Page 56 of Sexting His Son's Ex
My plans die when I remember that I’m taking her to my home where my son is—where Luca is. He’ll have to understand. I should have talked to him beforekidnappingher, as she puts it.
He’ll get over it. But what about her?
She most likely doesn’t feel the same about me as I do her. I wouldn’t blame her. I’m twice her age and I’m sure her plan had something to do with my son cheating on her. The reason behind her motivation is obvious. I still want to hear it from her.
Soft music plays through the speakers, filling the car with some type of noise to invade the tension. Jovie stares out of thewindow, arms crossed, and if it weren’t for the tears reflecting on her cheeks, I would think she hates me.
Far from it.
Tears mean she is hurting, she’s in pain, and I know, in some way, somehow, her agony has to do with me.
I check my phone, scroll through texts and emails, pretending to be busy when the only thing I can think about Jovie being so close.
I finally have her where I want her and yet, she’s too far away for me to reach.
I stare at the woman I’ve fallen in love with. If I’m honest, I fell in love with her when we met for the very first time. It’s terrible, isn’t? Knowing my son was dating the woman I knew I was destined to be with.
Hopefully, he takes the news well. And if he doesn’t, I’ll manage.
Fifteen minutes of torturous silence comes to a brief halt when the car comes to a stop in front of the large iron gates. Sam presses a button on the dash, and the privacy gate swings open, revealing a long-paved driveway leading to ‘my manor’ as Jovie called it.
This house was constructed with old stones and vines that creep up the sides. I wanted something that reminded me of the UK when I vacationed there. I fell in love with the scenery and did my best to bring it to life here for my home.
“Wow,” Jovie gushes, her voice breaking the silence. “Oh my God, look at all of the flowers!”
I tuck my phone in my pocket. “What else did you expect?”
She cuts her gaze to me, the joy fleeing them. “Maybe a graveyard.”
I lean forward, setting my elbows on my knees. “Who says it’s not?”
There isn’t a dead body on my property. I’m not that much of a fool. My dead bodies are always disposed of. She doesn’t need to know that though. If she wants to fear me, I’ll give her every reason to.
Jovie’s eyes round, darting from me to the expansive yard that’s maintained by my trusted gardeners.
“Being a florist, I would think you would know how wonderful decomposition is for the soil.”
“Decomposing bodies can also be bad for plant life. The surge of acidity can kill the plants or even release bacteria or get in the water if it isn’t maintained correctly. They can nourish soil over time, but not immediately,” she corrects me, crossing her arms in defiance as she stares me down.
“Smart and beautiful,” I praise, leaning back against the seat. “You caught me,” I sigh dramatically. “There are no dead bodies here. You can sleep well knowing that.”
“Sleep well?” She scoffs. “I have a feeling I won’t be sleeping at all. Not when I’m held prisoner.”
“Prisoner?” The car comes to a stop in front of the house, the tires crunching over pebbles. “You’re a guest here. I want you to make yourself at home.”
“At home? With a man who wants to kill me? Yeah, I’ll be sure to settle right in.”
I grip her chin, rubbing my thumb over her plump bottom lip. Jovie’s breath catches, her cheeks pinkening. “Sarcasm sounds pretty against your tongue, but I better warn you—” I lean forward until I’m so close, my breath can be felt on her lips. “—Next time, I’ll fill your mouth.”
The back door opens, giving me the perfect opportunity to leave her confused as to why she’s here. I turn to step out of the car and stop, wanting to give her some peace of mind.
“Jovie?” I turn my chin to my shoulder. “I’m not going to hurt you. I would think you would know that by now, given everything.” Stepping out of the car, I inhale the fresh air, the sweet scent of fresh flowers blooming and newly cut grass easing my anxiety.
I hold out my hand for Jovie to help her out of the car, but she steps out on her own, ignoring me.
That’s too bad.
I take her hand in mind, gripping it so tight, she is unable to escape my grasp.
