Page 39 of Demon On Deck
I do as she says, pulling out a stack of documents. As I begin to read, my stomach plummets.
Legal papers. Filed by her bastard ex-husband.
Accusations of withheld income. Petitioning to reopen the settlement. The threat of a lien on Bloomhaus.
By the time I’ve read through all the legal bullshit, the fire in my blood is boiling.
“When were you served?” I growl.
“A few weeks ago,” she sniffs, not meeting my gaze.
Weeks.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” I ask, placing the documents back into the envelope as carefully as I can, though every instinct in me begs to incinerate them.
“I didn’t want you to be dragged into my mess.”
Mels words echo in my mind, “She’s trying to protect you.”
“Kallie—,” I start, but she cuts me off sharply.
“No.”
“No, what?”
She crosses her arms across her chest defensively, and my instincts go on high alert, screaming: danger, tread lightly.
“No to whatever you were going to say,” She states in a tone that brokers no argument.
“Doll,” I begin softly.
“No, Evren. I know you want to help, but this is my mess. I have to be the one to deal with it.” She says firmly.
I shake my head and take a step toward her, reaching out to take her hand.
She takes a step back.
A crack forms in my heart.
“I…I” she sputters, as fresh tears fall, “I think you should go.”
“Kallie,” I beg as my own voice breaks. My chest cracks open as Kallie tears my heart out.
She turns her back to me, shoulders silently shaking.
The silence stretches, sharp and suffocating, as I stand frozen until I force myself to move. To walk away from her and leave.
Her door closes behind me with a soft click that echoes in my ears at deafening volume. I walk to my car, leaving my heart on the floor of her kitchen.
Chapter 14
Withering Bloom
KALLIE
The soft click of the door closing is deafening.
Like a million alarm bells all screaming the same message.
