Page 83 of Exposed to Him

My ankle is healing fine and I can semi walk on it. They provided me with one crutch.

I wobble my way out to the front of the bar. It’s early morning. Grady is drinking coffee at a nearby table.

“Can you please take me back to my place? I want to go home.”

“No can do. You are not safe, so therefore you stay here until the situation is handled.”

“This is bullshit. Where the hell is he?” I demand.

“He’s on a mission. He will be back in a couple days. Now get back in your room and rest,” he orders and I huff out an exasperated sigh.

“I’m going outside to get some air.” I move as quick as I can when one of his men follows me out. His name is Pete, and he’s been really helpful, but I’m so done being hovered over.

“Pete, can you please just let me be?” My voice cracks.

“I will be over here if you need anything.” He proceeds to move about twenty feet away. I roll my eyes and just sit there, thinking about my situation. How on earth did I make it this far?

I scroll through my phone and stop at Tony’s number, and then remember him running to his brother the last time I needed his help. I place my phone down and close my eyes. I take deep relaxing breaths while clearing my head.

I have a feeling that Jared and I will never be able to move past this. He probably doesn’t trust me, and I can’t fault him for that. I was going to run. I want to say that I wouldn’t do it if I was pregnant, now that I know he knows, but I would be lying. I already know I would do whatever I have to.

Hours go by and I haven’t moved from this chair outside. I feel like I’m in a dream. I miss Jared, I really do, but I’m not so sure I can trust him anymore. He just left without a word and I’m pissed. I tried calling him numerous times, and yet no answer. No one will tell me anything, and I’m getting frustrated.

“Erica, you’re shivering; let’s get you inside.” Pete kneels in front of me. I shake my head no and he sighs in defeat. He’s been trying to get me to move but I refuse to abide by their rules any longer.

He dials a number, walking away. I know he’s calling Jared.

“Pete, is it him?” I shout over to him and he holds up a finger. When he comes back over he hands me the phone.

I snatch the phone out of his hand.

“You can answer him but not me?” I yell, furious.

“Erica, get the fuck inside and stop it. We are trying to keep you safe, but we can’t do that when you’re being so stubborn.” I hear him inhale.

“Baby, please just do as you’re told for once.” His voice softens.

“You were just going to leave my calls unanswered? You know what, Jared? I’m done playing these games with you,” I cry out and toss the phone over to Pete.

“Don’t follow me,” I say with anger in my voice.

That night I cry myself to sleep again, feeling lonely and uncertain about where my life is heading.

The next morning I wake up to shouting. Matt, Pete, Grady, and a couple others are yelling about god knows what when I make myself known.

“Can you all shut the hell up? You sound like a bunch of bitches,” I grumble, pouring myself a cup of coffee. I hear a couple of laughs as they part ways but Matt is the one who makes his way over to me.

“Rough night?” He smirks.

“Rough month,” I groan.

“You look like you’ve been crying. Let’s talk.” I hold my hand up.

“I’m done with the talking. I just want to go home already.”

“He’ll be back today, so you will have your wish.” He laughs, and I give him a smile that doesn’t reach my eyes

“Hey, it’s all going to be okay. Jared loves you. You guys will get through this,” he tries to reassure me.

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