Page 66 of Puck Blocked
“Okay, well, you can eat whatever you want then, I guess. I’ll just order more.” I laugh. And then it hits me. I’ve never done a single bit of grocery shopping since I arrived. I haven’t cooked, and I’ve barely cleaned anything. I’m the world’s shittiest houseguest.
I need to do better. I’m not a houseguest anymore. I’m his wife. I wonder what he expects of me in this new role. We haven’t really discussed anything. I don’t know if I should be picking up groceries. I don’t even know where the grocery store is located. Or how to get there…
“Does anyone know where Luke buys his groceries?” I ask aloud.
Travis is the one who laughs this time. “He doesn’t. Aliyah orders it all for him.”
“You do?” My eyebrows knit in confusion.
“I’ve done it for years. But I haven’t ordered anything in weeks. He’s been doing it himself,” she says.
I’ve been waiting for everyone to leave. Luke and Grayson turned up with breakfast; Kathryn and Graycee came over as well. It’s nice to be surrounded by Luke’s friends. I guess they’re my friends now too. But one look at his face and I wanted to ask him where he went. What he did.
Then I saw his hands and my stomach dropped. I grew up with a brother who got into as many fights as he played hockey games. I know what it looks like when your fists have been hitting something… or someone. And right now, Luke’s knuckles are swollen and raw.
As soon as the door closes and Aliyah and Liam are safely on the other side, I head upstairs. I want to ask Luke what happened. I just don’t know how. What if it’s none of my business and he gets angry that I’m prying into his life?
“I ask the questions, bitch.” A palm lands across my cheek with a loud slap. At least it’s open-handed this time. It hurts worse when it’s a closed fist.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to,” I plead. “How about I make you your favorite pasta?” As I go to step around him, towards the kitchen, I’m pulled back by my hair.
“I don’t think you’re sorry enough yet,” Andrew sneers into my face, his saliva splattering across my cheek.
“I am, Andrew. I’m sorry,” I insist, while trying to wiggle out of his hold.
His grip on my hair tightens as he pushes me up against the wall before his free hand wraps around my throat. “I should squash your vocal cords. Maybe then I won’t have to hear your annoying fucking voice, Montana,” he says as he gradually presses down on my neck.
My head shakes from side to side as much as it can. Tears stream down my face, and I try to speak but I can’t get the words out.
Andrew chuckles. “That’s better. That’s how I like to hear you. Just like that. Nothing.”
“Montana, open your eyes.”
I look around the room for Luke. I recognize his voice. How is he here? He wasn’t here. Andrew was.
“Tanna, open your eyes. You’re okay. I’ve got you,” Luke says.
I blink, and then it’s Luke’s face in front of me. Not Andrew’s. I push myself back, away from him, and scan the room.
Where is he? Andrew’s here. I know he is. Except, when I take in my environment, I see that it’s not the shitty little apartment I used to share with my ex. This is Luke’s house. I’m on the second floor landing with my back pressed up against the wall.
“Tanna, it’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you,” Luke says while slowly reaching out to me. I don’t move away from his touch this time. Instead, I jump on him, wrapping my body around his.
“Don’t let me go,” I whisper. “Please, don’t let me go.”
“Never. I’m going to hold you forever and ever, Tanna,” Luke promises. He’s moving, but I don’t open my eyes. I keep my face buried in his neck. My arms tighten around him when I feel him sit down. I can’t let go. His hands run up and down my back. “Shh, it’s okay. I’ve got you.”
I can’t stop crying. I haven’t had one of these memories for a while. And I guess this one’s made me realize I’m never going to escape them. I’m never going to escape what Andrew did to me. What I let him do to me. That’s the worst part really. The guilt. Feeling like I let him. Because I stayed, time after time.
What’s wrong with me that I’d let someone treat me that way? Am I that desperate to be loved?
Chapter Thirty-Four
Ifollowed Montana upstairs and found her on the top landing with her body flush against the wall. Her eyes were closed and she was screaming, saying she was sorry over and over again.
I hope that Gray’s brother finds the fucker alive. Andrew. If that was his twin I killed today, then that means I get to kill the sick son of a bitch all over again. And I fucking want to.
I’m holding my wife in my arms while she clings to me as if I’m the only thing keeping her together. I’ll sit right here holding her for as long as she needs me to do it. I’m not going anywhere. “I’m always going to love you, Tanna. I’m sorry I can’t make it all go away for you,” I tell her.
