Page 15 of Just My Ex

Henry.

There’s a pop inside of me when I see him. The only man I’ve ever loved is running behind me, like he’s trying to catch up.

I should have known he’d come here. And now the feeling of betrayal is magnified becausewhy didn’t Sebastian tell me?

“Really?” I shoot back at him. He’s gaining on me, and out of instinct, I pick up the pace. He’s a better runner than I am, a point that has never bothered me more.

Wow, Henry. You had to go and become even better at something than you already were? And that something had to be running? So that you could do what? Ruin my Zen? Ruin everything?

“Quinn. Can we talk?” He’s out of breath, and the amount of satisfaction I feel over that probably isn’t very healthy.

I glance at him again. He’s nearly caught up to me. And he’s wearing a T-shirt and … jeans?

“Why are you running in jeans? Is this some sort of weird military exercise?”

“I wasn’t planning on going for a nice jog on the beach,” he mutters and then pauses his speaking to take a couple of breaths. “If I’d known we were doing this today, I would have dressed accordingly.”

“Sorry for making things so difficult for you.” I retort, but then I stop myself from going further. I always told myself I’ll take the high road. I’d be a voice of reason in the divorce. For Navie’s sake.

“Just … why are you here?” I ask him. I try to use my best, mostly-kind professional voice I can muster. But it’s hard on account of my running lungs being out of breath, and because he’s my ex and it’s been a very long time since I’ve seen him.

And yes. I can admit it to myself that a part of me is … relieved he’s here. And that I may have even entertained thoughts of asking him to come and help us. There’s no one more competent at protecting others than Henry.

“Can we stop for a second and talk?” He puffs out a couple of breaths. “And then we can run some more if you need to.” He’s in a stone-colored Henley shirt, short-sleeved, and I can see his arms peppered with tattoos. He’s added some more since I saw him last.

Huh.

Not that I should notice or care.

“Whatever needs to be said to me, can be said to me during a jog.” Now I’m making up divorce rules?

“Okay. I first wanted to apologize.” He lifts up a hand and I glance over to see he’s wiping his brow. “You don’t want to see me, and I’m very sorry you have to. But I feel your life, and Navie’s, are in danger, and I’m hoping, in light of that, we can have this break in the status quo, just for a little while.”

“Did Sebastian tell you I was here?”

“No. He didn’t say anything.” Henry gives a little shake and a side glance. “I wish we could stop so I can explain.”

“It would be better if we keep running.” If I have to stand here on the beach, face to face with my ex … I don’t know how I’ll feel about that.

“Okay. It’s that … I heard from an Army buddy, and you know him. We’ve had dinner with him a few times. Victor? He … well, he said it looked like you were in trouble and from what he could tell, he thought you came here.”

I stop, place my hands on my hips and shake out my legs. I start to see black spots, and I force my eyes to stay open. This can’t be happening.

“Has Victor been following me?” I fight the urge to close my eyes, and instead, slick out a lick of my lips. Victor’s a nice guy, but still. That’s not okay.

Henry’s gaze goes to the sand. “I asked him to keep an eye on you because I’ve seen too much, Quinn.” He breathes deeply in and out a couple of times. “You have no idea of the dangers that are out there, and I was concerned for you and Navie. He told me about Raymond. He said you chased him out of the backyard in the middle of the night? Quinn, that wasn’t a good idea.”

“He was watching me?” I shudder and bend so I can rest my hands on my calves. I’m lightheaded. “How could you do this? That’s a violation of my privacy.”

“I’m sorry.” He’s still out of breath. “It was a mistake for me to not tell you. I was worried. And I had every right to be, considering Raymond’s threats.”

“How did you even know about that? Did your family tell you?”

Also? I was right. Standing here, facing Henry, is way worse than jogging in the same vicinity.

“Right before I went to your place a few months ago, Sebastian told me little bits and pieces. He didn’t want to break your confidence. I asked and he barely told me anything. But it was enough to confirm you were worried. And I have experience with threats and stalking and family issues … Quinn, I’m here to help.”

“I don’t need your help, Henry. You used to say you wanted to earn my trust … that you couldn’t tell me anything about what you did for a living, but to make up for it you’d be above board, stupidly honest about everything else. Remember that?”

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