Page 38 of The Runaway and the Rugged
They both peered down at my abdomen in question and it didn’t take long for me to notice the disappointment emanating from them.
“No, I have not thought this through when I know I should have. And no, I have no idea what I’m doing or what I plan on doing. All I know is that I’m tired of living in the shadow of a man who only sees me as a shiny object he can show off. I’m tired of staying silent and pretending like everything's okay, when all I want to do is shout from the fucking treetops that I’m not okay.” I inhaled sharply as more words rushed to the tip of my tongue. “And yes, I know I probably should have thought this through more thoroughly, and not chosen the day of mywedding to throw in the towel, but I didn’t. I couldn’t,” I croaked, hating the way my throat tightened to the point of pain. “I may not have a roof over my head, or any of my shit figured out yet, but it sure as hell beats going through with a marriage because I was too scared to leave.”
By the time I’m finished, both Greta and Garth were watching me with wide-eyed shock. I think it's the most I’ve said all day and it certainly showed as neither of them could summon a response.
“Shit, Emelia.” Greta sat beside where my feet laid, her head slightly slanted downward. “My goal wasn’t to make you feel like shit, I don’t care if he was the sweetest man in the world and you didn’t want to marry him, I would have supported you because that's what women do. We look after each other.”
I offered her a somber smile.
“I know it’s not. I’m just ashamed that I couldn’t have done something sooner.” My gaze darted to my lap where my fingers were subconsciously toying with the tousled fabric of the wedding dress. And all the while wondering why Garth hadn’t spoken up yet.
I didn't need him to, but his unfaltering stare made it seem like he had a whole lot to say.
“But anyway, I’ve caused enough problems today, so I promise I’ll be getting out of your hair soon.” I shifted myself higher onto the back of the couch with a groan. “I’m sure I can find somewhere to go.”
“Yeah? And where’s that?” Garth finally voiced.
Arms crossed, gaze determined, I had a feeling the only way he’d be reassured would be if I gave him exact logistics.
“Somewhere Nathaniel won't find me.” It sounded so grim to say, but it was the reality of leaving a man who would search the ends of the earth to find me.
And not in a romantic way either.
Garth’s brow furrowed at my answer, and a glimpse of rage flickered in his stare.
“Not exactly reassuring to hear that,” he rumbled low.
What more did he want from me? It wasn’t like he was entitled to know where I was going. Why did he even care so much to know?
“You don’t have to leave right away, Emelia,” Greta added, making me feel more guilty. And just when I was about to speak, Garth interjected with an order I hadn’t expected.
“She’s right.” He uncrossed his arms and pierced me with a heavy look. “You ain’t leavin’ right away, because you’re going to stay here tonight.”
11
GARTH
Boy, I’d done it now. Signed my own death warrant that is, as both Greta and Emelia stared at me like I’d grown a second head. When was the last time I had helped someone who was down on their luck? Never. The simple answer was fuckin’ never.
And a beautiful woman, at that.
Did she really think I was going to let her leave without a place to go? Absolutely not. I may not be the nicest guy out there, but I sure as hell had enough morals to ensure she leaves knowing she’ll be okay. Besides, the idea of her ex-fiancé somehow finding her made me see red.
At least for tonight I'd know she’d be safe.
“Yeah, what Garth said.” Greta regarded me with curiosity but I swiftly shrugged it off. “You’re more than welcome to stay here.”
Emelia’s pretty eyes bounced between the two of us as a flustered expression lifted on her face.
“Oh no.” She spluttered through a forced laugh. “Thank you for offering, but I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
Intrude?
That’s the last thing I’d call it.
“Not lettin’ you leave here without having a place to stay, Outlaw. Just accept the invitation so we don’t have to worry about whether you’re going to be safe or not.”
I should have automatically assumed she was going to be stubborn about this. I think it was in her nature just as much as it was in mine, the only difference was she never seemed to let it overshadow her sweetness.
