Page 41 of Ignite

Just me being a friend.

Chapter 14

HALLIE

Isee dim headlights parked outside my house. Checking the time—it’s eleven p.m.

Who the hell?—?

A weird feeling settles in my gut.

I pull into the garage and hit the remote to shut the doors. My hand slips into the glove box for my gun. The cold weight grounds me.

I grab my phone, finger hovering over Conan’s contact. Then?—

Bang, bang, bang.

A loud knock sends a jolt through me. I nearly drop the phone.

“Hallie! It’s me. Ben.”

A groan slips out. The hundred missed calls didn’t send a clear enough message?

I slam the car door and storm through the garage entrance, swinging open the front door.

“What?”

He flinches, just slightly, then his eyes rake over me. I grip the door tighter.

“I want to talk, Hallie. Please?”

There it is. The puppy dog eyes. The ones that used to work.

“No. Fuck off.”

“It’s important. If you hear me out, I can stop it. If you take me back, you’ll be safe. You need me.”

I grit my teeth so hard it hurts.

“No. No, I don’t, Ben. I don’t need a cheating, lying asshole of a boyfriend. I don’t need anyone. Now get off my property before I call the cops.”

His eyes flicker. Something darker. Scary.

He lunges.

The door flies open, knocking me off balance as he shoves his way inside.

“Listen to me!” he shouts, voice wild.

Bertie barks like mad, growling, hackles up beside me.

“Shut that fucking mutt up and stop being a stupid bitch. I’m giving you a way out!”

His voice cracks. He’s manic.

“A way out of what?” I ask, my voice steady, masking the fear rising in my throat.

I’ve never seen him like this. Ben’s always maintained control.

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