Her Reluctant Husband by Erica Marselas (summer beach reads txt) 📗

going on with me the last couple of years because of him. I ended up breaking down and telling her four months ago what was happening. Not that I’d had a choice. She’d found me in the barn, drunk and bleeding again after he gave me his “proper” goodbye before he left for college. I hope it’s forever. I couldn’t hide what he’d done and told her but only if she promised not to tell anyone else. The only way she swore to keep that promise was if I got sober, and with her help, I did.

“He did. I thought I’d be nervous, but I trust Alex. I always have. Even if I can’t tell him everything. I was tired of being his victim and letting fear hold me back. I shouldn’t have to be afraid of getting close to someone who can love me, right?” I gulp because even as I say the words, I’m not sure I believe them.

“I’m so happy to hear you say that. You deserve so much good, June. He has been making your life hell for so long and you need someone who can make you happy.”

I nod as I take a large swallow of my soda. As the clear, bubbly liquid goes down, I cringe at the aftertaste. It doesn’t taste right.

“And if Alex makes you happy, you know, I’m happy and will support you, but I’ll be first to kick his ass if he hurts you.” She chuckles softly. “Also, let me tell you, you’re so much better than any of those other ratchet women he used to sleep with. It’ll be nice not to deal with those crazies anymore.”

“Yeah,” I say as I smack my lips together.

“What’s wrong? You look like you ate a lemon.”

“My soda tastes funny.” I shake my head as I place my pink solo down. “Can you get me a water while I go to the bathroom? I will love you forever.” I place my hands together, pleading, and she giggles.

"I’ll get you a water, but you better already love me forever anyway."

"Thanks, girl." I blow her a kiss and make my way inside toward the upstairs bathroom.

I’m surprised to find the upstairs deserted as I reach the top landing. I swear Bradly said we could come up here. My heart thumps in my chest, that nervous feeling I had earlier is back, twisting harder in my stomach. Shake it off, June. He’s not here.

My bladder wins over my nerves, and I rush to find the bathroom at the end of the hall.

I'm at the basin washing my hands when the door opens and then clicks shut.

Instantly every hair stands on edge, and I know I'm not alone. I feel him. Smell him. The scent of motor oil and pine.

No! I haven’t seen him in months. He’s supposed to be away at college in Boston.

But I should’ve known the monster would never disappear for good.

Tears prickle in the corner of my eyes, and the scent of his cologne stings my nostrils. My heart is jumping out of my throat, and I'm paralyzed with fear.

His beady eyes meet mine in the mirror as the tears slip down my cheeks. Why now? When everything was going so well for once.

He's never going to leave me alone.

Deacon Whitmore is my living nightmare. Ever since I came to live here permanently, I’ve been his obsession. His property. I couldn’t turn a corner without Deacon popping around it. I live in fear, in proverbial hell, and as he stares back at me through the mirror, and I’m not sure if there will ever be a way out of it.

His father is not only the sheriff, but Deacon is best friends with Alex. Even though Deacon is a couple of years younger, they’ve known each other forever and have always been inseparable. Alex, along with the whole town, thinks Deacon is some fucking Prince and that his words are weighed in gold. The angel boy with perfect grades on his way to be a top lawyer or politician. Never in a bit of trouble.

He's got everyone fooled.

Everyone but me.

I see all of the evil behind his olive eyes. It's reserved for me.

"If it isn't my little slut." His rough voice hisses into my ear as his fingers dig into my hip.

"Deacon, leave me alone," I beg.

"Leave you alone? Leave you alone? I've told you over and over. You. Are. Mine,” he growls and reaches between my legs, rubbing my crotch harshly. “This belongs to me, but then I come to find out you were messing around on me with my fucking best friend. The biggest fuckboy around.”

“How…how did you?” I stutter. Tears continue to burn my eyes as I try to push him away.

“You know better than to fight me." He moves away from my now sore crotch and digs his thick fingers into my skin as he spins me around. He rubs his nose against mine—the evil in his eyes still piercing me.

“You want to know how I know? Your lover boy has a big fucking mouth.” My heart slams to my feet. Alex told him? How could he? “He called me to tell me how he finally scored with his little Ju-Ju,” he bites out harshly as he grabs a handful of my hair and yanks. I cry out as my scalp burns. “I hate how he always called you that.”

“Deacon, stop. You're hurting me.” I know my plea is pointless.

“This is only the beginning, sweetcheeks. There are many indiscretions we need to talk about. First,” he shoves me into the sink, and pushes his erection into me, “you’re going to pay for fucking around on me with Alex. Second, what did I tell you would happen