Page 18 of Remnants
“Sam,fuss!” I yell his German ‘heel’ command as his growl deepens. Instantly, Sam sits and stops growling.
James raises a brow and looks at me. “Neat trick.”
“It’s not a trick, it's a command.”
“Anywho, I still wanted to thank you for staying with her. Kaitlin is very… accident-prone. I had no idea how bad her tumble was until I got the call from my colleague stating she was in the emergency room.”
“A tumble? Was she rock climbing during this tumble the other day and that’s what caused her cracked ribs?” James lets out a chuckle before closing the gap between us.
“Nein,Sam!” I command, stopping him before he can attack. He sits there whining and barking. I watch James’ lip curl.
“Be a shame if something happened to that bark-box. Might want to keep him close.” The cool night air is filled with the distinct sound of a gun slide and James’ eyes go wide as he looks down between us. I pulled out my nine millimeter from the holster I have mounted to the back of the driver’s seat.
“You have no idea who you are fucking with, Dr. Chambers,” I say through gritted teeth. “Unlike you, I do know everything about you. I also know how precious those hands are. If I were you, I would be really fucking careful tossing around threats when it wouldn’t take much to end your career.”
James’ jaw ticks and he looks between me and my snarling shadow before stepping back. “You keep your mutt and your gimp-ass out of my life, and that includes my wife.” He backs up another step. I put the gun back before closing the door.
“Make you a deal,” I say while leaning on my cane. “I’ll leave you alone, I’ll live my life in solitude, and be the best fucking neighbor you could ask for—the second you stop beating the shit out of your wife.” I watch as his right eye twitches and his upper lip curls.
“She fell,” he growls.
“I’m sure she didafteryou hit her,” I scoff as I start walking toward my front door. “But,” I call from over my shoulder, “keep causing that girl to fall, and I’m going to start snipping off parts until you can’t touch her anymore. Enlighten me, Dr. Chambers. How many fingers does a celebrity plastic surgeon need to continue his career? Now, you have a good night, sir.”
Kaitlin
TEN
I siton the couch as the documentary finishes, but I couldn’t tell you what it was about. Originally, I wanted to watch a documentary on the lore of vampires, but James came in and asked if I wanted to watch television together. It had made me so nervous that I just agreed to whatever he picked; spending the following two hours so tense that I’m certain I will be even more sore tomorrow.
Since I got home three days ago, James has been a different person. He talks to me, helps me, spends time with me, and tries to make sure I’m okay. I hate it. A month ago, I would’ve thought this was a dream come true. But now, I’m so scared of him being nice that it’s making me ill. I don’t want to be here. I live every day in absolute fear after what he did. All I want is for him to spend the night out of town to give me some space to breathe. But he is here, every second, and even when he isn’t, he still is.
James decided after my accident at the pharmacy, that he needs to know where I am all of the time. So, he put a tracking app on my phone that gives him up-to-date coordinates—it’s for my protection, of course.
“Are you hungry?” he asks as he runs his hands over my feet. I have to fight the urge not to flinch and pull away.
“No, thank you,” I reply softly as I force a smile.
“Kaitlin, have you eaten today?” I glance up at him. Of course I haven’t. How can I? He has been up my ass all day and I don’t eat around him, ever. It was one of the first abusive things he did to me—whenever I would eat anything, he would look at me in disgust and shake his head, as if ashamed of me.
“I just haven't been feeling too well today.” I watch as his brows wrinkle. Is he trying to show concern? He reaches out and tries to touch my face and before I can stop myself, both hands rise up to shield myself.
“What the fuck?” he yells and I watch as he pulls back, as if I’ve burned him.
“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.” The look he gives me is one of betrayal.
“So, this is it? You’re just going to be terrified if I try to touch you now?” he shouts as he stands up. I feel myself involuntarily flinch and hope like hell he doesn’t notice. “God, why do you always have to overreact to everything? I said I was sorry! I was trying to make up for it and you’re being ridiculous! You barely talk, and you flinch if I get near you!”
Guilt fills my chest as I look away from him. Am I overreacting? I look back up and try to stop my bottom lip from quivering. “I’m sorry,” I whisper weakly. “I… I appreciate you making an effort. I just… last week scared me. I’m sorry.” I watch as he drops his head in his hands and sighs.
“I don’t know why you are even with me. I’m such a fucking monster.” He chokes out a sob and I feel ill. Have I made him feel like that?
“No, you aren’t! I’m sorry, James! Really! I shouldn’t be acting so cold.” I place my hand on his back and rub in a circularmotion as he lays his head on my shoulder and cries. We stay silent for a few moments before he lets out a soft chuckle.
“What?” I ask softly, trying to smile.
“I guess there is a plus side to being with a fat girl—you’re so soft. It’s like, no matter where I rest myself, there’s a nice cushion. I could get used to that I guess.” My body goes cold as his words trickle through me and hit every crack in my crumbling wall of self-esteem.
I hate him. I want out and yet I’m stuck here. My eyes trail out the window, focusing on a certain green bungalow and I have to ignore the urge I have to cry. I miss her. I miss her voice, her comfort.
