Page 152 of Slaughter

I look away from him as the shame washes over me like it has every other damn time he makes me feel something. “Go away.”

He pushes off the wall and starts for the bed. I jump out of it and run into his closet.

“Bunny …” he calls out from the outside. Then he pounds on it when he finds it won’t open. I’ve had a week in this house without him constantly watching my every move, and I’ve had an exit strategy this entire time. I just haven’t had the guts to do it until now.

I drop to my knees and open his safe. It’s amazing what you learn when you have hours and hours of uninterrupted time. After trying a thousand difference dates, I finally found the one that worked. It was the due date of our child. A part of me understood how sick he is to make it that combination. Another part of me dropped to my ass and rocked in the closet while bawling. Understanding he never forgot our child who never got a chance to know how loved he or she was.

But that’s what Avery makes me do—lose my fucking mind.

I yank the gun out, then turn to face the shut door and remove the piece of wood that I have shoved against it to keep it closed.

He storms in but comes to a stop when he sees the gun I have raised at his chest. Avery throws his hands up in surrender, and my body stiffens. I don’t trust him. Not anymore.

“Bunny …”

“Don’t fucking call me that!”

“Let me explain.”

“No.” I can’t allow him to talk. “You don’t deserve that.”

He lowers his hands to his side, and I feel him about to pounce. I take a small step back. “I don’t. But please let me.”

“I said no—”

“I did what I had to,” he interrupts me. “To save you.”

“You lied to me.” I swallow the knot that forms in my throat. “You promised me.” His flinches at my choice of words. “You fed me full of bullshit! For what?” He doesn’t answer. “For what?” I shout, and my hands start to shake.

“Just … lower the gun and we can talk.”

“No, Avery.” I shake my head. “I’ve had enough.”

“It’s over.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“I promise you, Bun …”

“Your promises don’t mean shit!” I scream. Tears start to sting my eyes. “I believed you.” I lick my lips nervously. “But never again, Avery.”

He takes a step back from me and stands outside the closet. “What do you want?”

“To go home.” My voice cracks because it’s a lie. I wanted him. I thought we were finally gonna be the old us again. “I want my life back.”

His jaw tightens. “The one where you spread your legs for any guy who looked your way?”

“They never lied to me!”

His eyes narrow on mine. “No. They just used you.”

“So did you.”

“What the hell is going on?” Alex comes into view, and she gasps when she sees I’m holding a gun. “Pres. What are you …?”

I don’t take my stinging eyes off Avery. “I’m so tired,” I admit. I haven’t slept in I don’t know how long. My mind is playing tricks on me. My memories haunting me. The first tear slides down my face, and his eyes soften while they follow it. When his eyes meet mine again, he stares at me with pity. As though I’ve lost my mind. And I have. The gun shakes in my hands. My arms already tired from holding it up at him. My body is that weak. I’ve been starving myself. And for what? All because he threw me away like trash? He’s not the first guy to do it, and I’m sure he won’t be the last.

“I know, Bunny.”

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