Page 74 of Exes and Oh Hell No

“My husband cooks, pays the bills, takes care of the yard, helps with Harper, and does household chores.”

My brows narrowed as I listened to her words.

Part of me felt bad, while the other part started getting irrationally angry.

She wasn’t worried about Dad leaving us and shattering our family.

She was worried about how she’d survive without him because she was… helpless.

I listened to more of her conversation before I turned around and went back to my bedroom.

As I slipped beneath the covers, I vowedneverto be that dependent on anyone.

I was determined that I wouldn’t follow in my mom’s footsteps.

I’d be independent.

Unlike her.

Connor and Ford’slaughter carries into the bathroom, pulling me from my thoughts.

Despite the hot water pouring over my skin, I’m shivering, unable to shake the memory.

Horror wraps around me like a blanket.

I’m doing what I said I’d never do.

A few days in Ford’s world, and I start handing over independence, relying on him.

What the hell is wrong with me?

This needs to stop.

As I dry myself with a towel, I begin making plans.

Excitement fills me.

Yes. This will work.

It has to.

Ford issound asleep beside me, his grip on me loose.

I watch his face as I slip from his arms and bed, quietly putting on my sweatpants and sweatshirt.

Tiptoeing across the floor, I slip my feet into my sneakers.

Then I double-check that my cash and card are in my pocket.

My heart thrashes inside my chest as I tiptoe to the door, expecting Ford’s eyes to fly open and stop me from leaving.

But when I leave his room, silently closing the door behind me, a thrill of victory rolls through me. I let out the breath I’ve been holding, then silently sneak down the stairs.

Connor is sprawled on the couch.

The light from the TV illuminates his sleeping face.

I go to the door, my eyes darting between him and the stairs.

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