Page 50 of Vow of Revenge
“Where’s Tilly’s mother? Why isn’t she looking after her?”
Syrah shrugged. “I don’t really know all the details. He told me they have shared custody and that he refers to it as ‘the one-night stand that had life changing consequences’. Although when he talks about that little girl, my body clock ticks like crazy.”
The idea of being stuck with a loved-up couple for the weekend was not one bit appealing. “Must I? Wouldn’t it be better if the two of you went… alone?”
“Please, Freebie. I need your support. This is a huge deal for me. I’m falling for him.”
“Wow! For real? Like you’re sure… this all feels so soon?”
Syrah giggled. “Don’t look so shocked! I never felt like this with Danny. That’s how I know this is the real deal.”
“What about, Danny the dull? Have you spoken to him?”
“He keeps calling me. In fact, it’s bordering on stalking. I understand he’s upset, but I don’t want to be with him. I’ll talk to him next week. Right now, I need to focus on meeting the De Courcy’s. Please, Freya, tell me you’ll come with us?” The corners of her mouth sank down and her lashes fluttered like a dejected puppy.
“Fine. On one condition.” I held up my index finger. “Leave the heavy petting for alone time, or I’ll be forced to gorge out my eyes and cut off my ears!”
“Gross!”
“Eh, not as gross as hearing you moan at the hand of Mr. Hot n’ Hung!” I giggled.
Syrah slapped my shoulder with a playful swipe. “You make me sound like a slut, and how do you know what he’s packing in his trunk?”
“Oh, come on. A sister has to check out the goods in passing. It’s not hard to notice. Every time he’s with you the guy has a hardon. Nothing wrong with a quick scout of the package. Look, you’re more than welcome to have a good time - just not inches from my nose.”
“Deal. Oh my goodness, I’m so excited.” She squeezed me arm. “By the way, Brett’s coming over later, so you’d better put those noise cancelling headphones on.” Syrah pointed to my desk and cackled wickedly.
Slapping her arm, I tossed my mobile at her. “Feed me! My belly thinks my throat is cut!”
16 years ago
Idon’t even know what date it is today. I’ve lost count of the drawn-out days, hellish afternoons and bleak nights. It’s been too long since I last saw her. The neighbours are fed up raising my child. If it weren’t for the free flow of cash dropped into their palms, she would be out on the street by now. I need to find a way to get free from him, from this place.
It must be the weekend because the handsome young boy is home. I try to stay away from him because my body is no longer my own, and it’s showing on my skin like a cruel watercolour of pain.
He knows where I hide, he thinks I’m a cleaner who takes a break amongst the glamorous cars. In some respects, he is right, but I shall never correct him. I’ll never spill the atrocities that I endure at the hand of his father because the sweet boy doesn’t deserve that.
I will never taint his innocence. He came looking for me earlier and asked if there was any way he could make me smile. I held in sobs and asked him to tell me stories of the boys in his school. Hearing wicked jokes and funny mishaps was a reprieve.
For a brief moment in time he gave me hope and happiness. His father doesn’t sit with him, never mind listen to his stories about friends at school. The lonely boy roams the empty corridors by himself, seeking familiarity or company.
Either way, we get that from each other. I miss his smile and gentle heart when he’s not around. The boy has become my little piece of heaven in the jaws of hell.
I told him about my daughter, perhaps going overboard with the details because he drew a picture of her. It’s not too dissimilar and he gave her pretty sun kissed freckles and a happy smile.
It’s the only thing I have as my own.
Present day
Brett arrived just after our take-out order was delivered. He kissed Syrah like she was the best thing he’d tasted in forever. I have to admit; I was envious of their connection and the closeness they had quickly kindled. His eyes followed her every move, savouring every sugary smile, purposeful hair flick and seductive giggle.
“If you guys don’t mind, I’m going to head to my room and finish off some work.” Of course they didn’t mind. I was giving them the green light for sexy time.
I’m not sure if either of them truly heard me, but Syrah blew me a kiss and winked. I mimicked a set of headphones being placed over my ears as I walked away, giggling at her naughty tongue action that followed my exit.
My room was my sanctuary. No bitchy Lynn to criticise my work, no disapproving on-lookers shaking their heads at my tracksuit bottoms and korma stained tank top. I could hide away; flip open my laptop and enter my world of words.
A crazed thought infested my mind, insanity at its best – I could email Kaleb and thank him for my coffee (fuck)? Slumping over the desk, I cursed my weakness. Kaleb De Courcy is a user and an abuser. Nothing good comes from a man like him.So why do I need to be with him right now?
