felt safer leaving her car behind.

  “I can send people back for things if you want me to,” I said, looking around at the apartment that now seemed stipped bare without its books or its art.

  She shook her head. “No, that’s okay. I think we’ve got everything that’s important.”

  “Just let me know,” I said, kissing the top of her head.

  I took her hand, and the two of us stood together, taking a silent moment to say goodbye to the place.

  “I’ll be back,” she whispered to the air, and I knew she was not speaking to me, but rather the very essence of her apartment. “Soon. I’ll be back.”

  On the car ride back, I asked Emma if she was planning on going into work tomorrow. I needed to know so that I could get her transportation if she needed.

  “He definitely knows where I work,” she said with a shiver. “I don’t want to put anyone in danger by being there. I already took a couple of days off before, but I’m sure a few more will be fine. I can explain things to them after.”

  “Of course, I think you’re doing the right thing,” I said. “I can even call in if you want me to.”

  “No, that’s fine, I’ll do it right now. How long do you think it will take you to work things out.”

  “At least three days,” I replied.

  She nodded, and pulled out her phone, dialing the number for Dr. Hurley.

  “Hey,” she said, “There are some things you should know.” A pause. “No, I’m not quitting, don’t worry.” She let out a little laugh. “One of my ex’s is stalking me right now, and he’s a bit dangerous. It’s being taken care of, but I don’t want to put anyone else in danger in the meantime.” Another pause. “Yes, yes, I’m safe. I’m actually staying with Mr. Eldrige right now, he’s hired guards and he’s figuring things out.” One more pause. “Of course. I’ll give you updates as they come. I’ll come in as soon as things are safe again. I know, I know the kids miss me. Just tell them that I’m on a little vacation, something like that.” Another pause. “Okay, thank you. Bye.”

  “That went well,” I said.

  “Yes, she’s very understanding,” Emma said. “I know that I can always trust her with things that are going on.”

  “Why did you take a couple days off before?” I asked, suddenly curious.

  She looked down at her hands, fiddling with them. “It was after things happened. Between you and me. I needed a couple of days to process things and not cry whenever I thought about it. I guess the pregnancy made me a little emotional.” She let out a laugh.

  “That’s fine,” I said. “Your body is changing. Of course you’re going to feel emotional.”

  “I know, I just don’t like it.”

  “I can’t imagine anyone would. Emotions are important, but too much can be overwhelming.”

  She looked out the window, letting out another sigh. “I hope I can get used to it soon. I know I still have a few more months.”

  “Have you been to any prenatal appointments yet?” I asked, thinking immediately of the poor health of my wife and her complications during birth. Prenatal care couldn’t prevent everything—it hadn’t prevented the death of my wife—but it did do a lot of good things and could make sure that Emma was as healthy as possible going into this birth.

  She shook her head. “I just found out maybe two days before I came to tell you.”

  “I’ll get one scheduled then,” I said. “They’re very important.”

  “I know, I promise I’ll go,” she said.

  “I’ll come with you.”

  “That would be nice.” She took a deep breath. “I haven’t told you yet, but the whole idea of pregnancy is scary to me. I always thought I would adopt.”

  “We can still adopt—” I started to say, but she cut me off.

  “Yes, we can, but that doesn’t make this pregnancy any less scary. I’m worried.”

  “I’ll be with you through the whole thing. I promise. I have access to the best doctors. You’ll be okay.”

  “Thank you.” I knew she was probably thinking of the unfortunate complications that happened to Maya. That had been uncontrollable, but I was going to do as much as I could to make sure that things went well.

  “You’ll be okay, really,” I said. “You’ll see when we go to the doctor’s, it’s not that bad. They’ll tell you everything that you want to know.”

  We arrived back at the mansion soon enough, and I helped her out of the car.

  “I’ll send someone out for your things,” I said. “They know to be very careful.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled up at me, taking my hand and letting me guide her inside.

  “Shall we find you a room?” I asked.

  “Can’t I stay in yours?”

  My heart thumped in my chest. I knew she still liked me, but I had thought she would need some time and space to herself after everything had happened.

  “Are you sure? There’s plenty of space in the house.”

  “I want to stay with you,” she said firmly. Then, more softly: “You make me feel safe.”

  I squeezed her to my side, pressing another kiss to the top of her head. “Of course. Then you can stay in my room. Let’s find one to work as your studio, though. I don’t know if mine is the best for painting.”

  She laughed. “I wouldn’t want to get paint on your nice floors, that’s for sure.�
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  “Don’t worry, we’ll find you somewhere to work.”

  After I got Emma settled into my room and curled up with a book and the promise that my cook would bring her some pancakes in a minute, I headed back out to my office.

  I wanted to do some research on this ex of hers. It would give me a better idea of how I might be able to make sure that he was out of her life together.

  I also called in some private guards to watch the property on my way over, instructing them in the vague details of the situation so that they knew what to look out for.

  Once I had arrived at the firm, I went straight to my office, ignoring the people who looked surprised that I had come in that day. I had told them that I was taking the day off, so they should take their concerns to Genevieve and I would be with them tomorrow. They must have thought something serious was going on for sure now that I was back in the office on my day off.

  Genevieve looked up, surprised to see me.

  “Did something happen sir?”

  “I mean, I did as you said, and got a lot more than I bargained for,” I said, sitting down and starting up my computer.

  “What do you mean?” she asked. “Did you work things out?”

  “We’re back together now,” I said, already typing in Luke Beatricks name into the search bar. Hopefully, I would find something in the legal records.

  “That’s good,” she said brightly.

  “Yes, it is. Found out I’m also a father-to-be.”

  “She’s pregnant?” Genevieve looked at me in shock. “How did that happen?”

  “I forgot to ask if she was on birth control,” I said with a shrug. “It’s inconsequential now. The most important thing is that her abusive ex is back with a vengeance and he must be stopped.”

  “That does sound like a problem,” she said, looking at me incredulously. “This sounds more like some kind of fictional drama than reality.

  I sighed. “I know, but it’s happening now. He cut her cheek and broke into her apartment, so I’m going to make sure that I get him back and get him out of her life for good.”

  Genevieve seemed to be more surprised that I was sharing all this than the fact that it was actually happening.

  “Well, let me know if I can do anything to help,” she said, at the same time that I exclaimed, “Aha!”

  “What is it sir?”

  “I found him. This is...a setback.”

  I squinted at the scene, but no, it was him. It had to be. Emma’s name and picture was there too. Apparently he had been given a light restraining order against her after they split ways, but it had expired long ago. I was assuming that the judge did not take her case very seriously then.

  And, more than that, they had never finished the process of legally dissolving their marriage.

  The bastard had been married to her, my sweet Emma, was still married to her legally, and he had treated her so wrong. Anger boiled inside of me at the thought of it.

  I couldn’t imagine how difficult it must have been for her to try to deal with him in the divorce process. She probably never finished it because of that. But it was no matter. I could arrange everything for her.

  I might not have been a divorce lawyer, but I still knew the law. I would just need Luke to comply.

  Thankfully, there was an email listed for Luke on one of the other pages. I was sure that I had the right one now. The name was unique after all.

  I sent him a quick email, asking that he come into my office so that we could legally settle the matters of the divorce as soon as possible. I could only hope that he would comply.

  If he wouldn’t, then I would have to see what other matters I might be able to resort to. I did not want to, but I would bring him into court if necessary. With my legal prowess and a team behind me, I was sure that we could jail him for at least a few years and get a more effective restraining order.

  But I also didn’t want to put Emma through the emotional strain of recounting all that had been done to her, so that was an option in the case that he didn’t comply.

  For now, I could head back home to where Emma was waiting for me.

  The thought of it warmed my heart and I let a smile out.

  “What is it?” Genevieve asked, noticing my expression.

  “Oh, nothing,” I said. “Just the thought of the future. I have a feeling that things are going to go well from now on.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Emma

  I knew that Vincent would be back soon, that I didn’t have to worry about things anymore, but I couldn’t help but long for him as I stared out the window and ate the pancakes that Vincent’s cook had brought for me, drenched in maple syrup.

  I wanted him to hold me again. I wanted to be in his arms more than I had thought was possible.

  He made me feel safe, more than anybody or anything had before.

  I was already imagining a future for the two of us, somewhere cozy, raising our children and making art to pass away the hours of the day. And in the night, he would pull me close to him and whisper in my ear how special I was.

  And then the two of us would make quiet love, safe from the world around us.

  It was a dream, but I knew that it could become a reality. The two of us were together again, and, despite his flaws, Vincent was everything that I could have ever wanted.

  He was gentle, intelligent, and kind. He liked art and he was willing to try anything. He was funny and he made me feel safe. He was like a prince from a book, haunted by a tragic past but wanting to make a better life for himself.

  I hoped that we could manage that. The two of us. The three of us, I reminded myself, massaging the slowly growing bump on my belly. It was barely showing, but now that I knew what it carried, my instincts made me want to touch and hold it always. I found my hands drifting to my belly whenever I wasn’t thinking about it.

  Was this a motherly instinct before the baby was even born? I could only guess that it was.

  Just then, there was a low rumbling as a car pulled up. My heart stopped in my chest before I reminded myself that, even if it happened to be Luke, there were guards here. I was safe in this house.

  I peeked out the window to see that the car was not Luke’s, but Vincent’s. I felt myself let out a breath that I didn’t know that I had been holding.

  I didn’t know if I should rush down to meet him or wait for him to come up to see me.

  I figure that he would, so I might as well stay in this place where I felt cozy and safe.

  I finished another few bites of my pancakes, then wandered over to the bed and snuggled into the blankets, waiting for Vincent to come up and tell me what he had been up to.

  He did, took one look at me, and immediately got this look of utter happiness on his face.

  “I’m glad that you’ve found yourself a spot,” he said with a grin, “How is my beautiful baby doing?”

  “Very well,” I said. “Very happy. I would be even happier though if you were holding me right now.”

  “I will do my best to oblige them,” he said and came over to the bed. He crawled in next to me and pulled me to his chest. I breathed in the scent of him, its calmness enveloping me.

  “You’re okay now,” he said. “There’s nothing more for you to worry about. I’m taking care of everything.”

  “Everything?” I asked, wondering if he knew about the fact that Luke and I had not been legally split yet.

  “Everything,” he assured me. “Luke will come into my office soon and I’ll have him sign the papers to make everything official. You don’t have to worry. Soon you will not be tied to him in any way. I will make sure of it.”

  “Thank you,” I said, glad of that. It would make everything a lot easier.

  “Of course. I don’t want you to have to worry about anything, so you tell me if there’s anything that you need, okay?”

  “Okay. Right now I just need you. Right here.” I patted his arm that was coiled around me. “You make me feel safe.”r />
  “I’m glad. Have you been feeling okay? I’m sorry that I had to leave.”

  “I’m okay, I just realized how much I missed you,” I admitted. “Please don’t leave me again.”

  “I won’t, I promise.” He kissed the top of my head and pulled me tighter to his chest. “I’m sorry that I left you in the first place. I should never have let you go.”

  I shook my head. “We went over this already. Both of us were in the wrong, there’s no blame to place here.”

  He sighed. “I guess you are right. For both our sanities, let’s try not to dwell on that anymore.

  I nodded. “I definitely agree.”

  “You know what Emma?”

  “What?”

  “I think I love you. I really do. I’m sorry I hadn’t said it before.”

  I sighed. It felt like everything was finally falling into place. “I love you too.”

  “Good.” I felt him smile against me and then he situated me so that we were face to face. “I want to look at you while I say it,” he said. “I love you dearly, Emma. Never leave me again.”

  And then he kissed me. It was passionate, it was gentle, it was sweet. It was everything I could have asked for in a kiss. It promised more and I was happy to just be in that moment.

  “I love you too,” I whispered, bringing my hands up to rest on his cheeks, looking deep into his eyes, seeing the truth in his words written there. “You don’t know how much it means to me.”

  “I know I may not, but I hope I can keep doing and saying things that make you happy.”

  And then he kissed me again, his hands roaming down my body to pull me against him possessively.

  “You’re mine,” he whispered. “All mine.”

  “I’m yours,” I said, liking this side of him. It made warmth churn down deep in my stomach. I wrapped my legs around his, pulling him even closer. “All yours.”

  He pulled both of us up so that we were sitting, capturing my wrists in one of his hands and looking me deep in the eyes.