Page 33 of You’re Mine

Watching them, I’m reminded of how quickly all this happiness can be taken away. Seven years ago, I fucked up big time and Haley left me. The memory sends chills down my spine because to this day, I still don’t know exactly what I did wrong. All I know is that she didn’t want to see me, and bore my son on her own. Whatever it is, we have to figure it out because I can’t let them go even if it means risking life and limb.

12

Haley

Dozing, I dream. I’m back in Jace’s truck, and it’s seven years ago and happiness suffuses my form as I lie back in his arms. Or is it the present day? Everything feels kind of fuzzy. On the one hand, I’m sure that I was on a plane with Jace and my son. But on the other hand, that’s not possible because I’m eighteen again, and there’s no way me or Jace would be able to afford a chartered flight.

The dreams zoom through my head as I surf between the past and present. I do remember we were just as close as two people can possibly be, and I’m staring up at the stars as he strokes my hair. His touch is reassuring just like his presence in my life. But something’s different.

“Jace, do you feel that?”

“Feel what, baby girl?” he rumbles.

“That peace. I’m not scared anymore.” After years of fear, to not have that feeling anymore is incredibly freeing. There was a weight on my shoulders that I didn’t even realize was there, but now it’s gone. I can finally breathe.

“Scared of what?”

I swallow.

“Herb.”

“That’s because he’s out of your life, baby girl. He’s out of our lives. You’ll never have to worry about him again.” I twist out of Jace’s arms because what he’s saying isn’t possible. I have to go home right after this. Did Jace do something to Herb?

“What are you talking about?”

“Why don’t you wake up and fine out?” he suggests. My brows lower because Jace is talking in all these riddles. What is he trying to say?

“I’m still confused.”

“That because you’re dreaming Haley.”

Dreaming…?

Suddenly, I startle awake, and I’m in a dark room I don’t recognize. This isn’t my room. This isn’t any room in the estate. Where am I? Where’s Jamie? In a panic, I bolt upright. I’m sitting on a huge bed in an enormous, plush room. There’s soft music being piped in, and heavy wooden furniture.

Where am I? This isn’t my dad’s house. My mind spins, and I jerk around. Jamie isn’t here. Where is my son? Suddenly, memory comes flooding back. He was sleeping with me on the plane, and out cold after playing with that light saber. Jamie! Where is he? I’m sure his father put him somewhere safe, but I need to know where my son is right now.

I rush to the door and yank open the knob. For some reason, I had some anxiety that it would be locked, but it swings wide open. I step into a hallway with artwork on the walls. Suddenly, realization hits. This must be Jace’s New York apartment. I wonder if he really lives here on a daily basis because it seems almost too nice, if a little impersonal.

My first instinct is to start opening doors. I begin with the one closest to me, and after flinging open a few, it doesn’t take me long to find Jamie. He’s just a few doors down in a separate bedroom, slumbering peacefully. I tiptoe in and let out a sigh of relief. He’s curled up with his lightsaber, his little body relaxed. I wonder if I’ll ever be able to get that thing away from him.

I don’t want to disturb my son, so carefully, I pad back out, closing the door after me. Leaning against the wall, I let out a long, shuddering breath. My twenty-five year nightmare is over. My dad can’t hurt me, and he can’t hurt my son. He can’t keep us prisoner anymore, and it’s all thanks to Jace.

But where is Jace? Did he step out? I’ve only explored a tiny part of his apartment, but haven’t encountered the man himself yet. Is he in another wing? We have so much to talk about.

I venture further into the apartment, and finally find myself in his living room. Creeping around his place feels weird because I’m like a stealth intruder. He brought me here, and yet I was asleep the entire time. How did he get me off the plane?

Slowly, I look around. The living room is enormous, with fancy leather furniture scattered about and a huge crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. What looks like priceless artwork hangs on the walls, not to mention a huge sixty-inch TV mounted to my left.

This is a far cry from his old home. I shudder remembering my encounter with Corinna and Kelley. Before he left me, I’d only been to Jace’s house twice. The first time, he had me stay outside in his truck while he ran in to grab something. The second time was a little more alarming. He hadn’t been at school for a few days and hadn’t texted me either, so I decided to make my way to his parents’ house on my own.

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