Текст книги "Undone"

Автор книги: R. E. Hunter

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Текущая страница: 15 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

Embry stiffened beside Luke.

“Well,” her mother continued, “I happened to run into his father in town, and I thought it would be nice for you to see him again. I didn’t know about you and Luke at that point, or that you’d be bringing him. I just got so caught up since then that I completely forgot …”

“Forgot what, Mom?” Embry said slowly, trying to control the tremble in her voice.

Her mother offered Luke an apologetic look before returning her attention to Embry. “I invited the Stowes to stop by after dessert.”

At that moment, Jack walked into the room, his gray eyes trained on Embry.

27

Embry went completely rigid. She literally felt the blood draining from her face. She was frozen, paralyzed. All of the air left her lungs in one big whoosh, and she fought to suck in another breath. He’s here. No, no, no, no, no.

He stood directly in her line of sight. She felt as if she were in an alternate universe. Things were moving in normal time around her—Jack’s parents exchanging hellos with hers, friendly chatter everywhere—but in her world, everything was suspended, stock-still. She stared at Jack, his intense eyes boring into hers. She had loved those eyes once. She’d loved everything about him. But none of those feelings were surfacing. All she felt was numb.

He was tall, handsome. His black hair was shorter than she remembered, but the smile on his face was the same. That was how Jack had sealed the deal. His charm and that smile. It was more dangerous than any weapon he could have wielded. It could tear her down or make her feel alive. She once saw the world in that smile. But in that moment, all she saw was hate.

“Hello, Embry,” he said, his voice smooth.

“Jack,” she responded. It was a wonder she was even able to speak. Operating on auto-pilot, Embry stood—a saccharine smile sweeping across her face—and walked past Jack, both sets of parents, and straight out the side door. The minute the cold air hit her skin, her composure shattered. She collapsed against the porch rail, gasping. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she sucked in air, trying to take a breath.

She hadn’t seen him in five years. Before she’d left home for college, she destroyed every picture, every memory of him. She didn’t want a single piece of him with her. The scar he’d left on her heart was enough of a reminder. For five years, she had avoided her family, her friends, her hometown. She distanced herself from everything she loved just to avoid him. She suddenly longed for her life in Florida: the warm sun, simple friends, easy hookups. No reminders of her past.

Luke walked out onto the porch, wrapped her in his jacket, and surrounded her in his warmth. His arms came around her, and he eased her onto the porch swing. Her head fell to his shoulder, her face against his neck as he stroked her hair.

“Whatever that was in there, baby, I need to know,” he said softly.

Embry nodded but wasn’t ready to speak.

“Just breathe, Bree. I’ve got you.”

She took deep breaths against his neck, breathing in that spicy, masculine scent she could never quite place that was all Luke. She concentrated on the feel of his arms around her, and she began to calm down. Luke’s arms around her were her saving grace. If not for him holding her, protecting her, she felt as if she would fall apart, split into a million pieces. She lifted her head, bringing her tear-filled eyes to his.

“Hi, beautiful,” he said, brushing her hair from her face.

Beautiful. She was in the middle of a complete and utter break down, and she was positive there was makeup streaked down her face, which was probably blotchy with tears. But somehow, he still saw beauty.

“Hi,” she replied, her voice hoarse.

He cupped her cheek and brushed a stray tear from beneath her eye. “Tell me what’s going on.”

Embry took a deep breath before speaking. “He taught me how to run.”

Luke’s face gave nothing away as he waited for her to continue.

“He’s the reason I ran,” she continued. “The reason I picked up and left after high school and have barely been back since.”

“Okay,” he said. “You dated him?”

Embry nodded. “All throughout high school.”

“I know there’s more to it than that. You wouldn’t be this upset if there weren’t. What happened?”

“He was …” She searched for the words to describe him. Mean? Yes, but that doesn’t cover it. “Terrible.”

Luke stiffened. “How was he terrible, Embry? Did he put his hands on you?”

Embry shook her head. “No. I mean, yes. Well …” She was confused, lost and unsure how to talk about it.

“Is that a yes?”

She’d never told anyone, not even Morgan. The emotional abuse took the greatest toll. She never really considered him pushing her around to be on the same level. But she knew in Luke’s eyes it would be.

“Yes.” She watched his jaw tighten and his fists clench. She placed her hands over his, willing him to calm down. “He never hit me exactly, but he was rough when he was angry.” She dropped her head, staring at her hands and willing the tears not to fall. “His words hurt much worse.”

Luke hadn’t moved. He was statue still, fighting for composure. But his eyes … his eyes said everything words couldn’t. They were soft, pained, and Embry saw the struggle within them. Morgan was the only person in the world that Embry had ever spoken to about Jack’s abuse. But she wanted to tell Luke everything, bare her soul to him. The love pouring out of his eyes gave her all the strength she needed.

“I want to tell you everything, Luke. You won’t like it. But I need you to stay calm.”

The muscle in Luke’s jaw ticked. His eyes were on fire, boring into hers as he took a calming breath. “I’m trying my best, baby. But a man who hurt you is standing inside that house. I don’t know how much composure you expect me to have.”

Embry nodded.

“How could your mother—”

“She didn’t know,” Embry interrupted. “No one does. Except Morgan and you.”

That got Luke’s attention. “Embry, you have to tell your parents. Your father would lose his mind knowing someone who hurt his baby is standing in his living room right now.”

“I know. I know, Luke.” She knew the next part would put Luke over the edge, but she couldn’t keep it from him anymore. “You know how my mom mentioned that she ran into Jack a while back?”

He nodded.

“Neither of my parents really understood why I up and left right after high school. They always chalked it up to teenage impulses. They loved Jack and assumed that I broke his heart when I moved away.” She realized she was rambling and waved her hand as if to clear away her jumble of words. “Anyway, when she ran into Jack, she mentioned that I was back. He charmed her into giving him my phone number.”

The muscles in Luke’s jaw tightened again. He ran a hand through his hair. “Has he called you?”

She knew Luke’s anger wasn’t directed at her, but she was nervous nonetheless. She chewed at her bottom lip.

“Has he called?” Luke asked again.

Embry nodded. “He’s, um, been calling nearly every day.” Luke’s eyes went wide, and she continued, “But I never pick up! I’ve wanted to tell you. I told Morgan, and she told me I had to tell you, but I could never find the right time. I didn’t want to bring him into our relationship.”

Luke exploded off of the porch swing and dug his hands into his hair. “Are you kidding me?”

She winced.

He lowered his voice and eased back onto the swing next to her, his fingers brushing against her cheek. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“No, it’s okay. I should have told you. It’s just … things have been so amazing between us. I didn’t want to ruin that.”

“You couldn’t ruin that,” Luke said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “But I need you to come to me with these things. I need to be able to protect you.”

“You did. Without even knowing it,” she said, offering him a small smile. “Remember that night when I called you to come over before we were back together? That was the first night Jack called. He called over and over again, and I thought I was going to break. You were there when I needed you.”

“You need me, Embry, I come running. I don’t work without you.”

Embry nodded, her eyes filling with tears. “I love you.”

“I know, baby.” He pulled her back into his arms and rested his chin on her head.

They sat huddled together in the cold, and Embry recounted her ugly past. The fights with Jack. Running to Florida. The empty hookups and friendships because she wouldn’t let anyone get close. She told him about the calls from Jack, the threatening text message he’d sent just a few weeks prior. She told him every thought and feeling that came to her mind. He listened quietly, taking it all in and holding her tight. When she finished, she felt lighter, more at ease. She didn’t have to carry that burden on her own anymore. Luke could handle it, and he would protect her at any cost.

“This ends tonight, Bree,” he said. “You need to tell your parents. Then we’ll deal with Jack. I’m friendly with a judge who should have no problem issuing a restraining order. I’ll call him first thing on Monday.”

“Okay,” she said quietly. He tightened his arms around her and she felt his body tremble against hers. Embry lifted her head. “You’re shivering.”

“I’m fine,” he said, his lips sweeping against hers.

A shiver passed through her, but it had nothing to do with the cold. All she wanted was to be wrapped in Luke’s arms in front of the fire. She wiggled free and stood, stretching. “I’m going to run inside—”

Luke grabbed her hand and pulled her onto his lap. “No.”

She pushed against him to break free, but he wasn’t budging. “No?”

“You’re not going anywhere near him,” he growled.

“Whoa. Okay, baby. I just was going to get another jacket for you.”

“I don’t care if I have to freeze my ass off all night. If I walk through those doors, this will turn into a very unpleasant Thanksgiving. And there’s no way in hell you are going near him without me.”

He was pissed—really pissed—but she couldn’t help the smile that tipped her lips. She loved her southern sexy, and hearing that accent get even thicker made her insides clench. Plus, his alpha-caveman side was ridiculously hot.

“What are you smiling at?” he asked, his brow furrowed.

“You.”

“Me?” he said, his frustration easing.

“Yes, you, baby.”

“Why?” He smiled too.

“Because you love me.”

“I do,” he said, nipping her bottom lip. “A lot.”

She smiled against his mouth. “And you want to keep me safe.”

He pulled back, his eyes intense. “I will keep you safe. There’s no question.”

Embry wrapped her arms around his neck as she captured his lips in a sweet kiss. “Thank you.”

The door flew open, interrupting their moment, and Embry’s mother stood in the doorway with her arms crossed. “Really, Embry. I know it’s an awkward situation of my doing, but I thought you would handle it like an adult. Not sit outside making out with your boyfriend.”

“That’s not what—”

“It doesn’t matter,” her mother said. “The Stowes just left.”

Embry approached her mother, Luke close behind. “Then I think we should talk, Mom.”

* * *

Embry gripped Luke’s hand as she recounted the details of her relationship with Jack for her parents. She gathered strength from his presence. She wasn’t sure she could have even faced them without him. Her heart broke as she watched her parents react. Her mother’s eyes gleamed with unshed tears. Her father sat stock-still and silent. The fire popped and crackled as she waited for either of them to say something. Anything.

Her mother broke the silence first. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart,” she whispered. “I invited him into our home and back into your life. I never knew …”

Embry shook her head. “It was inevitable. He would’ve found out I was back eventually.”

“I just wish you would’ve let us in. You can tell us anything, Embry, you know that,” her mother said, her voice cracking.

Her father’s jaw was working overtime and making Embry nervous. “Dad?” she asked meekly.

He sucked in a breath and shook his head. “I can’t believe that little shit had the nerve to set foot in this house.”

“I’m sorry. It’s my fault. I should’ve spoken up a long time ago.”

“None of this is your fault. Do you understand that?” Her father’s eyes bore into hers with such intensity she was forced to look away. “Look at me, Embry.”

She looked back into her father’s eyes and wanted to weep at the pain she saw.

“You were a baby when you met him. He took advantage of you, of all of us. I wish you would’ve said something so that we could’ve done something. I should have seen it, should have protected you.”

“You couldn’t have known, Dad.”

“Why didn’t you tell us?” her mother asked softly.

A million responses went through her head—all of the reasons she’d stayed quiet for so long—but all she could say was, “I couldn’t.”

“Why, honey?” her mother asked again.

“You loved Jack.” She felt petty for admitting it, but it was true. Her parents had adored him.

He’d used that against her. Who are you going to tell? Your parents love me. They’ll be mad that you messed up the best thing you’ve ever had.

Looking back, she could kick herself for ever believing a word he had said, but he had broken her down to the point that she didn’t trust herself. She ran away to avoid the damage Jack had inflicted, but one thing she had managed was to learn to trust herself again. She knew her worth and would never let someone make her doubt herself again.

“He fooled us,” he mother replied. “No matter what we thought of Jack, honey, we love our daughter more. We would have believed you.”

“I know that now. But the longer I went without telling you, the harder it was to come back to it. I dealt with it the best way I knew how, and I hoped that it would never come up again. I didn’t think that after five years he’d be hell bent on making my life miserable.”

They stayed up talking well past midnight, Luke silently supporting her, holding her hand the entire time. When they wound down for the night, Luke piped up. “I’m going to get Embry an order of protection first thing Monday morning. I know a judge in family court who should be able to help. So far it’s only been phone calls, but who knows if it will escalate.”

Embry yawned, her head falling against Luke’s shoulder.

“Had enough, beautiful?” he asked, his eyes soft.

She nodded.

“It’s been a long day for everyone,” her mom agreed. “Why don’t you kids head to bed?”

Luke stood, pulling Embry up with him. Her father approached, gave Luke a hearty handshake and thanked him for being there for her before pulling her into a crushing hug.

Her mother did the same, giving Luke a goodnight kiss on the cheek. “I’m glad you have each other,” she smiled.

“Thanks, Mom,” Embry said as she hugged her mother.

Luke tucked Embry under his arm as they walked down the hallway to the guest bedrooms.

“Thank you, Luke. I couldn’t have done that without you.”

“Don’t thank me, baby. That was all you.” His lips pressed into her hair. “I’m proud of you.”

They reached their rooms at the end of the hall. Luke stood at the open door, watching Embry pull pajamas from her suitcase.

“Are you coming to bed?” she asked.

Luke blanched. “I should probably stay in the other room, baby. We’re in your parents’ home.”

Embry rolled her eyes and approached him. She tugged on his shirt, pulling him into the room, and closed the door behind him. “You’re going to have to let go of the southern gentleman act for one night.” She smiled up at him. “I need you.”

28

The following afternoon, Luke and Embry drove into town to do some exploring. They’d spent the morning relaxing at her parents’ house. He made some calls to a few colleagues about the restraining order while Embry caught up on her class assignments. It was a quiet, uneventful day, but Embry felt unsettled. She told herself it was normal after the events of the previous night, but she couldn’t shake the bad feeling.

As they drove through the Hamptons, it hit her why she was so nervous—she hadn’t heard from Jack. She’d expected at least a taunting phone call or two, but she got nothing. That made her more uneasy than his constant harassment. She shared her concerns with Luke, and although he reassured her that Jack had probably been scared off, she knew Jack wasn’t backing down. He was regrouping.

Despite her uneasiness, she was determined to have a nice night with Luke. The tourists crowding the streets of the Hamptons in the summer were nowhere to be found during the off-season. Luke and Embry drove on near-empty roads and walked the quiet streets, window shopping and enjoying each other’s company. Ducking out of the cold, they found a small pub in the basement of a historic restaurant. They shared burgers and beers and chatted like any normal couple. She wrinkled her nose and laughed when he put mustard on his hamburger, and he teased her about her Gators. She valued any time spent with Luke when they didn’t have to pretend to be anything but themselves.

After their burgers, they caught an early movie. They snuggled in the back of the theater, making out like teenagers. It was the perfect night, and just what she needed after all the drama. They were walking back to the Rover when Embry’s phone buzzed. She pulled it from her purse, feeling a mixture of dread and relief when she saw Morgan’s face on the screen—relief that it wasn’t Jack and dread that he remained eerily silent.

“Hey, M,” she said.

“Hey, hooker! What are you two love birds up to?” Morgan said in a sing-song voice. Embry hadn’t yet told her about Jack’s Thanksgiving surprise.

“We had some burgers and beers at Main House and just saw a movie. Where are you guys?”

“The Dock. Come down for a few drinks!” Morgan shouted over the background noise.

The Dock was an upscale bar where they never had to worry about awkward run-ins with people from high school. Embry hadn’t been there in years, but she was tempted to go spend some time with Morgan and Brett. She wanted Brett and Luke to meet.

“Hold on, let me see if Luke’s up for it,” she said, glancing at him.

Luke nodded. “Whatever you want, baby. Let’s go.”

“You don’t even know what I’m going to say.”

“Doesn’t matter. Whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be fun. Especially if your crazy best friend is involved,” he said, bumping her with his hip.

“Tell him I heard that!” Morgan said.

Embry chuckled. “We’ll be there in ten.”

* * *

Gravel crunched under their tires as Luke and Embry pulled into the lot outside the bar. The Dock was situated on the top floor of a white, stilted building overlooking the marina. Music pumped from inside the bar, and a loud clanging echoed around the harbor as boats rocked back and forth in the water. Luke hopped down from the Rover and walked around to Embry’s side.

He pulled her down and closed the door behind her before pressing her back against the car and crushing his lips to hers. His tongue swept into her mouth, eliciting a deep moan from Embry. It was so passionate and intense that all she could do was go with it. There was no controlling the kiss or Luke, so she wrapped her arms around his neck and held on. He kissed her breathless before dragging his mouth away from hers and stepping back.

“What was that for?” she asked, panting.

He lifted a shoulder and dropped a chaste kiss on her lips. “Just love you, that’s all.”

Her answering smile was so large she felt her cheeks ache.

He folded her hand in his and tugged her to his side. “Let’s go.”

They walked up the stairs into the bar. It was beach chic—dark wood floors, white walls, wainscoting on the ceiling, driftwood accents, and pictures of surf and sunset covering the walls. Embry led them past the bar and into the lounge where large white ottomans were arranged across the floor.

“Embry!” Morgan’s voice carried over the music.

Embry saw Brett’s tall head above the crowd. “Back there,” she said to Luke.

He nodded, his eyes searching the bar.

“Hiyeeeeeeeee!” Morgan sang, running up and pulling Embry into a hug.

“Hey there,” Embry replied.

“Let the girl breathe, babe,” Brett said behind her. He extended his hand toward Luke. “Hey, man, I’m Brett.”

“Luke. Nice to meet you.”

Embry peeled away from Morgan and wrapped her arms around Brett’s torso. “Hey, big bro.”

Brett ruffled her hair and hooked his arm around her. “Hey, B. How are you doing?”

“Good.”

Morgan and Luke said hello, and they all made their way to two large ottomans in the back of the room. Electronic music pulsed in the background, and Morgan and Embry got comfortable as the guys went for drinks.

“So how was Thanksgiving?” Morgan asked. “Do Dean and Celia like Luke?”

“Oh you know, never a dull moment at the Jacobs’ house. We had a great Thanksgiving. They love Luke. Then Jack showed up, which made the evening that much more special,” Embry deadpanned.

Morgan’s eyes nearly bugged out of her head, and Embry laughed at her friend’s reaction.

“You’re kidding, right?” she asked.

“Wish I were. My mom ran into Jack and his father and wound up inviting them to stop by after dessert. She didn’t know about Luke, and when I told her later, I guess it slipped her mind.” Embry shrugged.

“So I’m assuming you’ve finally come clean to Luke and your parents?”

“Yeah. Shitty night, but it ended well.”

“I’m surprised Luke didn’t kick Jack’s ass!” Morgan said.

“Oh, I’m sure he would have if we weren’t at my parents’ house. I’ve never seen him so angry. We sat on the porch in the freezing cold for an hour because he didn’t want me near Jack. And he sure as hell couldn’t go near him.”

“You sat outside the entire time Jack was there? Celia must have had a coronary.”

“She was pretty pissed until I told her the truth. Then I think she just felt like shit. She’s blaming herself.”

“Wow,” Morgan said, shaking her head in disbelief.

“Yep,” Embry agreed.

Luke and Brett came back with drinks, and the conversation took on a lighter tone. Apparently Luke was interested in Brett’s new CrossFit obsession, and they were bonding over their workouts. Morgan raised an eyebrow at Embry when they heard Luke mentioning the cult-like program.

Embry shrugged. “As long as he doesn’t start high-fiving, it’s all good.”

Morgan dragged Embry out onto the dance floor while Luke and Brett continued their male bonding. The girls twirled each other around under the watchful eyes of their men. Embry was having a great time and feeling the effects of the alcohol. Somehow, Morgan convinced Luke to be her next victim as Embry collapsed on the ottoman next to Brett. Luke was a good sport and put up with Morgan’s giggles as he spun her around. Brett gave Embry a careful look.

“He told you, didn’t he?” she accused.

“Of course he did!” Brett said. “That fucker must have brass balls walking into your house like that. I have no idea how Luke controlled himself.”

Embry sighed. “I don’t know how he did it either. I thought he was going to break.”

“Well, he’s a better man than I am,” Brett admitted. “I would’ve kicked the shit out of him in the middle of your living room.”

“After telling my parents last night, I’m pretty sure Dean and Celia would get in line behind you,” she said dejectedly.

His eyes softened, and he covered her hand with his. “How’d that go?”

She shrugged. “As good as it could have gone, I guess. They were understanding and supportive, and I felt like an ass for not trusting them sooner.”

“It’s all good, B. It’s over now.”

“Is it?” she asked, her eyes pleading. “I’m not so sure. And if you or Luke really believed that, neither of you would sit here looking more like a security detail than our boyfriends.”

“You’re important to both of us. We want to make sure you’re safe.”

“Well, I’m definitely safe here,” Embry said. “I may not have had any contact with him in five years, but I know Jack Stowe would never set foot in a place like this.”

Brett shrugged. “Go get me my girlfriend, and dance with your man.”

Embry gave Brett a half-hearted salute and headed back onto the dance floor. Morgan swirled around as Luke grabbed Embry’s waist and pulled her close.

“Hey, baby,” he said, joining his lips with hers.

“Mmmm, hi,” she replied against his mouth. “Did you have fun dancing with Morgan?”

“She wore me out. That girl is some kind of special.”

“Luke!” Embry said, slapping his chest.

“What?” He laughed. “I’m just saying y’all must have a really special bond, because that one’s a little crazy.”

Embry raised an eyebrow. “Was that a y’all I just heard?”

Luke shook his head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Say it again!” Embry said, grinding against him.

“Say what again?” he asked innocently.

“Oh, come on. You know I love how you talk. It’s hot!”

“Is it, now?” he said, a devious glint in his eye.

“Darn tootin’!” She made a goofy face.

“Okay, I’m gonna have to put you in a time-out for that one,” he said, chuckling.

She smiled a sweet smile. “Why, baby?”

“You ruined the sexy,” he said, planting a wet kiss on her lips. “Go dance with your friend. I need a beer.”

Embry and Morgan continued to shake their asses on the dance floor, putting on a show for their men as they kicked back on the ottomans enjoying their beers.

After another song or two, Morgan tugged on Embry’s arm. “Bathroom!”

Embry nodded and let Morgan lead her toward the back of the bar. They rounded the corner to the bathroom and saw the long line. At least ten girls stood in the hallway, waiting for the single-stall toilet.

Morgan grabbed Embry’s elbow. “There’s another one,” she said conspiratorially. “I’ve been here enough times to know better than to wait on that line. Come on.”

She followed Morgan out the back door and down a set of stairs that wrapped around to the front of the building. Sure enough, underneath the overhang was another bathroom for the people who used the marina. They only had to wait behind one person.

As they waited, Morgan’s phone rang. She pulled it out of her clutch. “Hi, babe, we’re just downstairs. Babe? Can you hear me?” She huffed, shoved the phone back in her purse, and turned to Embry. “Bad service, I guess.”

The bathroom door opened, and the occupant left.

“Go ahead,” Morgan said, waving at the empty bathroom. “They’ll have a fit if they can’t find us. I’ll pop my head upstairs and let them know where we are, and I’ll be back by the time you’re finished.”

“Okay.” Embry watched Morgan walk back up the stairs before she entered the bathroom and locked the door. She took care of business and washed her hands then spent a few minutes fixing her hair and makeup. She flipped the lock and left the bathroom, looking for Morgan.

He came out of nowhere and slammed her into the concrete wall. She let out a startled cry and immediately began to struggle.

“Hello, Embry,” he whispered, holding her back against the wall with the weight of his body.

Her breath caught and her eyes filled with tears as she stared up into his hate-filled gaze. “Jack,” she choked out.