Page 5 of Cinnamon Cider Whiskey
He blinked. Anger filled his heart. It pumped through his veins like a wildfire. He knew better than to lecture her about what an asshole Pete was and how she deserved better. That never worked with his mother or with Tina. “Why don’t you come for a visit.”
“To see you? I don’t think so.” Her words were laced with the same fury she had the day she told him to fuck off fifteen years ago.
The last year of their relationship had been hard. After his mother had been murdered and his father went to prison, he’d thought about dropping out of college. However, Cinnamon had pushed him to continue his education. She believed it would be good for him to go on with his life. It took a few months, but in the end, he agreed and was happy he’d listened. But then his father died by suicide. He wouldn’t have cared had his dad not left a note, blaming him for everything that had happened. His father had rattled off everything Austin had done, including being born, that ruined his life and marriage. Had it not been for Austin, perhaps his mother would still be alive.
Austin knew none of it was true, but it affected him deeply and changed who he was at his core for a long time. Looking back, he could understand why Cinnamon broke up with him,but he could never comprehend how she could fall into the arms of Pete so quickly.
That broke his heart.
“Not me. Your family,” he said. “Everyone is worried about you.”
“I’ve got to go. Don’t call or text me again. My husband wouldn’t appreciate it.” The line went dead.
And so did his soul.
1
One year later…
Cinnamon Cider Whiskey set her suitcase and duffel bag on the front porch and pounded on the door. She glanced over her shoulder; fear still had a death grip on her emotions. It didn’t matter that Pete had been arrested. He wouldn’t stay there forever. He would hire a good lawyer and he’d be out by morning. The worst part was he’d know exactly where to come looking, which is why she wasn’t knocking on any of her cousins’ doors.
Nope.
She had to pick her ex-boyfriend.
But she didn’t know where else to turn and if anyone on this planet would understand, it was Austin.
She glanced at her watch.
One in the morning.
Shit. He was sure to be in bed. She knocked again. Louder this time.
“Who the hell is out there?” Austin called from inside. His voice was raspy and laced with frustration.
“It’s Cinnamon. Open the door, please.”
The wood barrier opened.
“What the hell?” Austin stood there in a pair of flannel pajama bottoms and nothing else. His dark hair was ruffled from sleep. It was longer than she remembered, touching the back of his neck. “What on earth are you doing here and why are you wearing sunglasses?”
“I’m sure I don’t have to explain that one.” She pointed to her bags. “Can I crash on your sofa tonight?” The memories of the past bombarded her brain.
Their first kiss. Their first official date. Prom. Visiting him in college. Making love for the first time. The fights. His moods after his father died.
And then fucking Pete.
A guttural sob stuck in her throat.
Austin reached out and gently removed her glasses.
The shame and horror of her life filled her heart. She turned away.
He let out a long breath. “Jesus,” he muttered, taking her chin with his thumb and forefinger.
Tears burned the torn skin on her cheeks. The excuses for what happened rushed through her mind. Pete hadn’t always been an abuser. He’d been a sweet man when they first got together. However, that had all been a manipulation. Part of his master plan to take her and keep her to himself. He might not have hit her for the first four years of their marriage, but he controlled her in other ways. And he’d never loved her. Not the way a husband should. He married her because she’d been pregnant with the one thing he wanted more than anything.
A child.
