Page 11 of Harder Betrayal

“Who aren’t home. So we can do this here and now. Unlock your door so we can do business, or we’ll do business right here on the street—”

I slammed the knife right into his stomach.

He immediately lost his breath and staggered back. He dropped his chin to look down, to see the pool of red blood that slowly stained his collared shirt, vest, and then his coat. In shock, he looked up at me, his face already white.

“Come here again, and I’ll shoot you next time.”

* * *

I put my kids to bed and set the alarm.

I’d stopped using the alarm a long time ago, but now it was back on, somewhat easing my stress. There was a gun in my nightstand. Never thought I might actually have to use it. But I’d made a threat, and if push came to shove, I’d have to keep my word.

My phone lit up on the nightstand.Get your ass over here.

On a different night, I’d put on my coat and slip out of the house, but now I wasn’t in the mood. I’d gotten some of Kyle’s blood on my hand, and I’d had to scrub it with a sponge to get it to come off.Not tonight.

I call the shots, sweetheart.

I can’t leave my kids tonight.It seemed like Kyle respected boundaries by bombarding me when he knew my kids weren’t home, but it still made me uneasy. He didn’t seem violent either because he could have attacked me after I’d stabbed him, but he didn’t. Nonetheless, I decided to stay put.

Are they unwell?

They’re fine. I just need to stay in the house tonight.

Then I’ll come to you.

My kids are home.

Didn’t stop us last time.

The second he came over, I’d have to tell him what happened, and that was the last thing I wanted.I’m just not in the mood tonight, okay?

Now he didn’t say anything.

Perhaps it was over.

…

Nope. Not over.

There’s something you aren’t telling me.

I couldn’t resist the jab.Now you know how that feels…

What’s wrong?

Just had a shitty day. Don’t want to waste your time.

Taking care of you is never a waste of time.

Those words cut through all the scars and hit me right in the heart. Men had let me down so many times. It was nice to be surprised for once.

I’ll text you when I’m outside.

* * *

We went straight to my bedroom, which was on the bottom floor. Christmas was just a week away, and I’d barely found the time to wrap all the gifts for my kids and nanny. I was careful not to spoil my kids throughout the year, choosing not to buy them just anything they wanted, but once Christmas came around, those rules didn’t apply.