“Ah . . . something like that.” I laugh, and we continue with the small talk before hanging up.
I try calling Dee to let her know Greg is coming but she doesn’t answer. I brush off the flicker of worry that floats across my skin. Knowing Dee, she is still in the bathroom with the music cranked up to ungodly levels while she gets ready.
I pull up into the driveway of my old home with Dee and climb out. It is a beautiful morning. The sky is clear and blue, and the winter chill is blowing softly. There was talk of snow this weekend, but knowing Georgia weather, it would change a few times before the weekend hit and there would be no snow. My hair flies around my head when a strong gust hits my face, causing me to shiver. Pulling my coat tighter to my body, I walk to the back of my car.
I gather all the gifts I have for Dee, leaving some for Greg to get later. My hands are full enough with the things I have for Dee.
Walking up the small walkway, I pause to pull my keys out of my pocket. If she were up, she would have already come running out the door like a cheerleader on crack. I drop a few of the packages in my arms before I am able to pull my keys out of my waistband. Shit! I forgot to call Axel. Pulling my phone up, I press his name and wait for it to start ringing as I push my key in the lock. It clicks, but before I can open the door, it swings wide and I meet the disturbing brown eyes of my ex-husband.
“Hey, Princess,” I hear coming through the line.
Brandon smiles his cold and evil smile.
“You there?” I hear calling from far off. My body is frozen in terror.
“Hello there, Isabelle,” Brandon says. There is so much control in those three words, but they are heavily laced with menace.
All of the packages fall from my arms, joining my phone on the front steps.
“Izzy!” I hear right before Brandon reaches up and slams his fist into my temple, causing the world around me to fade into black.
God! Why does my head hurt? Shit. I roll over but stop when my head starts to pound. Why don’t I remember what happened?
“Ah, Isabelle. Glad you could join us.”
My eyes snap open and I look around Dee’s living room. It all comes rushing back, and my blood turns to ice when I look up and see Brandon standing over Dee. He’s got her arms tied behind her back and a piece of tape slapped over her lips. Her eyes are wide and terrified. I can already see a bruise forming around her cheek and her hair is pulled to the side of her ponytail.
She tries to stay strong but there are dried tear tracks all over her face.
“This little bitch was nice enough to invite me in. Nice to know her manners aren’t lacking. I was just asking her a few questions about my lovely wife when you drove up. Thank you, Isabelle, for making it so easy to find you.” He shakes his head back and forth and begins pacing in a tight line behind Dee. I move my eyes from his face to hers and check on her again. I can see her pleading with me not to do anything stupid. Her eyes are wide and she keeps shaking her head softly.
“Your little boyfriend has been causing some trouble, Isabelle. I warned you what would happen if he didn’t back off. I wonder how long it will take that motherfucker to come riding to the rescue, hmm?”
His pacing continues, and when Dee lets out a soft whimper, his hand shoots out and backhands her hard across the face. She falls back off the couch and doesn’t move.
That was all it took to snap me out of my shock. “You bastard!” I scream and go to move from my spot on the floor but stop short when he trains a gun on me.
“Oh no, I wouldn’t do anything rash. My dear wife seems to have forgotten her place in the world. We can’t have that now, can we? You sit the fuck down and shut up, you stupid whore.”
I pause in my motion but quickly scan the room. There has to be another way. I won’t let him win. He controlled me for too long and I am finally happy. Fate is finally on MY side. I steady my resolve and straighten my spine. I will win.
I go to get up again when he walks quickly over to me and grabs me by my loose hair. He bends down and brings his face right up to mine. His words are harsh and he spits all over my face when he speaks.
“You little slut. You think you can run around spreading your legs for another man. You are mine! Do you hear me, Isabelle? I won’t let that bastard touch what is MINE!” he screams. My hair feels as if it is being ripped from the roots when he begins to pull me to my feet.
“Please, Brandon. Please leave us alone. What do you want? Money? I can get you plenty. Please leave,” I beg. My only thought is getting free and getting Dee and my baby safe from his insanity.