Page 18 of SEAL's Sky
“What a nightmare for you, baby, I’m so sorry I didn’t know,” Pam said as she kneeled down and hugged her daughter.
“I told you, it’s not your fault. I did this to myself. I was one of those too stupid to live women that we all hate.”
“No, don’t say that.”
“It’s true. But I won’t be making that mistake again,” Jen said, the pain and determination evident in her voice.
“When I’d healed enough to pass for normal and called Mom and to tell her I was coming home. But when I saw the news and my picture on television, I had to revise the plan. I was worried the police would find me and drag me back to him, so I colored my hair, exchanged my clothing at the second-hand store and changed my name. And now you know it all.”
“Well fuck. That’s a hell of a story.”
Chapter 8
It was done now. She’d shared everything and should have been relieved, but no, it only made her want to run away. But she was so exhausted, mentally and physically, she probably wouldn’t be able to make it outside let alone up the stairs to her mom’s apartment.
Grabbing the water bottle and taking a long drink helped some though a double shot of whiskey would have been better. Once she’d started explaining her life with Kurt over the last eight months it poured out of her like an open faucet. It wasn’t until she finished, and the sound of her voice died off in her ears, that the reality sank in.
A wave of dizziness hit her hard and her teeth started chattering. She tried to take a drink of water, but she was shaking too hard to drink it. As her eyes met Murph’s the room began to spin, and his face blurred. Closing her eyes didn’t help, just made it worse.
“Easy, Jen, it’s okay. Try to relax.” Her mom’s voice should have been soothing but Jen’s shame and regret overwhelmed her.
“I don’t feel well,” she murmured as a wave of nausea made her gag. A small trashcan was shoved into her hands as she bent over and heaved. Nothing but a little water came up, but she couldn’t stop the gagging. She wasn’t sure how long she was bent over the can heaving her guts out before the urge stopped.
Jen took a deep breath after she put the small trashcan on the floor and leaned back in the chair. Nausea passed but the shaking intensified as she was both hot and cold at the same time. Goosebumps raised on her arms and her cheeks burned.
“Here baby, hold this on your forehead. I’m going to get you something to eat,” her mom said as she placed a cool cloth on Jen’s head.
“No food, Mom. Not yet. Just more water,” Jen replied. “Ugh, I’m so cold.” Before she finished saying it, something warm was placed over her shoulders. Pulling it around her, the shaking slowed.
A male voice said he’d get her water. Damn, she’d forgotten the SEALs were there. If there was ever a time that she wished the floor would open up and suck her in, this was it.
“It’ll be okay, Sky. You’ve been through so much this is just your body’s way of dealing with it.”
Recognizing Murph’s southern drawl, she realized it was his sweatshirt draped over her. It smelled good, like fresh air and something else. Comforting. But were they all still there? She didn’t want to open her eyes to find out.
A water bottle was pushed into her hand. Unable to hide behind her closed eyes any longer, she looked around the office and was relieved only Murph and her mother were there. Opening the bottle she took a short drink, not wanting it to come back up. Wincing as she thought about everything, she didn’t know how she’d face the guys when she saw them again. One more thing to be ashamed of. The list kept growing.
“Are you feeling any better?” Murph asked.
She should have been nervous hearing him so close to her, but his soft drawl, so unlike Kurt the fucktard’s New York accent, soothed her raw nerves. “A little, thanks. I’m sorry about that.”
“No need. You’ve done nothing to apologize for. Everything that’s happened is because of the dirtbag.”
“He’s right, baby. He should never have put his hands on you. You don’t deserve any of this.” Her mom’s voice was full of anger, but the gentle touch of her hand cooled Jen’s hot cheek.
Removing the washcloth from her forehead, Jen met Murph’s eyes. “So what happens now? Do I have to turn myself in to the police?”
“Absolutely not. You haven’t committed any crimes. What most people don’t realize is if you’re an adult the police can’t force you to return home. All they can legally do is make sure you’re not a danger to yourself or others.”
“Really?” That was a huge relief. With her photo and the reward splashed everywhere, she figured she’d be arrested.
“He knows it too, which is why he’s offering a reward. You said he’s a lawyer, right?”
“Yes, he is.”
“What else do you know about him?”
“Why?” Jen was genuinely curious.
