Page 100 of I see you Beauty

Suddenly, I hear a threatening undertone where there is usually only warmth. Was I really that blind, or am I just imagining it? Damn, what’s real and what’s not? Is my infatuation playing tricks on me, or is it more likely this stranger who wants to take Ezra’s—our—happiness?

My pulse is racing, and I can’t breathe because I simply can’t tell what’s real and what’s not. Nevertheless, I try to stay calm and not let it show. So, I bridge the distance that I had previously put between us. I gently take his hand and look at him urgently.

“Don’t you think she already has so much to deal with? I want to do it right, okay?” I talk to him gently and give him a small smile at the end, softening his features again before his hand slides to my cheek, and he presses a very soft kiss on it.

“Good, then you go upstairs, and I’ll cook. It won’t taste as good as yours, but I’ll try,” Ezra jokes, planting another kiss on me. “Baby, I’m so glad we have each other, and don’t worry, I won’t let you go,” he murmurs against my lips, making the blood freeze in my veins because I think I now understand the true meaning behind those words.

I smile and hope it doesn’t look too artificial before briefly returning his kiss and then going upstairs. I try not to rush up the stairs so he doesn’t get suspicious. Once upstairs, I immediately grab my cell phone and call Thomas. But even after the third time, it only goes to voicemail.

I run my fingers through my hair in despair and don’t know what to do now. Somehow, I must get out of here, but I can’t until Ezra leaves so I can have the conversation with June. I must tell June what I’ve learned about Ezra! She needs to know that he could be dangerous, so she’ll stay away from him until I find out the truth.

Kelly! Suddenly, it pops into my head. I quickly text my friend, telling her I have to go into hiding with June indefinitely. I don’t want her to ask any questions or reply to the message. After I send it and see that she’s read it, I delete the message in my chat, just in case.

I need to get away from Ezra somehow to find out what’s up with Jenny’s accusations before I decide. And I can’t do that if he’s right next door and can keep breaking into my house unnoticed and as if by magic. I wouldn’t be able to sleep a wink, worrying that he could suddenly be standing behind me at any second, as he has always done. I wonder why that never seemed strange to me before.

Because I don’t know precisely when June will be back, I put on some makeup to cover up the dark spots on my face so that she doesn’t get too scared of me. Because I look awful. My lip is still swollen and torments me when I speak, and my body is in a lot of pain. But I can’t worry about that now. I must stay calm when I return to him and pretend everything is fine.

I take a deep breath and brace myself to return to Ezra. My heart is pounding in my throat, and my nerves are threatening to explode just as the anxious trembling won’t stop. Still, there’s no way around it. June could come home at any moment, and Ezra can’t be here. So close your eyes and get through it.

“Everything okay? I hope he didn’t threaten you again,” Ezra growls through clenched teeth, causing me to tense up again.

I quickly shake my head.

“No. I couldn’t get through to him,” I reply, shrugging my shoulders. “What are you cooking?” I deflect, trying to calm my nerves.

Ezra grins in his typical way as he continues to chop something up. Again, I wonder if I’m doing the right thing here because some woman from his past is making such claims…? Doesn’t he deserve at least a bit of the benefit of the doubt for everything he’s already done for me?

“The only thing I’m great at. Everything else is rather mediocre. Stew,” he replies with a grin and shrugs apologetically.

Just a few hours ago, I would have melted at the thought of this, but now I can’t help wondering if what Jenny said is true. Unfortunately, I don’t have her number, full name, or any other leads to find her and ask more questions. What she told me isn’t enough—I need more information.

Maybe it’s not true. Despite everything, I can’t picture Ezra as a stone-cold killer. Perhaps a stalker, when emotions get the better of him, because there were a lot of coincidences that seemed strange in retrospect. But a murderer? A serial killer who supposedly killed all his ex-girlfriends?

I simply don’t know what’s true and what’s not. But I don’t want to ignore it either, not if June is involved. He could just walk in here at any time and do something to her if he’s capable of these horrible things. No! I will not risk my daughter’s life! That’s why I’m sticking to my plan, so I can find out what the truth is. I need to know!

“Thank you for helping me and being such a support. But I think I can manage today without my savior. June will be here soon…” I leave the sentence open and look over my shoulder to make sure she’s not already parked outside the house.

“Of course. I’ll leave you alone for today, even though I already miss you and don’t know how to get through the day without you. But maybe I can steal a secret kiss tonight… or even more…?” he replies and winks at me before throwing the remaining ingredients into the pot, putting the knife on the board, and then coming over to me.

I smile and return the kiss before pulling away from him and looking at the floor in embarrassment, hoping he’ll let go of me and finally leave. It’s all getting too much for me, and I need a clear head so I don’t lose sight of everything happening around me. I’m doing this for June, her safety, and me… and Ezra. Because I can’t and won’t believe what Jenny told me is true. It must be a lie!

“This has to simmer for another hour. I’ll be in the club until this evening. If you want to see me, just let me know… I love you, Beauty,” he whispers and passionately kisses me.

His words confuse me even more and I can’t say anything back. I look at him wide-eyed as he breaks away from me and finally leaves my house a little later. The moment I hear the hum of his motorcycle fading, I snap out of my daze. I quickly turn off the stove and race upstairs to pack a few things. It’s a relief that Ezra isn’t next door; I was unsure how I’d manage to get the suitcases into my car without being seen.

Once in my bedroom, I pull two large suitcases from the top shelf, one for me and one for June, before rushing to my cell phone to call her. I feel like I’m in a race against time that I’m about to lose if I stop for a second. I hurriedly dial June’s number, praying she’ll pick up.

“Hi, Mom. I’ll be home in a minute. What’s up?” June picks up in a good mood, which makes me feel relieved because it means her father hasn’t contacted her to explain his side of things.

“June. Listen to me very carefully now, and I’m not joking!” I start the conversation in a serious voice.

I wish I could do it more gently and without scaring her so much, but I want to prevent her from running into Ezra at all costs.

“Mom, what’s wrong? You’re scaring me,” she stammers, giving me a stab in the chest. But we both have to be strong now.

“Sorry, dear. But it’s really important. Please go to Kelly’s right away. Don’t come home! Do you understand?! Don’t. Come. Home. June! I’ll meet you there and explain everything, okay?” I speak with urgency.

“O-okay,” she replies uncertainly.

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