Page 30 of Beyond Oblivion

Trenton’s shoulders fell. “He saw me follow her and followed me.”

“At your request?”

“No, I didn’t know he saw us. But I’m glad he did because he trains her dad and he said…”

I tried not to smile at the combination of embarrassment and disgust on my husband’s face.

“It’s not funny,” he said, nearly pouting.

“What did Maddie’s dad say?”

“That she has an unhealthy obsession with me.”

I feigned surprise. “Really? No way,” I said, my voice rising an octave.

“Cami, c’mon! We’re talking possible creepy Trenton shrine or something equally disturbing found in her room. Her parents forbade her to go anywhere near me because of whatever they found.”

I paused. “Forbade? Did that really come out of your mouth? And please tell me you’re joking.”

“I wish I were,” he said, his expression as flat as his tone.

“Well,” I said, standing. “Thank you for being honest. Glad you got home in one piece.” I pointed at him while walking to the bedroom. “And put that shirt in the washer right now and take a shower, becausedamn. Did she bathe in it?”

“Why aren’t you yelling at me?” he asked, following close behind.

I took off my earrings and then fiddled with my necklace until he took over, laying the delicate gold chain on the dresser.

“I’m glad you banned her from the shop. Saves me the trouble. I don’t mind a mistake, but the taking advantage of your kindness part and the scheming… She may be a kid, but that makes me feel stabby.”

“So…” He put his hands on his hips, still confused. “No yelling?”

“You act like I yell at you all the time.”

“Well, if you ever did, this would be a good reason.”

“So, you feel bad?”

“Well, yeah.”

“Then why do I have to yell?”

His brows pulled together. “This is what an adult relationship is, isn’t it?”

My mouth fell open in a shocked smile, and I pointed at him as I walked to the bathroom. “You are getting to be such a big boy! I’m so proud of you!” I teased.

“Very funny,” he grumbled. “Hey,” he said, pulling his stinky shirt over his head. “I love you. Thank you for trusting me. I don’t take it for granted.”

“It’s because of the man you are, Trenton. You’ve never made me wonder.”

He smiled, turning for the laundry room. “Best compliment anyone could ever give me.”

Chapter Eight

Trenton

Torture. Pure, unadulterated torture.

Watching Camille curl herself tightly into a ball, silent as she suffered excruciating pain once a month while I stood around like a useless piece of furniture was absolute agony, and still it was nothing compared to what she was feeling. If it was a person hurting her, I could swing and fix it. This… this I couldn’t scare away.

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