Page 75 of Protecting Her Heart

“So, we’re going to be a family, then?”

“Of course, we are. You’re the only one who hasn’t let me down—yet.” Michelle looks at me as if she’s waiting for me to turn on her. Does that mean there were others before me? People she wanted to be a family with that didn’t meet her standards like her parents?

“What about Ben?” My question has hatred burning in her eyes, making me flinch away from her.

She schools her expression, then pulls out her phone from her pocket. “That asshole didn’t deserve you, sis. He was nothing but hateful. I thought about putting him down like the dog he is, but it turns out I don’t have to.”

She turns her phone toward me, a picture of two people walking across the park, their arms around each other. She flips to the next picture, where I can see Ben’s profile as they walk to a car. The final picture is of Ben and Rebecca, standing close to each other, serious looks on their faces.

Ben is in the same T-shirt and shorts he was wearing earlier today, so these must’ve been taken when he told me had an errand to run. Why wouldn’t he tell me he was meeting Rebecca?

“They look awfully cozy, and I mean, good for them. They deserve each other’s bitterness, am I right?” Michelle ribs, smiling at me. “I’m sorry he tricked you, but I’m not sorry he’s out of the way. Makes our lives so much easier. No one will be looking for you now!”

Is she right? Did Ben get back together with Rebecca? She’s gorgeous, sophisticated, and loves city life. She’s the complete opposite of me in every way. What if Ben decided he was tired of living in a small town and took Rebecca up on her offer to get back together?

No.

That’s ridiculous. She may look put together on the outside, but her insides are filled with darkness. I know Ben on a much deeper level, and what she represents isn’t what Ben wants anymore. He wants me.

But the idiot still met with her behind my back, and we will be having words about it.

Anger must show on my face because Michelle’s eyes sparkle.

“Want to go hit him where it hurts?” she asks, completely misinterpreting my anger.

Shaking my head, I tell her no. “He doesn’t deserve our attention.”

With a pat on my head and a pitying look, Michelle stands to pace the room. I have to figure a way out of this. I can easily take Michelle down, but with my hand still shackled to the bed, I have no hope of winning that fight. Could I convince her I’m ready to be a part of her family? It’s not going to be easy. I already feel bile rising in my throat at being kind to her.

Gabe walks into the room, interrupting my plans. He hands me the second glass of water, and I chug it down. It helps to clear my head of any lingering fuzziness, sharpening my focus on my next steps.

I can’t take down Michelle and Gabe at the same time. There’s no way. But, if I can somehow get Michelle on her own, and my handcuffs unattached from the headboard at the very least, I might have a chance.

“So, what’s the plan now?” I ask, setting my empty glass next to the other on the nightstand. “Gabe mentioned we’re moving?” If I use the same tactic I did with Gabe, I might be able to keep up this charade.

“You don’t want to live in this shack, do you?” Sarcasm drips from Michelle’s voice.

Gabe shakes his head no, sitting down next to me on the bed.

“Where will we go instead?”

“Don’t you worry your pretty little head about those details. I’ve got everything covered.”

If we all leave at the same time, I’ll have no chance of getting away. But how can I separate them? Suddenly, an idea pops into my head.

“Um, Gabe, could you give Michelle and me a minute alone? I need to discuss some rather delicate matters, and I’d prefer not to say it in front of you since you’re a boy.”

He furrows his brows, not quite understanding my words.

“Go on and pack our stuff, Gabe. We’ll meet you outside.” Michelle nods her head toward the door. He follows instructions, lumbering through the doorway and down the hallway.

“What did you want to talk about?” Michelle asks, sitting next to me. She reaches out to grab my hand, gently holding it until she squeezes tight enough to become uncomfortable.

“I just…” I swallow the bile rising in my throat. “I’m just grateful for all the things you’ve done. I didn’t want to say it in front of Gabe because I was worried he’d be jealous, but I’m glad you brought me here.” The words taste like acid against my tongue. I hope they were convincing enough.

Michelle’s stare tells me she’s not sure if she believes me or not. I can’t do anything more than that. If she doesn’t believe me, I’m screwed.

“Let’s get you ready to go.” Michelle leans forward to uncuff my hand from the headrest. She holds them both in her own hands, then with a squeeze, she clamps the loose cuff to my free hand.

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