His eyes, so uncaring, stare down at me. The very same eyes that once worshiped me. I did this, I know, but the hurt is evident.
“You burst that all on your own.” He doesn’t shrug me off, just stays where he is.
My hands drop to my sides, losing all faith as I stare into his blue orbs. “I’m sorry, Joey. He has my son. I had to leave.”
“Shit way of going about it,” Lucas interjects.
I don’t even bother glancing his way. It was shit, I know, but I knew I had to come back.
It was time.
Scott destroyed my bookstore and possibly even found my sister. Unfortunately, there was no other choice.
“That’s an understatement,” Joey adds. He looks past me at my sister. “Abigail, it’s time we go.” As she stands to obey, he looks to Keir. “Adora can stay.”
“Joey?” Keir questions.
“We got one. That’s what I will take.”
Tears are streaming down my cheeks now. I can’t stop them and can’t seem to form words.
I consider myself a strong woman.
Independent, at the very least.
Now… right now, I want nothing more than for Joey to wrap me in his arms and call me his darling. I’ve missed his touch and endearment every single day since I left. But he does neither as my sister strides past me and straight to him. He reaches for her, and she goes willingly.
I look into his eyes one last time.
“You made this choice,” is all he says, and there’s still no feeling in his words or disposition.
“So I get to keep her?” I hear Scott ask from behind me.
Keir stands from his chair, and everyone looks to him for his final decision. “She is no longer our concern.” He nods to Lucas and Joey, who turn and start walking out the door.
“Abigail.” She doesn’t look back as she follows Lucas. Keir walks past next, leaving with them.
Joey stops at the door, looks back, and I feel his eyes on me before I meet his blank gaze. “Please stay,” I sob, not holding anything back from him. Hoping he knows what I feel for him, that he sees the truth if he won’t hear it. But it’s a moot point now with all that has transpired. And he’s already shown me as much. His eyes close for a second before he, too, walks out and leaves me standing in a room with my child’s father.
“Good, now that’s done…”
Something hits me on the back of the head before I can turn to address him. I fall forward, my head throbbing as I clutch it. Wetness seeps between my fingers as I’m hit hard in the stomach.
He’s kicking me.
Beating me.
I hear his laugh echo through my ears.
Why?
“No one is going to save you now. You aremine.”
The asshole’s retreating footsteps fade as I lie on the floor, my body curling in on itself.
SIX
JOEY