Page 128 of Your Sharpest Edge
“What if Damien had been there?” Rage coursed through my veins.
Good. Anger meant I wasn’t small. I was strong, and I needed to stand up for myself.
“I always planned to do it when he wasn’t around, Stassi.”
I flinched at the nickname, rage boiling inside me. He had no right to let my name pass his lips.
“I’m not a shit dad.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re a terrible dad because you hurt me, Dimitri. You physically broke my knees, knowing that skating was the only career I had. You made it so I could never skate again.”
“Yeah, and look at you now. The moment you met him, you were on your knees like a little whore, begging for someone to take care of you. You broke-ass bitch.”
My jaw dropped. How had I ever let a man treat me like this? As his cruel words echoed in my mind, a painful clarity hit me—I was worth so much more. My therapist had told me he was abusive, but I’d brushed it off, convinced he was just mean. I made excuses, believing if I’d been better, he wouldn’t have treated me this way. I spent years blaming myself, thinking I deserved it, even that awful night in the hotel because I was planning to leave him.
I’d sat through countless therapy sessions where she called his actions textbook abuse, but I kept denying it, telling myself, “He’s just angry,” or “It’s my fault.” During my recovery, at my lowest point, I was so lost in my depression that I couldn’t see the truth.
Hearing him spew his vile words, I finally understood—he wasn’t just mean; he was truly horrible. I’d allowed him to break me down, piece by piece.
I’d been so young when we got together, believing love meant enduring pain and sacrifice. After all my healing, I knew better. Love was meant to build me up, not tear me apart.
I glanced over at Alex, who was standing protectively by my side. He had always been there for me, even when I hadn’t realized it. Alex was the one who encouraged me, who picked me up when I was down, who believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. He was everything I had needed back then and now.
He was the person I was supposed to be with, the one who truly cared for me. I realized I was finally free from my past. I was free to love and be loved by someone who deserved me and whom I deserved in return.
“T-thank y-you . . .”
It was always him.
It would always be him. I wanted to give him the same unwavering support and love he had shown me. We were equals, partners in every sense of the word.
In his eyes, I wasn’t just a survivor but a warrior, someone worth fighting for. I wanted to be that person for him, too.
Alex’s expression softened, and he gave me a small, loving smile. “Always.”
Our bond was unbreakable. We were in this together, and nothing could tear us apart.
“You need to leave, Dimitri. Call your lawyer, and they’ll tell you the parameters of the restraining order, but you’re currently in violation of it.”
My eyes moved to Dimitri, but I sensed the familiar rage from all those years ago bubbling to the surface. In an instant, Dimitri lunged toward me and grabbed my wrists.
“Mommy?” a little boy called from the door.
I swallowed my scream, and Alex, Dirks, and Ledger all froze.
“Hi, sweetie. Mommy is visiting with a... person... really fast, and then I’ll come inside. Ledger will tuck you in, okay?”
Dimitri let go of me and turned in the direction of the door. Ledger, fortunately, blocked Dimitri from going inside and slammed the door shut.
“Son!” Dimitri shouted, but this time Alex grabbed him, throwing him backward.
“Do not go after him,” he growled, feral and menacing.
“Get your fucking hands off me,” Dimitri snarled as he lunged forward, grabbing my wrist and pulling me into him.
He was using me as a shield, knowing Alex wouldn’t risk hurting me.
I winced. “Let go of me,” I demanded, keeping my voice steady. I glanced behind Dimitri, my eyes widening.
