Page 115 of My Damaged Protector

I bring out my laptop and start to write, focusing on straightening the story out and then giving it an ending without exposing either of our identities.

About an hour later, a loud scream pierces through the air, and I immediately recognize the owner of the scream as my daughter.

I'm on my feet and out of my room in the next breath.

“Somebody help me!” Her loud scream comes again.

I almost run into Sheila as I run to her room, and we both go to open the door, but it's locked. Exchanging a look, we decide not to waste another minute on looking for the key.

Throwing our bodies at the door a couple of times, it comes crashing down, and we enter the room to find Peter rushing out through the window.

That motherfucker! Was he just trying to kidnap my daughter?

“Mommy!” My daughter rushes toward me and I hug her.

“It's gonna be okay,” I assure her as she shivers in my arms.

“I'm calling the cops,” my aunt declares.

“No!” I immediately stop her. “We can't go to the cops with this. It will only make things worse.”

“Then who do we go to?”

Ian.

33

IAN

Sweat tricklesdown my body and my bones are screaming at me in protest, but I keep going, knowing this is a pain that's worth it.

I feel like shit on the outside.

Staying fit used to be something I didn't play with, until I lost Justin. And then my life went down the rabbit hole so deep it feels like I’ll never get out. But I decided enough was enough last week after Sarah left without telling me.

I told myself it was time to get my life together, and I did.

I called Richard and told him I was coming back to New Jersey. I met with Christopher and assured him I would not be far from Glazer Ville even though it's going to kill me to be there knowing that Sarah will never come back. Then I left town.

The thought of stopping at Sheila's to say goodbye crossed my mind, but I was still pissed at her for not at least hinting that Sarah was leaving.

Eventually, the countdown finishes, and I turn off the treadmill with my legs practically spasming.

I only started getting on the mill three days ago, and my body is adjusting pretty well. I know it's because it's been a while. Idon't care what it takes, though. If I'm getting my life back on the right track, my health is the most important thing.

The shrill sound of my phone ringing fills the air, and I pick it up even though the number is an unknown one. It could be any of the new guys on the crew.

It isn't.

“Hello?”

“Ian.” Sarah's voice comes from the phone, and I'm momentarily out of breath. “I need your help,” she says next, helping me regulate my breathing back.“It's Peter, he uh… found me.”

That asshole.

I don't even ask how because I know how dirty that bastard is. It's a pity she didn't take my word for it when I told her to be careful of him. I actually thought she would be safe where she is, but there's no hiding from a desperate shady man.

Peter will go to any lengths to get whatever he wants.

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