Page 96 of I see you Beauty

Ezra gives me a stern, sideways glance before scrutinizing my ribs. He runs his fingers lightly over the bruises to see if there is more damage than meets the eye. I draw in my breath sharply, but nothing else seems to be injured apart from the fact that it hurts like hell. So I pull away and turn to face him. As I straighten my dress again, I gently put my arms around his neck and look up at him.

“Please don’t worry. I’m fine… You saved me, and I’m glad and grateful that you’re here with me now. Thank you,” I whisper and kiss his lips softly, as they are too bruised for more.

Ezra gently wraps his arms around me, careful not to press on any of the marks on my body, and holds me close, offering the support I so desperately need right now. I press him a little tighter against me. His closeness, familiar smell, and simply the fact that he is there and holding me and protecting me.

“I’m sorry that this evening, which was supposed to be so special, has become such a disaster. I would love to take all of your burdens away, Beauty.”

Completely moved by his words, I tightly wrap my arms around him. I want to be close to him and give back something he has given me through his words and actions.

“Come on. You should rest. It’s been a tiring day,” Ezra suggests after a moment and pulls away from me.

I nod.

“Yes. But first, I must text Kelly, telling her I’m fine and I’ll get back to her tomorrow. I don’t want her to worry.”

“If you want, I can text her, and you can get some rest?” Ezra suggests.

I nod again gratefully and let him lead me into the bedroom. Ezra carefully peels me out of my dress and shoes, which I’m still wearing. Just as he undoes my bra for me, he briefly gives both of my breasts a sweet kiss before he stands up again with a rakish grin. He chooses a nightgown from my closet and carefully puts it on me.

“What’s your phone passcode?” he asks as I slip under the thin blanket.

“I don’t have one. Thomas didn’t want me to hide anything,” I reply meekly, avoiding his gaze because I’m only now realizing how ridiculous that sounds.

Ezra doesn’t comment, gently kissing me on the forehead before he leaves the bedroom to get my bag downstairs with my cell phone. I sink into my pillow and look around.

The room feels so much bigger now. Even though Thomas’s belongings are still here, his imposing presence that kept me feeling small and subdued for years is gone.

It’s as if someone has opened my eyes. It feels like I had been blind and deaf all these years, and only now am I truly seeing the bright and vibrant colors of the world. Despite standing amidst the wreckage of my marriage, I’m finally witnessing the beauty of life that had been obscured for so long. I can do anything. I can be whoever I want and go wherever I choose without needing to explain myself or ask for permission. I am… free.

I can’t help but smile when I realize what it all means, even though I have no idea how it will go or how I’m supposed to explain it to June. How do I make my point to Thomas so that he accepts that it’s over? These are all things I have no control over or answers to. But I’m still happy about the step I’ve taken today.

“Done. I’ve texted her, and said you’ll be in touch tomorrow. I’m assuming you don’t want to leave the house anytime soon.”

Ezra comes close and gives me a painkiller with a glass of water. I gratefully take the medicine as my whole body aches unspeakably. He nods contentedly before taking the glass from me again and then removes his shoes, trousers, and shirt so that he can join me under the covers in just his shorts. He takes me gently in his arms.

“I don’t know how I will make it up to you. Thank you, Ezra,” I whisper against his chest and gently kiss his lips.

“You don’t have to make up for anything, baby! I just want to hold you in my arms and finally fall asleep. It’s exactly what I’ve wanted from the beginning, and it’s finally coming true. I just wish the circumstances were different. But I’ll take what I get and try to make the best of it… Go to sleep, Beauty,” he murmurs against the crown of my head and presses another kiss to my lips.

I nod and snuggle closer to him, hoping the pill will take effect soon so I can get some rest. Though I’m already feeling sleepy, it’s likely due to the exhausting day and Ezra’s comforting presence. His closeness makes me feel safe and protected.

Chapter Sixty-Five

The time has finally come! After all, you love me…

Ihave to pull myself together to keep from jumping out of bed like a madman and killing that disgusting asshole who dared to lay a hand on you again. But no matter how hard I try to stay calm and talk myself out of it, I can’t fight the roaring thoughts in my skull.

He deserves to be punished and to suffer as much as you suffered from him. You’re finally ready to move on from him, and I can help you put him and your past behind you. He shouldn’t have the chance to keep pestering you. Or use June as leverage against you. No, you know it’s best if he no longer exists. Then, the threat he poses will be gone from your life once and for all. Then we can be a happy family: you, me, and June.

I know you’re far too pure to bring him to justice yourself. Too kind to let him suffer serious consequences. He won’t give up that easily. Deep down, you know that. But I can help you. I can relieve you of this burden and allow my dark side out one last time. After that, you’ll be mine for good, and no one will keep us apart. Then, I’ll never have to hurt anyone again because you’ll be the light in my life and banish the darkness forever. Yes, that’s it. I sacrifice my soul again to protect yours. Let me do that for you, Beauty…

He must atone for all the terrible things he has done to you. I’m sure you want me to get rid of him for you. You don’t want him to be a part of your or June’s life anymore, and I will gladly be the person to help you solve that problem. I would do anything for you, Beauty!

So I nuzzle you off me, even though I’d love nothing more than to hold you in my arms all night and wake up with you. Exactly what I’ve always wanted. But once I get this insignificant problem, aka your husband, out of the way, we will spend every single night and every beautiful morning together. I will never leave your side again. Never again, Beauty!

Just to be safe, I put a cut-up sleeping pill on your tongue to make sure you sleep through the night, just in case I’m not back when you wake up. Believe me, baby, I don’t want to leave, but I must do this for you so we can finally be happy.

I leave your house quietly, quickly put on my biker gear and leather gloves at home, and pack up a few other items I’ll need. Then I get on my motorcycle and speed through the night. I know exactly where I’m going to find this little jerk. I know he’d never rent a hotel room; he’ll be sleeping in his office. It’s good that I borrowed your key card to gain easy access.

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