Page 18 of Jagger

“I’ll take whatever you got.”

Her eyes opened wide and she blew out a heavy breath. “Well, okay then. Let me get your order together. It’ll take a few minutes.”

I had all the time in the world.

As I stood and waited, I couldn’t avoid thinking about Bella. However, I had to get her out of my mind.

Nothing could happen between us. If it did, I’d place her in harm’s way.

From me.

CHAPTER 7

Bella

Frustration.

Anger.

Sadness.

I’d experienced every emotion over the last few months, the darkest ones more concentrated over the last few days. My mind was still finding it difficult to process that Joel hated me to the point of ruining my career and my reputation. How and when had things gotten so repulsive?

I stared out the window at the snow, my jaw clenched. Thankfully, I’d found a box of PopTarts that hadn’t been opened and a toaster. Cally was happy with her breakfast. But there was no other food to be found.

Baltimore had its share of snow-filled events, but given the fancy house I’d once lived in, the adjoining roads had been plowed continuously. The rich people could never be inconvenienced.This was entirely different, the light of day providing a beautiful but eerie reminder I was in the mountains.

Still, I’d need to find a grocery store if I had any hopes of lasting through the storm. I’d counted the money I’d managed to grab before leaving. The exercise had left me with a sick feeling inside. I’d been stupid not to stop at an ATM prior to climbing the steep roads. My fear that Joel had somehow managed to obtain access was the reason. He would have been able to trace the direction I’d headed out of town.

I was such a fool.

At least I could take Esme up on her offer, but only if absolutely necessary.

With my little girl happily munching and enjoying her coloring book, I was free to try to breathe. And think. And plan.

What in God’s name was I going to do?

My phone chirped and I anticipated seeing Esme’s number. Instead, it was Joel’s. The bastard had found my new number for a second time. Shit. He’d likely coerced the woman in the business office at the hospital. Another mistake. I should have picked up a burner phone.

“What do you want, Joel?” I hissed.

“Is that any way to talk to your husband?”

“You’re not my husband any longer. You ceased to be that the moment you stuck your dick into Susie. Remember?”

“I can’t believe you are holding that against me, but last I checked, we’re still married.”

“Are you kidding me? Aren’t you the biggest asshole in the world. Stop calling me. We are finished.”

“You have my daughter.”

“She’s not your daughter.”

“The adoption was almost final and wouldn’t you know, my father knows someone who is ensuring the adoption papers are signed.”

A wave of nausea hit me hard and immediately.

I was sicker inside than before. I’d stopped the adoption process almost immediately after we’d met with a divorce attorney. It was even in the separation arrangement. But I couldn’t put anything past Joel. He wanted to destroy my life.

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