"I can explain everything." Riggs's voice tears my eyes off the phone.
I feel nauseous. My voice shakes, and I seethe, "Don't you dare."
"Pet..."
"Don't ever call me that again."
He shuts his mouth. For the first time, I see fear in his eyes.
I swallow down bile, toss the phone in the suitcase, and zip it up.
He closes the gap between us and tugs me into him.
I push him away. "Do not touch me!"
"Blakely, let's discuss this!"
I shove him as hard as I can. Tears stream down my cheeks.
He stumbles back, and I bolt past him. He follows me, demanding. "Blakely, wait!"
I carry the suitcase out of the house, and he grabs my arm.
"Stop!" I scream.
He keeps his grip on me.
I hiss, "I said stop. At least abide by my safe word."
He freezes. Shock fills his features.
I retreat, walking backward, claiming, "I trusted you."
"You need to let me explain."
"Explain? Explain what? That you sent intimate things to my father? That you used me for revenge? Is that why you married me?" I accuse, my heart breaking at the thought.
"No, of course not. I love you," he declares.
A sad laugh bursts out of me. I assert, "You don't know what love is, Riggs. Stay away from me." I step through the gate door.
"Blakely." He grabs my arm again.
I angrily spin and jab my finger into his chest. "I said stop."
He clenches his jaw, then quietly begs, "Don't do this, pet."
My vision turns blurry. "You did this, Riggs. Not me. And you know what?"
He swallows hard, waiting. More tears fall. I add, "You're just like my father."
Pain fills his expression. "No, I'm not."
I wipe my tears.
Noah grabs my suitcase, ordering, "Get in the car, Blakely."
"Stay out of this, Noah," Riggs warns.