Page 2 of Saved By Love at Christmas
“Touch me again and I’ll call the police!”
He threw his head back, laughing. “Yeah, you do that and see what’ll happen.”
It was then I remembered he had a close friend in the local police force. No doubt the charge would be made to go away.
I thought about all the times he’d cheated on me in the past. I was only thirty-one, but obviously, I was getting too old for him. The number of young women he openly flaunted in front of me should have sent me running for home. But I was too stupid and proud to admit to my grandad and Ben that I’d been a fool.
“I’m going without you. You can clean this shit up, and yourself. I’ll deal with you when I get back.” The threat in his words was palpable.
The front door slammed so hard I was surprised it didn’t come off its hinges.
There was blood on the wood where I’d hit my head, and my face throbbed from the slap. It was time for me to leave while I was still alive. I used my phone to take pictures of myself and the damage to the mirror, including the bloodstain on the wood and my torn dress. I wanted to document the attack, just in case.
The first thing I had to do was get away from the villa as fast as I could. There was plenty of time; Jamie wouldn’t be back until at least the early hours. I grabbed my suitcases and shoved all my belongings into them, not bothering to fold anything. Next, I found my phone and called a taxi to take me to Malaga.
How could I have been so blind to the way he was treating me? I was an intelligent woman, and I’d read enough articles in magazines about domestic violence to realise I’d been a victim ever since we set foot in Spain.
I needed to get home. I could have called Grandad, but he was already concerned about me. I’d contact Ben. I remembered what he’d said to me the night of my farewell party. It was as though he knew I’d need his help.
“I want to know that I’ll be the person you call if you ever need help. Promise me?”
His words echoed in my mind as I sat in the taxi, watching the bright lights of Malaga get closer. I had the driver drop me off in the city centre, then I booked a hotel. If Jamie tried to trace my movements, he’d only get this information, not the name and location of the hotel.
When I entered the hotel room, I booked a flight out of Malaga early the next morning, then dialled my best friend’s number.
I swallowed back my nerves while I waited for him to answer. I hadn’t called him or my grandad for a while. Part of the reason was that Ben knew me so well and I wouldn’t be able to hide my emotions, not even over the phone. But I had to reach out to him now. Until I got on that plane, I at least needed to hear a friendly voice.
“Ruby?”
Just hearing him speak made me feel better.
“Hi, Ben. I… I need help.” I broke down and wept; deep, gut-wrenching sobs.
“Talk to me, Rubes.”
His voice was gentle. There was always a sense of happiness and calm in the way he spoke. He was so patient and understanding. My sobs subsided as he waited for me to respond.
“Jamie hit me. I…”
“Jesus fucking Christ! Is he there? Are you safe? What can I do?”
His response shocked me. He never swore; not even when we were teenagers. I broke down once more. The relief of getting away from Jamie and then hearing Ben’s concern made my emotions consume me. I gripped my phone tighter and closed my eyes in an attempt to gather myself together. My stomach tightened as I realised how angry he was on my behalf. It also warmed my heart that he cared so much that he’d do anything for me.
“I’m safe.” The words came out in a croak. “I’ve packed my things. I’m in a hotel in Malaga. He won’t know where to find me. My flight home is booked for six in the morning.”
Ben let out a relieved sigh. “What airport are you flying to? I’ll come and pick you up. Have you told your grandad?”
I shook my head; stupid because he couldn’t see. “No. I didn’t want to worry him. The flight’s to Stansted.”
My poor grandad. He was the only family I had. I should never have left. Tears leaked from my eyes, thankful that I’d soon be back with people who genuinely cared about me.
“You need to tell him you’re coming home,” he said in an even gentler voice.
“I know. But I can’t tell him about Jamie hitting me. At least not until I get home.”
“Okay, that’s understandable. Was this the first time he hit you?”
A montage of earlier events came back to me. “It was the first time. He’s been a verbal bully…” My words stuck in my throat. “I’ve been so stupid, Ben. Why couldn’t I see what others saw in Jamie? Maybe… maybe I deserve this for being so such an idiot. I’m so foolish for falling for a handsome face and a charming smile.” I ran a hand across my eyes.
