Page 30 of Strictly Forbidden

I stroked his head absently, very much missing the days when I’d been his trainer. He’d managed to find space on the tiny cot of a bed prisoners were allowed, acting as if it was the most comfortable place on earth.

He’d given me purpose, returning some aspects of my life and my dignity.

The furry boy had also reminded me that somewhere down inside, I had some decency left. Maybe that’s why this moment was entirely too cathartic. As whatever television show droned on, I closed my eyes, taking several deep breaths. Yes, this was far too comfortable.

Struggling with the groceries in my hands, I raced through the rain toward the front door. When I noticed it was ajar, every muscle stiffened, slowly pushing it open with my foot. It was eerily quiet inside. Usually there was music blasting from the stereo or at a minimum some news report on the television in the kitchen. What the fuck was going on?

Taking careful steps, I headed toward the kitchen, not noticing anything out of the ordinary. I eased the bags to the counter, once again listening for any sounds. “Kelly. Are you here?” I shoved the milk into the refrigerator, my nerves suddenly on edge. She never left without calling me. It was just one of the habits we’d had from the beginning.

I rubbed my hands on my jeans, heading into the living room. That’s when I noticed that the vase of flowers I’d bought her the day before lay smashed on the floor. Agony swept through me. We’d had a goddamn argument a little over an hour before. I’d left in a huff, slamming the front door behind me. But for her to do this? No, I couldn’t believe it. It was a silly disagreement that somehow had managed to turn ugly.

We were both just under a lot of stress, money issues and the lack of sleep the main problems. We loved each other. I worshipped her, my special little family.

Was it possible she’d left me? No, I refused to buy it.

I was still heartsick at the thought as I walked down the hall to our bedroom. As I pushed open the door, I prepared myself to see drawers yanked open, items tossed onto the floor.

But everything shifted into something that I wasn’t certain I’d ever be able to describe. All time had stopped, my breathing shallow. And even though my brain didn’t want to register what I was seeing, the ache in my heart, uncontrollable rage nearly spiraled out of control immediately.

As I fell to my knees, a wild animalistic bellow erupted from my lungs.

And hatred was born, the need for revenge.

Which I would have. One way or the other.

“Fuck,” I hissed as I jerked up from the horrible dream. What the fuck was wrong with me? I hadn’t experienced that in years. Fucking years. Why now? Because I should feel guilty for allowing my guard to fall, for finding myself enjoying being with a woman?

What the hell was that noise?

I rubbed the back of my arm across my mouth, loathing how much I was shaking. My mind was frozen in place, my heart beating rapidly. I tried to focus, forced to blink several times. It took a few seconds to realize the sound was the television, some action show where several guys were firing off gunshots.

Damn it. I needed to get the hell out of here. Between the goddamn nightmare and the shitass television show that I’d awakened to, my gut told me it was an omen.

I rubbed my jaw, taking several deep breaths before lowering my head. Noel was sleeping peacefully, her breathing even. I eased her to the side, making sure her head was on a pillow before disengaging myself from Max. He lifted his head, staring at me wearily.

“It’s okay, buddy. Take care of your mommy. She loves you already. I’m glad to see you got a good home. That’s all I wanted for you.” I rubbed his head before climbing off the couch, taking a few seconds to position the blanket over her. Max curled more tightly against her. I moved away from the couch, turning back only once.

Walking out the door was going to be one of the toughest things I’d ever done but was also very necessary. Sighing, I shook my head and walked away, the ache in my gut increasing. Maybe I wasn’t as thick skinned as I’d originally thought.

As I gathered my clothes, sliding into them, I did what I could not to look back for fear if I did, I’d never leave. After struggling into my jacket, I had to search the kitchen to find the keys to my truck. I even left the groceries for her. I’d ensure my buddy helped her out with her vehicle, but I couldn’t dare risk this occurring again.

No matter how much I wanted it to.

With one more hard look, I headed for the entrance. Within two feet, I heard pings of ice hitting the front porch.

The moment I opened the door, I hissed. I’d obviously been asleep longer than I’d realized. There were three or so inches of ice on top of at least four of snow with an icy layer underneath. There was no chance in hell I’d make it down the road, let alone to my cabin in the mountains.

Fuck. Fuck.

What the hell was I supposed to do now?

“Looks like you’re forced to stay with me after all.”

The moment I heard her voice coming from behind me, I cringed, suddenly incapable of saying anything. Staying was a bad option all the way around. Fuck. “I’ll be fine.”

“You’re not Superman. You can’t fly out of here.”

No, I certainly wasn’t that. I was so much worse.

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