Page 39 of The Storms Between Us
I hear a familiar but sinister voice come through the line and my blood runs ice cold. “Oh my love, I have always known what you needed,” I hear Justin’s low voice say. I’m frozen in fear. How is he calling me from Kelsea’s phone? Where is she?
“Where is Kelsea, Justin?” I ask, trying my best to hold it together.
“Your little bitch of a best friend is fine. For now, at least. We’re just getting to know each other a little better, aren’t we, Kelsea?” I hear a muffled voice in the background, and tears spring to my eyes. Adrenaline and terror are flooding my system at the thought of what could be happening to her.
“What the hell are you doing? What do you want?” I ask.
“You know what I want, Ember. All I’ve ever wanted was you. I would be willing to look past your transgressions if you would just come to your senses and realize that,” he says, his voice sounding manic. After learning everything Elijah told me about Justin’s past, I know he has the potential to hurt Kelsea, if he hasn’t already. I have to be careful with how I play this situation so I don’t set him off.
“You’re right, Justin. It’s so generous and understanding of you to give me a second chance,” I say, trying my best to sound genuine.
“I’ve always given you more liberties than I should when it comes to your behavior, Ember. That will have to change,” he says, scolding me like a child.
“Of course,” I reply, trying to keep the disgust from coming through in my voice. “I understand completely.”
“Why don’t you come back to me and we can discuss things? You shouldn’t have any trouble finding me. I’ve made sure to take care of your place for you,” He says.
“My old place?” I ask, confused as to why he would be there.
“Our place, my love. I was willing to look past all the damage and imperfections when the landlord showed it to me. It was easy to get it back for us,” he says, as if he's done me a favor.
“How… thoughtful of you,” I say as my stomach turns at the thought of how he’s infiltrated my life. He’s taken some of my favorite places, my favorite memories, and twisted them into nightmares.
“Come to me now, Ember, and Kelsea can leave. I only needed her as leverage to help you behave, anyway. She’s useless to me otherwise,” he says, a threatening tone in his voice. I shudder to think what he could do to her if he sees her as useless.
“I’ll come. I just need some time. After all, it's a long drive,” I say, trying to buy myself some time to think of a plan.
“You have two hours. If you say anything to your brother or that disgusting trash you’ve been slumming with, I’ll kill her. She doesn’t matter to me at all, Ember, and it wouldn’t be the first crime I’ve gotten away with,” he says with a laugh. I feel the tears pouring from my eyes as I try to keep my composure. Two hours will be nearly impossible, but I have no choice. I place my hand over my belly, knowing I have more than just my life to consider.
“I’ll be there. I’m leaving now, Justin. Just don’t hurt her,” I beg. I hear a struggling sound on the other end, followed by Kelsea’s voice yelling.
“Don’t fucking come here, Ember! Stay away!” she screams and I hear a slap. Then all is silence. I’m sobbing in fear for her as I throw my keys into my bag and slide my shoes on.
“Justin, please! Please, just leave her alone! I’m coming now. Just don’t hurt her,” I beg him.
“She’ll learn her place some day,” he says. “I’ll see you in two hours, my love.” He hangs up abruptly, and I release the sobs I've been holding back.
Tears cloud my vision as I gather my stuff and try to pull myself together. I wipe my face and sling my bag over my shoulder. I force the steel into my spine and walk downstairs. Elijah and Everett are bent over a computer at the bar. They both turn when I walk by and look at me with concern.
Before either of them can say anything, I hold up my hand. I know if they speak, I’ll break and I can’t afford to do that right now. “I’m going to go out for a bit. I need some space to clear my head and calm down. It's not up for negotiation,” I say, hoping my false confidence is enough to keep them from asking questions.
“I wish you wouldn’t go out alone, Sunshine,” Eli says, “I understand you need space. Will you at least meet up with Rory? She just finished her interview at the coffee shop, so she’s still in town.” I nod my head silently. I make my way over to him, wrapping my arms around him. My composure is barely there, but I can’t leave without making sure he knows how I feel. The idea that I might not make it back to him breaks my heart, but I have no choice. I won’t let Kelsea suffer for me.
I kiss him softly, pulling him flush against my body. “I love you, Elijah. So much. Don’t forget that,” I tell him, not daring to look him in the eyes.
“I love you too, Em. I’ll be here when you get back,” he says. Before I can change my mind, I give him a forced smile and walk out the door. I climb into the Jeep, take a deep breath, and pull out of the driveway. I don’t have any more time to waste.
