Page 103 of Claimed

We arrived at Achille’s cabin.

Surrounded by trees and a bubbling brook, it made the perfect getaway. I had nowhere else to go within an hour’s drive of Boston, and he was probably monitoring my credit card. Luckily, I had enough cash to get us to Tennessee.

Jack and I spent the day exploring the thickets around the cabin. I tried my best to settle him into this sudden change, but he kept asking for his daddy. As I watched him chase butterflies across the lawn, doubt nagged me. Had I done right by us? The call haunted me. I’d poured out my feelings in that note, hoping he’d show that he loved me. That he’d tell me the truth.

Instead he’d screamed at me.

Maybe that’s what I deserved for taking his child, but he’d forced me into this position by lying over and over. Elise would’ve done the same. I just wished it didn’t hurt so bad. I never wanted to tear apart our little family.

My phone buzzed, and I glanced at the screen.

Becky

Got your message. Is everything OK?

Not really.

Becky

What’s going on?

I left Achille.

I hesitated, biting my lip

Could really use company.

Becky

Of course. Where are you?

*shares location*

I put the phone away as dusk painted the sky with orange strokes. Jack, tuckered out from his day’s adventures, napped on the bed. I checked on him, tucking the blanket around his small body.

This is for the best.

I couldn’t trust anyone, including the woman meeting me. I braced myself for what I’d have to do.

THIRTY-EIGHT

ACHILLE

If I was going down, I’d damn well take those responsible for dragging me into hell with me. First, the pain needed to be dulled until I could think straight again. I knocked back shots at Sunset Tavern like they were the antidote to my agony.

The bartender had the nerve to cut me off. Then I seized his tie and pulled him close enough to explain how I’d butcher him, and he handed over the vodka. I grabbed it as voices around me merged into an indistinct hum. I retreated to a booth, the same one I’d shared with Violet. I’d been an asshole on purpose, hoping she’d leave town.

She hadn’t.

She’d stuck around, digging her way into my soul. Her and Jack. They made their mark and left a gaping hole in their place. I fell for her when I heard her sing. The quiet nights on the couch together, the twang of her accent, the warmth that filled the house. All gone.

Surrounded by death, I had no idea how to react to life, even the one I created. What if she was right? What if I was evil, causing damage to an innocent boy? The kid was better off without me. If I had any shred of decency, I’d let him go.

I’d finished half the bottle when a shadow settled over the table. I didn’t have to look up to know who they’d called. Romeo, the brother who always found me, no matter how deep I buried myself in hell.

“You look like shit,” he said.

“Thanks.”

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