Page 12 of Saviors

“I’ll think about it.” I knew I was lying. Simon and I were never a good idea. I hated that this might hurt Craig’s business, but I couldn’t pretend anymore.

And it wouldn’t help. Time apart from Mom wouldn’t change anything. Not unless she wanted to work on herself.

“You need to stop letting her get to you.”

He said it like it was so easy. Like each word didn’t cut into my heart, leaving a hole I couldn’t fill.

“I’m almost there. I’ll talk to you later.” I just wanted to end the call. I didn’t want to hear his platitudes. Or vague advice. She was who she was. I needed to protect my own peace of mind.

His deep sigh came through the line, but he didn’t press further. “Thanks for bringing him the envelope. I really appreciate it, Vi.”

A smile twitched on my lips. “Love you, too.”

The low music from my stereo filled the car after he’d hung up. I hit the skip button on the steering wheel, trying to find a song that fit my mood. I clicked it over and over again, but nothing felt right.

I was grateful when I finally pulled into Simon’s driveway. Staring up at the giant six-bedroom house, I wondered if that was part of the reason I’d agreed to date him. I’d wasted a month of my life on a guy because he was rich. Because it would impress my parents.

It wasn’t fair to him. This break up was good for both of us. He deserved someone who cared about him.

My headlights flashed over the front door, illuminating Simon. It was like he’d sensed something was wrong and had come outside. I took a deep breath, telling myself that was better. I wouldn’t even have to go in.

Insects chirped around me as I got out of the car and walked up the stone path. “Hi.”

“Violet.” He wore a dress shirt with several buttons undone showing a lot more chest hair than I liked. I saw a flash of a gold ring on his pinkie finger as he ran his hand over his neatly trimmed beard. “I thought you were coming by later.”

I shrugged, not wanting to explain why I was here early. “Dinner was quicker than normal.” I thrust the manila folder into his hand. “Craig asked me to give this to you.”

His fingers brushed mine as he took it. I waited to feel something at that brief touch. Heat or passion. Regret. Anything that told me breaking up with him was a mistake. But I felt nothing.

I stared at him, trying to understand what I’d seen in this relationship. Unwilling to believe it had all been for my mother. For my brothers, who’d insisted I give him a chance.

His hair was salt and pepper and slicked back, which only emphasized the widow’s peak and receding hairline. He was twenty pounds overweight and twenty years too old for me.

“I can’t stay, but I wanted to talk for a minute.” My eyes drifted down to our feet. Mine covered in scuffed up sneakers. His in expensive loafers. More proof we weren’t right together. “I don’t think we should see each other anymore.”

My heart gave a rough beat as I waited for his response. I’d never expected the chuckle that greeted my ears. My head shot up to look at him. He leaned against the stone of his house, relaxed. A smile pulled on his lips, but it wasn’t kind or happy.

“You think it’s that easy?”

I blinked in confusion. “Easy? I mean, it doesn’t have to be hard. We weren’t going out that long.”

“Going out?” He laughed again. Anxiety pricked at my skin as he reached up a hand. He stroked gently down my cheek. I resisted the urge to flinch or pull away. I wanted this to be pleasant. Another fight was the last thing I needed. “You’re so fucking naïve.”

“What?” My body jerked in surprise. He’d never been mean or harsh to me before. I had no idea where this was coming from.

Before I could even process what was happening, his hand moved down and wrapped around my throat. I gagged as he cut off my air. Instinctively, my fingers clawed at his palm, but he didn’t let go.

“What are you doing?” I gasped as he pulled me forward. My feet tripped over themselves as I tried to keep up with him.

“Taking what I’m owed.” He jerked the door open, shoving me in front of him. “You were given to me. You don’t get to just walk away.”

My head swam. I wasn’t sure if it was lack of oxygen or fear or confusion. I had no idea what he was talking about. My heart slammed into my ribs as he threw the envelope onto a table.

I watched cash splash across the polished wood surface. My eyes widened in shock. I saw too many hundreds to count. There must be thousands of dollars there. Craig said they were documents. What was he doing with that much money?

But I had bigger problems. I tried to struggle against Simon’s hold as he dragged me through his house, but he wrapped an arm around my waist, lifting me off my feet. My limbs froze as his grip dug into my flesh.

Rooms flashed by, but I couldn’t make anything out through my panic. I’d been here before and everything was expensive. A house too big for one person. Too pretty for the horror that was happening.

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