Page 14 of Property Of Chrissy

My hands clutched my bag tighter. It was the only thing I could grip onto to steady myself.

“Well, first, you can start by going upstairs and putting on a dress. Tonight, you’re going to be on your best behavior and act like a good little fiancée to Mr. Walken. We’re going out to dinner to celebrate your upcoming nuptials. Congratulations, by the way, Christina. You’re engaged.”

I knew the part well. Knew exactly what my father expected. I was always the pawn he used in his schemes. The bait he would throw to the sharks so he could manipulate some business deal. Once the paperwork was finalized for whatever merger or acquisition the evil man was trying to accomplish, he’d pull the plug on the wedding. I always had to play along until everything was signed, sealed, and delivered. And if I didn’t, Deputy Fink would be there to ensure I knew what would happen to me. Tonight, the threat isn’t on me though. The threat is on the man I love. Therefore, I will be the most doting fiancée to Walken. I will not let my father down.

“Oh and, Christina? Just in case you’re tempted to give into your whoring ways like your mother, we’re going to be giving that boy the same warning. If he tries to see you again, or even contacts you, he’ll be done for.”

The fear I felt that night rolls through me and I shiver hard. When I realized which restaurant my dad had chosen and why, I knew that one wrong move on my part and Sean would be arrested on the spot. It was a threat I didn’t take lightly. It was a threat I thought Sean had also received. But I was wrong. Sean didn’t leave town because my father had threatened to take away his freedom. Sean left because he believed I’d actually beenengaged to someone else. That I was in love with someone else. He believed the lie.

All this time, he thought I’d been stringing him along. That I was a lying, cheating whore. He didn’t bother to listen to the voicemails I left, telling him the truth, begging him to forgive me for all of it. I thought he ran in fear. I thought he hated me for getting him wrapped up in my mess. I thought he was hurt I hadn’t given him the choice, because I never painted the picture of who my dad truly was. I’d kept my dad’s evilness a secret. So, I couldn’t blame Sean for his decision once he learned the truth. I understood why he’d be angry.

But now I know none of that was the case. He didn’t leave because of my father. He left because of me.

My foot presses down harder on the petal as the surge of anger rushes in. How could he have thought I would do such a thing? After everything that happened between us? After I poured my heart and soul out to him night after night? I thought he knew me. Knew my character. My values. My heart. But clearly, I was wrong. He didn’t know me at all if he thought I was a little hussy who would screw two guys at the same time and choose money and a fancy life over love.

But apparently, I don’t know him either.

The way he behaved tonight. All the hurtful things he said. The man I knew would never have been so cruel.

I park in front of my motel room, grab my mace and keys, and make a run for the door. Honestly, I’m not going to miss this place. It gives me the creeps, especially when I come home late at night from work. But this will be the last time I have to make a beeline for my room.

The second I’m inside, I lock the deadbolt and secure the table in front of the door. I go straight to the closet and pull out my suitcase. I’m not sure where I’m going to go. All I know isthat I can’t stay here. As soon as the sun comes up, I’m getting on the road.

The thought of leaving the friends I’ve made here hurts. For the first time in my life, I feel like I fit. But I won’t be able to face the man who has just crushed my soul. Besides, he made it very clear tonight he wants me gone.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The loud banging has me jumping from my skin. I crouch down, grabbing my mace off the table, tiptoeing quietly to look through the peephole. But it’s not some creepy guest. Sean is standing outside, looking like he’s going to break the door down. Did he follow me?

“If you don’t open this door right now, Chrissy, I swear I’m going to bust it down.”

I’m pretty sure he will. And I’d rather not have to sleep in my car tonight or pay for the damage.

I shift the table back into its place, turn the lock, and barely get the door open before he’s pushing his way inside.

“What the fuck are you doing staying in a place like this?”

Seriously? He came here to yell at me some more? To bully me? Change of plan: I’m not waiting until morning, I’m leaving now.

“Because they take cash and don’t ask questions,” I answer. “Now, do you mind? I’m trying to pack.”

He looks over my shoulder to the open suitcase on my bed and his eyes grow even darker.

“Why the fuck are you packing?”

Is he seriously asking me that question? What the hell is wrong with him?

“I’m getting out of your life like you asked, Sean. You want me gone, so I’m leaving.”

He slams the door and steps right into my space. “Tell me why.” His eyes drill in hard and I’m struggling to breathe.

“Why what?” I ask, taking a step back from him. Having to strain my neck to see him makes me feel small, and I don’t want to feel weak right now. I’m not going to crumble in front of this man. I won’t give him the satisfaction.

“If you were so happy with him, why’d you get involved with me?”

I shake my head. “I did tell you why. I told you in all those texts and voicemails I left, but you didn’t want to hear it. You spent five years not caring what the truth was. Five years assuming the worst of me. You didn’t want my apology. You had ‘no need for it.’ Remember? So why do you suddenly give a shit now?”

He shreds the distance between us again. “You need to quit giving me that stubborn lip and start talking, Chrissy.”

---