Page 18 of Ruthless Regret

He frowns slightly, then nods. “That might be a good idea. It puts you out of Zain’s orbit completely, which should also take any unwanted attention away from you as well.” He stands. “I’ll keep you updated, if we find anything further.”

“Thank you.” I walk him to the door, and watch while he gets into his car and drives away. As soon as he’s gone, I walk through to the kitchen, where my mom, Jessa-Mae and Karla are waiting.

“What did the sheriff say?” Karla asks.

I let out a long, shaky breath. “He thinks I’m being targeted, and agreed that leaving town is the best option.”

“Then let’s get you packed, and get out of here.”

“Wait.” My mom blocks the door. “Ashley, slow down. You’re running away again.”

“No, I’m?—”

“This is what happened when you turned eighteen. You couldn’t get out of town fast enough.”

“The sheriff said it was a good idea.”

“Butisit? If someone is targeting you, don’t you think they might follow you? Surely staying here is the better option?”

I shake my head. Leaving town feels like the right thing to do. For the first time in days, I’m in control of my decisions.

I’m leaving Whitstone, leaving Zain, and going home to New York … where I belong. Where I can go back to being the person I’d built myself up to be.

“Please, let me pass so I can get my suitcase.”

She holds my gaze for a second longer, then sighs and steps to the side. I pause on my way past and kiss her cheek as a peace offering.

In my room, I grab my suitcase, thankfully I hadn’t unpacked it, then turn back to the door. As I do, I glance over at the bed. My eyes catch on the wedding ring. For half a second, I consider leaving it, letting it become just another discarded memory. But something makes me walk over, bend, and pick it up. I don’t put it on, but I slip it into my pocket.

Why?

It’s not because I want it, that’s for certain.

It’s because I need the reminder. A reminder of what I’ve been through, whatZainput me through.

Jessa and Karla are waiting in the hall when I walk down the stairs.

“Are you ready to go?”

I nod. I’m going to need a new cell phone. Zain still has mine, and I’m not prepared to go and beg him for it.

I stop. The case my cell is in has my driving license in it. While I could drive without it, I don’t want to risk being pulled over by the police and have to explain why I don’t have my license.

“I need to leave my car here. Can I get a ride with you?” I wait for them to ask why.

When they don’t, I relax a little.

I can apply for a new license once I’m back home. Maybe I can arrange for someone to come and get my car. But they’re problems for another day. A day when my head isn’t pounding, and the only thing I want to do is get out of town.

I say goodbye to my mom. It’s clear that she’s unhappy with my decision, but she doesn’t argue or try to change my mind. Karla puts my suitcase in the trunk, and I take the backseat, leaving the front passenger seat for Jessa-Mae.

But as the car drives slowly down the street, I can’t shake the feeling that this isn’t over.

CHAPTER NINE

ZAIN

Areyou sure this is about you?

---