Page 11 of Invisible Scars
“You don’t even know what I’m going to say.” Only I do because it’s always the same thing with my brother. The same excuses, the same guilting techniques, the same threats. “And you’re going to want to hear me out if your life means anything to you.”
I hang up, fighting the panic rising like bile from the pit of my stomach. He’s never explicitly threatened my life before.
“Effie?” Jonah asks, his hand resting on my shoulder.
“I’m fine.” I shrug him off. “I have to work.”
“Okay.” Jonah steps closer. “Good session today. You’ve made great progress since we started.”
I squeeze my eyes shut, focusing on my breathing and allowing myself the comfort of Jonah’s proximity.
“Thank you,” I whisper, not daring to look at Jonah before rushing out of the gym to the showers.
As the water cascades over me, I lose control of my emotions, and tears spill down my cheeks. I worked so hard to get away from my family, from my brother. Over a year of no contact. They knew where I was. My name and photo are on the firm’s website, but my personal address and phone number are a well-kept secret.
Abe calling was a stark reminder that no matter how far I run, I can never escape these people. The realization hits me like a tidal wave, shattering the fragile peace I’ve built around myself. Fear and anguish surge through my veins, threatening to consume me.
I lean against the cold tiles of the shower, seeking solace in the steady stream of water. But it can’t wash away the memories, the years of pain and the broken trust that my family represents. I take a deep breath, steadying myself against the onslaught of emotions.
The comfort and security of the Peak’s inner circle caused me to lower my guard, but the fight is far from over. Another reason I can’t allow myself to dwell on the allure of Jonah’s lingering touch because losing him would mean losing my newfound life and family, and I can never let that happen.
4
JONAH
The next morning,I’m still consumed with thoughts of Effie. My mind races, replaying the intensity of our sparring session—the electricity that crackled between us, the unspoken desire that hung in the air. I’m still rattled by how close I was to losing control before Effie’s phone interrupted.
My gut tells me something is wrong, and I want to wrap her in my arms and shield her from whatever put the haunted tremble in that single word she spoke into the phone.
Her abrupt departure from the gym yesterday left me unsettled, and I can’t shake the worry that gnaws at me. I hurry to get to the office, hoping to catch Effie before she gets too caught up in her day.
When I arrive at Effie’s door, I hesitate, unsure of how to approach the situation. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever might come, and knock softly.
“Come in.” I push the door open, stepping inside. Effie looks up from her desk, her expression wary. The atmosphere is tense, but not the tingly, pleasant tension that usually exists between us. This is something different, and all the alarms blare in my head.
“Hey,” I say, stepping into the office and closing the door behind me. “I wanted to check on you after yesterday.”
Effie’s eyes flicker with a mixture of emotions I can’t quite decipher. She sighs, her gaze dropping to her hands folded on the desk. “I’m fine, Jonah. Just dealing with some personal stuff.”
I take a step closer, leaning against the edge of her desk. “You were pretty distraught after that phone call. Care to share who was on the other end of it?”
Effie looks up at me, her expression guarded. “I appreciate your concern, Joe, but it’s none of your business.”
My frustration bubbles up, my words coming out sharper than intended. “Youaremy business, Effie.”
She narrows her eyes, her voice tinged with annoyance. “Under what merit,Jonah?”
“You knowexactlyunder what merit.”
“I’m stupid. Spell it out for me.”
“You’re only stupid if you think I’m backing off.”
“Guess I’m a total idiot, then, assuming I have a right to privacy.”
“I’m worried about you, Effie,” I say, my brow tight. “Nothingscares you, yet you couldn’t even speak yesterday because of whoever was on the other end of the line.” I lean forward, sweeping her silky hair behind her ear. “Aren’t we supposed to be friends?”
Effie’s face softens, her guard momentarily slipping. But just as quickly, it returns, her walls firmly back in place. “I know you mean well, Joe, but I’m fine, really.”
