Page 112 of Score on You

Not long ago, my love was stuck in this petrified state. Similar defense mechanisms echo from her mother’s mannerisms. It’s no surprise she passed the knowledge to her daughter. But damn, Callie has shed many of those traits. She’s flourished in the months we’ve been dating. I can’t even picture how oppressed she was after first fleeing Billmoore.

The leather creaks under my unforgiving grip as I pull onto the road. If only a certain man’s neck was the victim of my chokehold. He’ll get what’s coming for him. Either from my hand or a punishing force greater than me.

Callie brushes over the discolored skin on her mother’s face. “Did Father do this?”

Her nod is subtle, but might as well be a scream.

Fury burns in my veins, and I barely manage to swallow a furious shout. “Fuck.”

The older woman flinches, which stabs guilt directly into my gut.

“I’m sorry,” I rasp. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

She appears stricken by my apology.

Callie laughs, but the tune lacks her usual humor. “See, Mama. Ridge is a good man. We’ll take you to our home. You can live with us.”

“What’s your name?” My question is aimed at Callie’s mother, regardless if she’s the one to respond.

“Althea,” my brave girl replies. “She’ll let you call her Thea once she trusts you.”

“And that’s a goal I’ll strive for,” I openly admit. “You’ll be safe with us, Althea. We’re family.”

Fresh tears pool in her eyes and she exhales what I imagine is years of repressed panic.

That’s a start I can appreciate. Eventually, her mother will deem me as a reliable source she can lean on. Then she’ll accept my presence without terror blanching her expression. Until then, I need to respect the healing process.

The truck rolls to a stop after I pull into Callie’s half of the driveway. I shut off the ignition and step out, opening the rear door for them. Althea skitters past me in a frightened blur. Callie’s exit is far more composed.

Confidence exudes from her movements while she purposefully presses into me. Her soft grin is a luxury I bask in, which immediately snuffs the anger roiling through my veins. Those lips demand to be kissed and I eagerly bend to do just that.

“I’ll be next door.” My head tilts in the direction of the house I haven’t slept in for weeks.

It hurts to separate myself from her, even for a single night, but this isn’t about me. They need time alone. I’m more than capable of providing that at the very least.

Callie holds my stare for several moments as if there’s something she’s holding in. After another brief pause, she must decide it’s better left unsaid. “I’ll text you once I get her settled.”

“Take your time, love.” I plant a peck on her forehead.

Callie snuggles against my chest. Her inhale is long and deep, as if she’s taking a piece with her. “Thank you, future husband. For everything.”

I watch as my mother reaches for her mug on the table. Her movements are still skittish after three hours in my home. She was never this scared when we lived together before. A year and a half has passed since we’ve seen each other. This jumpy version is a shadow of her former self. It’s almost as if she expects someone to appear from thin air and crash down on us from the ceiling.

Steam rises from the tea I steeped for her, but the soothing blend has done little to ease her nerves. The spoon rattles against the rim when she takes a small drink. There’s a persistent tremble in her hands that won’t cease. It’s concerning, much like this stressed silence between us. I wait with bated breath for her to speak.

Mother clears her throat, refusing to meet my imploring gaze. “I’m grateful you found me, but you’re not safe if I stay here.”

The implication behind her warning is evident. “Did you tell him where I went?”

Her eyes leap to mine for a brief moment. “Of course not.”

“Then how will he find us?”

“He’s dangerous,” she says in response.

I shiver from the ice in her tone. “Ridge won’t let anyone hurt us.”

Mother hums to a disbelieving tune. “He’s very… tall.”

---