Page 121 of Tempt Her

And I can’t erase years of abuse and assault with anything said in minutes. There’s no sentence that will end all the pain.

But my new life does.

I think about my dad; all he needs are my muffins and care, and he’ll have both until his dying day. My mom would be so proud. She was never a pushover. I just lost her inside me along the way, but now she’s back.

My steps near the patrol car, and I inhale the love I feel—the three men who wait for me. I’m pissed at one and will miss the other, while one has always been in my heart, and it’ll be okay. Everything will be okay if you have true love. And I know we do, the four of us.

It’ll be a love and a life that breaks all of the rules, and I fucking love it.

Almost as much as I relish this…

Slapping my hand down on the open door, I lean inside the patrol car.

“Nice bracelets.” I smile at Gentry, nodding toward the handcuffs behind his back. He won’t look at me. “You know… prison jumpsuits are gonna suit you more than sailboat belts and azalea shirts. The orange will flatter your bird chest and pancake ass.” I tsk, “But sorry, ain’t no fashion gonna fix that micro peen of yours. Still, I’m sure you’ll be put to little use soon.”

Slowly, his red face glares my way. It’s twitching his thin lips, wanting to rant at me, but he’s too smart, knowing it’s all admissible in court with an officer sitting up front, hearing his every word.

“And don’t fret.” I use my pageant smile. “Even with you gone for good, I have keepsakes. I made a video of our marital bed this morning andallthe love you feel for golf. I’ll be sharing it so folks can remember you always. You and your mommy; bless her cold heart.”

Usually, his beady eyes narrow, but now they fly open in fear.

“Yeah, and you know all the times you had your streaked underwear in a knot, trying to drag me down with insults?” I start laughing because I really do feel it—pure fucking revenge. “Iama blonde beauty queen with big tits, thick thighs, and a round ass. And yes, Iamgetting older and fatter… and…Smart. As. Fuck. It wasmewho found the evidence that busted you. Won’t tell you what, though.” I wink. “I’ll let the prosecutor surprise ya.”

“Bitch,” he mutters.

“Oh, yes,I am.” I lean closer; this is the last time I have to smell his Abercrombie stench. “I’m the bitch who will keep fucking you over for years. That nine iron and your new friends in prison ain’t got nothing on your sweet wife who’s married to revenge now.”

“You’re full of shit,” he sneers.

“For once, dear husband, you’re right. There’s a porta-potty at a Texas chili festival full of less shit than what I will do to yourfineEvans name.”

The officer looks over her shoulder, winking at me but nodding her chin like “time’s up.”

I blow him a kiss. “See you in a year.”

CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE

Movement by Hozier

“You didn’t have to do this.”

Stacey admires the pure silver band I got for her right wedding finger. It matches the one Mateo wears. Mine too.

“But I did,” I tell her. “And Ford’s gonna wear the one I bought him, too, now that he ain’t lying anymore.”

“Quit bustin’ my balls.” Ford swirls the bourbon in his glass. “We’ll all wear matching rings. Happy now?”

Mateo sits beside him in a matching chair. “I’m happy to make you live hard over that lie for years.”

“Fine by me.” Ford grins. “I like living hard for you.” He slides a smile my way. “And you.” He winks at Stacey sitting in my lap. “And you too, baby.”

Finally, the mood is lighter.

Good, because I report to Fort Jackson in the morning, and I ain’t saying goodbye staying mad at Ford. I’ll let Mateo do that. He’s got that ability to be mad but still love you.

But I’m about to give Ford just a bit more shit… when Stacey’s phone buzzes for the umpteenth time.

“Dammit.” She grabs it off the coffee table and checks it again.

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