Page 170 of Let Me Keep You

“Because I’ve invested too much goddamn time in you and our relationship. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I’m not letting you go. I’ve told you this, and it’s like you can’t comprehend what I’m saying. I refuse to let you make a fool of me in front of the people of Lawton Ridge.” He rakes his fingers through his hair. When I meet his demented expression, I shudder.

“I’ve worked to make a name for myself, and I don’t appreciate you parading yourself around like a whore and letting everyone see how unfaithful you are to me. You’re moving in with me, and you’re gonna be my wife and the mother to my children. You will be quitting your job as soon as we get married.”

Laughter escapes me. “Not happening.” I cross my arms over my chest.

Robert shrugs. “Fine then. How much do you love this cottage?”

I narrow my eyes, not sure what’s going to come from his mouth next. “What’re you talking about?”

“Just wondering, because I hold all the cards in my hands right now, Gemma. So you need to choose your words wisely.”

My heartbeat pounds in my ears as adrenaline rushes through me. He strolls through my cottage and looks at the canvases on the walls. After he makes a face, he moves over to the next, acting as if my mother’s work disgusts him.

“I own the deed to your father’s land. To his house and to this cottage.” He continues wandering around. “And I’ll bulldoze it to the ground. All of it.”

“You’re a liar!” I shout, not wanting to believe a word he says.

He looks at me with his arms crossed, wearing a sneer. “See, your irresponsible father was late on paying the hospital bills after your mother died, so he took out a second mortgage on the house.”

I wish he’d stop talking. I wish he’d disappear.

“And he was nearly eight months late on payments. The whole property went into foreclosure, and the bank was ready to sell it off. Considering I’m privy to things that will soon go to auction, I paid his debt. And now you’ll pay his.”

“Shut up,” I snap. “Why should I believe a word you say?”

“You think I’d lie about something like this? Trust me when I say this house will be gone by the end of next week. I’ll flatten it all to the ground with all your precious memories inside. It is mine, after all. Just like you.”

I glare, shaking my head in disbelief. He’s so full of shit.

“What? You want proof?” he muses.

Robert pulls out his cell phone and brings up the tax documents for the property. He shows it to me, and I press refresh in the corner. It’s real, and the realization nearly smothers me to death.

“No,” I whisper. “No, no, no.” I bend over, tears rushing out of me as I try to come to terms with this. Why didn’t my father tell me? Why didn’t I know? I suck in air, hoping not to hyperventilate.

“So you’ll do exactly what I say, or you’ll both lose everything.”

I focus on the ground, feeling lightheaded and weak in the knees. I refuse to pass out in front of him, refuse to let him see how much this really affects me. He’s the type of psycho who gets off on having control. I straighten my stance, pushing my emotions to the side, and realize I don’t have a choice in the matter. He’ll take everything from my father and me. He won’t stop until I do what he says.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you. You’re gonna have to speak up,” he says sarcastically, cupping his hand over his ears.

“I hate you,” I say between gritted teeth, and it’s obvious he’s finally found a way to break me.

“Good. So we’re gonna tell everyone that after a short breakup, we realized how in love we were and decided to get back together. And since we can’t live without one another, we will be getting married as planned.”

“Robert, you can find someone else. Plenty of women would marry you in a heartbeat and do everything you want and say. People will understand you’ve moved on. It’s not as big of a deal as you’re making this out to be.” It’s the truth, but also my last resort to help him change his mind.

“The date is set. November. And it’s final. You love your dad so much, and I’m aware of how you’d never want anything to happen to this land or his business. So start wearing your ring again.” He pulls it from his pocket and forces it on my finger. “Prove your loyalty to me publicly. You’ll do what I say, or everyone you love will pay the ultimate consequence. I know you, Gemma. You care too damn much to let that happen.” He smirks, proud of himself.

I speak up. “What’s that threat supposed to mean?”

“Threat?” He moves until he’s inches from me and grabs my cheeks, forcing my mouth closed. “It’s not a threat, dear. Keep our arrangement or I’ll make sure Victoria gets her revenge on Tyler without any consequences. I’m sure you don’t want anything to happen to your criminal lover.” He lets me go and laughs. “I’m sure I can start adding your friends to the list too. Everleigh. Katie. Owen. Your brother, who may conveniently find himself doing more time. I’ll hurt every person who means anything to you.”

“You’re a monster.” I replay his words.

Robert has the financial stability to pay anyone hush money. He and Victoria would both win at that point. Robert would get rid of the man I’m in love with, and Victoria would finally be able to bury the hatchet. Tears well on the rims of my eyes, and I don’t think I’m strong enough to hold them back, not as everything crashes around me.

“Break up with the boy toy. Tomorrow. Then we can go back to hosting the wedding of the century. We’ll plan a public appearance, and you’ll wear that black dress I love so much,” he demands.