Page 2 of Playing A Risk
My eyes pop open as the reality that Jami has a son hits me like a dagger to the heart.
I’ve got to get out of here.
I stumble, but catch myself as I race down the rest of the stairs and try to pass him. He reaches out and yanks me into his arms.
Through gritted teeth, he says, “Do not run out on this. Let me explain.”
“Let me go. I can’t breathe.” I push against his chest and whip my head toward the door.
“If I release you, she could hit you.” He holds me tighter, which sets off Lauren.
“She wants you to let go of her.” She tries to peel Jami’s arms from me.
He spins me around as he twists away from her clawing hands. “Stop, Lauren! You’re going to hurt her.”
She hits him. Then her red spiked-shaped nails slice the side of my face.
Damn, that fucking hurt.
I stay in Jami’s arms, my blood racing through my veins. There’s no telling what she’ll do if he isn’t protecting me.
She wails and cries. Her words don’t make sense.
“All this time, Jamison. Why?” She slugs him in the face.
That’s what does it. He releases me and forces me behind him as he strides forward. I stumble into the opening of the kitchen and press my back against the wall.
“I have told you time and time again, do not hit me.” Jamistops a foot away from her. “You need to leave, or I’ll make sure you spend the night explaining your actions to the cops.”
“You wouldn’t do that to me after all we’ve been through.” She lunges at me and tries to rip the blanket from my hands. “Don’t you dare take this from us.”
I didn’t realize I still had it in my grasp. Stepping forward, I hold the piece of fabric out in my palms and shake my head. My stupid brain has abandoned me, so I have no words.
“She wasn’t taking anything.” Jami snatches the blanket from my hands and tosses it over his shoulder, covering his heart.
“Is she the reason why? Is she?” Lauren points at me as she wipes away tears.
“We can talk about this another time. Right now, I need to attend to my guest. You hit her a few times as you were smacking me.” He wraps his bulging arm around her narrow shoulders and tries to guide her to the door.
She spins out of his grip and charges at me, lifting her left hand. I jerk back, sure I’m about to get backhanded, but she stops right before she makes contact with my face.
“Do you see this?” She wiggles her fingers, bringing my attention to the dazzling diamond ring.
I’d know that jewelry anywhere. It was Jami’s mom’s. He must have given it to Lauren.
A deeper layer of dark, musty fog sucks me in. I slide down the wall until I’m crouched on my knees.
This cannot be happening.
My hopes for a future with Jami get stripped away as he and Lauren fight.
“Does she know you’re engaged?” She slaps the wall above me, causing me to flinch.
“We’re not engaged,” Jami growls. “You know that, so tell me what you want for it. I’ll give you whatever you want. I’ll get you a new one. Just give me my mom’s ring back.”
“I told you I don’t want a different one. This is the one I’mmeant to wear for the rest of my life.” She folds her arms around her waist as more tears break free.
I swallow and try to make sense of the disaster taking place before me.
