“We have a long day tomorrow. You need your sleep.”
“Oh, okay.” Relief washes over me as I slide in next to him. I hadn’t really expected my attempt to work—it rarely did.
“Oh, and Ember?”
“Hmm?”
“Tomorrow, I won’t be so nice.”
Lying next to him, I close my eyes, trying to envision what my life in Virginia will be like. Where I’ll go. What I’ll do. Who I can become when I don’t have Devlin dictating every movement I make.
The thoughts run through my head as I patiently wait for Devlin to fall asleep.
Nearly thirty minutes pass before I hear the soft snores of his slumber. I roll onto my side and face him. One last look.
I think about the times we’ve spent together—some of them even good. The first year had been great, ideal even. Sure, he seemed a little possessive, but then, it seemed kind of sweet. It was just small things—nearness, a constant touch, some harmless jealousy.
A year ago, at his demand, we moved in together. That’s when everything changed. We were no longer a couple—I was his, and he made sure everyone knew it. He constantly interjected himself further into my life. He put a wedge between me and my friends. My family refused to stand by and watch the abuse, which, back then, I couldn’t see.
Now, everything was crystal clear, but it’s too late. Devlin owns me—physically, mentally, contractually. I can never escape him if I stay in Nashville. That’s why I have to leave town—run away. There is no way he would ever just let me walk away.
That’s why I enlisted Rick’s help. Rick and a friend of his helped secure the car and the documents. They made all the arrangements since, thanks to Devlin, I had no means to. He was always hovering; I was never alone. I did nothing without him knowing about it.
Except this.
As excited as I am to be rid of Devlin, my heart sinks at the thought of leaving Nashville, not to mention my family. I have to give up everything to save myself. Goodbye singing career. Goodbye dreams. Goodbye everything.
With tears stinging my eyes, I weep silently as I stare at my mistake and think not only of everything he’s put me through but all the things I still have to endure to rid myself of him. Wiping away the tears, I remind myself that the time for crying is over. It’s time to act.
It’s now or never, Ember.
Sucking in a breath, I blow it out as I wipe the tears from my eyes. I slide out of bed with silent precision so I don’t wake my sleeping nightmare. Making my way into the walk-in closet, I step into my yoga pants and don my hoodie.
Days ago, I hid a bag in the bushes. It was rare when the house was unlocked, and Devlin was distracted. As I punch in the code on the alarm system, I pray the bag is still there. Devlin discovering the bag would destroy my chances of escaping.
The alarm silences and I tiptoe over to the window. As I lift it, it makes a creaking sound. I curse under my breath, hoping it wasn’t loud enough to wake him. I wait a moment before sliding through the opening into the foliage. My bag is right where I left it.
Not bothering to close the window, I grab my bag and make a run for the car parked around the corner. The key Rick gave me easily slides into the door. Turning the lock, I slide into the driver's seat and gently shut the door behind me, then let out the breath I hadn’t realized I had been holding the entire time.
The passenger seat is filled with documents for the new me, as well as a note from Rick, wishing me luck. Before I can change my mind or Devlin wakes up, I press my foot to the gas pedal and head off toward Virginia Beach.
CHAPTERTHREE
Ryder
The trip I had intended on being nothing more than a visit has turned into a permanent stay. No sooner did I tell Mark that I was interested in the position with Cole Security, he had me filling out paperwork.
Just like that, phase two began.
Monday, I hit the ground running and immersed myself in my first job—ensuring the safety of the president of a biotech firm. It was a simple task. Essentially, I was nothing more than a glorified bodyguard, not that I minded. It kept my mind and my time occupied without putting too much strain on my knee, the exact distraction I needed. What I didn’t need was Mark hovering over me every step of the way.
It would be one thing if he was concerned about my job performance. He’s not. He knows me well enough to know I can handle myself and this job with no problem. What he is worried about is me pushing myself too hard, too far—too fast.
What he doesn’t seem to understand is despite my hemming and hawing, this past week working for Cole Security has been the best damn week I’ve had in a long time. I finally feel like I’m getting back to myself. Fuck, it feels good.
I had actually been looking forward to guarding Fredrick Von Whatshisname this weekend, but Mark insisted I take the weekend off. I’m not sure if he’s worried about pushing me too hard or he needed a drinking buddy with Charlie out of town. Whatever his reason, as long as he’s getting me out of this big, empty house, I’m happy.
Stepping out of the shower, I hear an insistent knock at the door.