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

just knew he had to be coming here. So, I called the sheriff and told him to check it out. As soon as I mentioned Deacon’s name, he was already flying out the door.” Whitney breathes and chews on her nail again. “I really am sorry, June. It won’t ever be enough. After you mentioned what he did, it triggered something inside of me. The way you looked at me, I remember that night I trapped you in that closet with him. I remember what you looked like when you came out. I stored it away because he convinced me you were just crazy and needed help. But it hit me; you looked dead, not scared, just soulless. When we talked in the office and you said he fucked with me, you were right. He’s threatened me before to keep his lies like he did that night I overheard him and his uncle talking about paying you off and making you leave. It’s just…he was my cousin. He could just be so believable and nice too.”

“It’s alright, Whitney. You did the right thing now.”

“I just feel it’s partially my fault he knew you were here. I did tell my aunt that Alex got married. I didn’t tell her who, I was just mad Alex got married and I was venting. I was always closer to my aunt than my mom.”

I put my hand on her shoulder. “He would have found out one way or another. Me and you are good. As long as you stay away from my husband.”

She laughs. “I promise. I knew I lost my chance the second he mentioned your name. Even if I didn’t want to admit it.”

The EMS techs yell behind us to watch out as they take the gurney out with Deacon on it. He’s wearing an oxygen mask, awake and groaning.

Hilbert comes out and pats me on the shoulder. “Well, we are going to be out of your hair shortly. Maybe tomorrow we can talk some more about what happened? Write up a legit report.”

“Sounds good.”

“I’m glad you both are okay. I had to come to make sure,” Whitney says and steps away. I move in and hug her. I’m clearing all the monsters and evil things from under the bed today. She hesitates at first but then accepts it. Alex tells her he will see her at work before she turns and leaves.

Alex pulls me to the swing, and we watch the last of the cars disappear down the driveway. I feel like someone needs to pinch me. It doesn’t feel real. This feels like a crazy ass dream.

It’s over.

He's really gone.

I can…breathe.

“I'm not dreaming, right? He’s really going to go to jail. He’s really gone.”

“Once he gets out of the hospital from that blow you gave him." Alex laughs. "Hopefully, there’s permanent damage, but yeah, he’s gone. You have people that will see to that. You don’t have to fight this on your own anymore."

I run my hand along his bruised chin and kiss it. "How's the jaw?"

He waves me off. "How are you?"

“I’m relieved while at the same time kicking myself.”

“Why?”

“I know I said I was willing to face him, but I knew something was off too. Something about your text, and when I came to the house my nerves were going crazy but I wrote them off. I wanted to face him, but I should’ve been better prepared for the fight.”

“If it means anything, I’m glad you came.”

“Because I saved you.” I giggle.

He smirks and pulls me to his lap, making the swing jerk harshly. “I got taken down because I let him run his damn mouth. I should’ve just beat his damn motherfucking face in like I wanted to when I saw him. But I wanted him to admit what he did. And why.”

“You needed your own closure.”

“Hmm, I guess, but I should’ve known better than to try to get something out of him. And damn, if that wasn’t a good kick by the way. Glad I got to see it.” He nuzzles my neck, and I hear nothing but pride in his voice.

“I can’t believe it worked. Annabelle took me to see this Krav Maga instructor. One of the first things he taught me was how to take a man down by a driving knee kick to the balls.” I shrug. “I didn’t think I would have those results. I think all the dancing helped with the strength to my kick.”

“What do you know? You didn’t need me after all.”

“I’m not sure about that. You got him pretty woozy for me.” I plant a kiss on his cheek. “Honestly, though, I needed it. It’s probably not a cure all, but fuck, seeing him cry like a baby felt empowering. I always thought he would have a hold over me. Maybe he’ll still seep into my mind. I’m sure the smell of motor oil will still make me sick, but I finally feel I can live again.”

“Yes, you can. Now with no limits, honey bear.”

I wrap my arms around his neck and cuddle into him. Taking a moment to soak him in.

He places a firm kiss on my temple. “Hey, don’t get too comfy. I still have something I need to show you.”

“It’s your fault. You sat me down, and I think I can finally sleep.”

“As much as I want that, this first.” He scoots me off his lap, forcing me to stand. “I think this will be much needed after everything.” Alex takes my hand as he rises and then leads me down the steps.

“Where are we going?” I ask as we start across the grassy field heading toward the barn. The sun is starting to sink into the horizon, and the sky is filled with hues of orange and pink.

“I think