Page 105 of Small Town Sizzle

He can’t even be mad at his mom because she’s not here to defend herself or explain.

The footsteps stop just outside the kitchen, and I turn to say something, but the words die in my throat. It’s not Alex.

It’s Devon.

My stomach drops like a lead weight, and my breath catches in my throat. He’s standing in the doorway, swaying slightly, his eyes glassy and bloodshot. His lips curl into a sneer as he looks me up and down.

I instinctively grab Jazlyn, pulling her behind me.

“What are you doing here?” I hiss.

The fear bubbling inside me makes it impossible to hide. My eyes dart around the kitchen. My purse with my gun and my phone is on the table, behind Devon.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

Devon takes a step forward, and I catch the faint, sour smell of alcohol on him. My body tightens in response, and the urge to placate and walk on eggshells is strong. I feel my shoulders slump and my body physically trying to make itself smaller in preparation and as a reaction to his demeanor.

“What?” he slurs, tilting his head mockingly. “No ‘hi, Devon’? No ‘it’s so good to see you, baby’? You’re hurting my feelings, Maya.”

I keep my grip on Jazlyn firm, my heart pounding so hard it feels like it might crack my ribs.

“Get out,” I say, trying to sound braver than I feel. “You have no right to be here.”

He laughs, a low, ugly sound that makes my skin crawl. “Oh, I have every right. You and I have unfinished business, baby.” His eyes flick to Jazlyn, and his smile widens. “Hi there, kiddo. Miss me?”

Jazlyn clings to me, her small hands gripping the fabric of my shirt. I feel her trembling, and it makes my fear boil into anger.

“Don’t talk to her,” I snap, stepping slightly to the side to block her from his view.

Devon’s gaze snaps back to me, and he takes another step closer. “I like this,” he says, his voice low and almost contemplative. “I like that you’re scared of me. Always thoughtyou were too good for that. Too stubborn, too righteous. But look at you now.”

I inch toward the counter, hoping that I can get him to turn enough so that I can get to where my purse is sitting. The weight of the gun inside it is a comforting thought.

I’ve been here before, numerous times. I’m a pro at distracting him, at getting him to think I’m doing one thing, to think that I’m scared of him and helpless, to make him believe that he has the upper hand. As long as I don’t mess it up like I did the last time, when he attacked me and Jaz, then I’ll be able to get to my phone and call 9-1-1, to get to my gun.

I’m terrified of this man, scared of what he’s capable of, but I can’t show him that my entire body is trembling. The simple signs of real fear, it’s like he’s a shark that smells blood in the water, it powers him up and he believes that he’s bulletproof. When he’s this drunk, he thinks he can walk on water.

“You need to leave,” I say again, forcing the words out through clenched teeth.

He chuckles, his fingers twitching at his sides. “Oh, I’m not going anywhere, sweetheart. Not until you and I have a little chat. I’ve been thinking about this moment for a long time. Knew you’d take your defenses down eventually. All it took was a little reminder that I’m serious about ruining your life, just like you tried to ruin mine.”

“I didn’t ruin your life,” I bite out, taking another small step toward the counter. My hand brushes against it, and I feel a spark of hope. Just a few more inches. I can see that he’s getting angrier, his nostrils are flaring, and his body is completely tense.

I’m not that same woman, not the one who cowered and placated him to stay out of his hit zones. This time is different, but I also know that to keep me and Jaz safe for right now, I have to play to his ego.

His face twists with anger, and I think he’s going to lunge at me. But then he stops, his eyes darting around the kitchen. He’s jittery, scratching at his chest like he’s trying to claw through his own skin.

“You think you’re better than me,” he mutters, his voice low and venomous. “Always have. But look at you now. Playing house, pretending you’re some perfect little family. It’s pathetic.”

How does he know? Has he been watching me? Does he know about Garrett?

Jazlyn’s grip on me tightens, and I glance down at her, trying to reassure her with a quick squeeze of my hand. “Jaz, it’s going to be okay,” I whisper.

Devon’s eyes snap back to me, catching the movement. “Oh, don’t worry, baby. I’m not going to hurt the kid. I’m not a monster. But you?” He steps closer, and I instinctively push Jazlyn further behind me. “You owe me.”

I clench my jaw at his lie. He knows damn well he tried to hurt Jaz the last time. He’s just trying to get my defenses down.

“You need to leave, Devon. The cops have been watching the house, looking for you. If they find you here, then…they’ll arrest you and we’ll never be together again,” I lie softly.

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