And when I turn around, I smell Adora.
She’s everywhere.
SEVEN
ADORA
My ribs are sore.
It’s been two days since Joey left and took Abigail with him.
Despite the intense pain I feel everywhere, I’ve been keeping Jerome occupied. It helps to keep me distracted.
I’ve missed out on so much with him.
The way he laughs now, how his brows pinch together in thought as we sit outside on the grass, toy cars in front of us while he pretends to drive them up into the garden bed.
Scott has been gone all day, and I’m thankful. The less time I have to see or be around that asshole, the better.
I need to find a way to get out of here, which means I will have to take Jerome with me this time. I touch his soft hair, and he looks up at me and smiles.
“Why were you crying the other night, Mummy?”
“I was just so happy to be back with you,” I tell him, leaning in and kissing the top of his head.
“Father said you are nothing but a piece of meat and replaceable. What does that mean?” My stomach twists, and if he wasn’t in front of me right now, I’d be crying again.
“That’s nothing for you to worry about. What car is your favorite?” I ask him, trying to deflect. It works, and he tells me all about the blue car. I listen to him intently until I hear footsteps come up behind me, my nerves increasing the closer they get.
“Go inside. Brooke is here to bathe you,” Scott says to Jerome.
“I fired her,” I answer, not looking at him.
“I re-hired her.”
Jerome gets up as I feel Scott approaching at my back. When I finally glance over my shoulder, I see her standing at the door with her head bowed as she waits for Jerome.
“Go, buddy. I’ll be in soon to read you a book.”
“No, Mummy won’t be. She has plans. Brooke will read to you.” Jerome goes off, not even knowing that his father’s voice is filled with disdain. “Get up, Adora.”
I do, but not because he asked. I do it because it’s getting dark, and I need to go inside. Preferably to get Brooke away from my child.
“I thought a lot about your father today,” he starts as he grabs a piece of my hair and smiles, twirling it around his finger. “How special it was, the relationship between you two. And you went and destroyed that without a second thought. Look where that got you.” I say nothing but stand tall as he looks down at me. “I think he was on to something… how he used to get paid for your appearance. How the men would bid for you. I was the highest bidder, just so you are aware. He sold you to me like you were a toy. One I could collect. I treated you right, did I not?” When I remain silent, his open hand slaps me across my face, hard, but I take it in stride. “You will answer me when I ask you a question.”
“No.”
“See, you’re learning. I’ve come to realize you aren’t all that special. Not even the Rossi boys wanted you. So, what’s a husband to do with his wife?”
“Let me leave,” I bite out.
“You see… you leaving would mean you will take my son, whichwillnever happen. So I was thinking…” He turns to look behind him and then back to me. Those eyes that are full of hate meet mine again.
I despise his eyes.
I despisehim.
“I think Brooke will suck my cock tonight. Maybe I’ll slide it into her ass if she behaves. And you, my dear wife…” he touches where I know my cheek is red, “… will be off, showing what you have to offer to my men. See who the highest bidder is now that you are older.”