Page 76 of Cuffed (Everyday Heroes 1)

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Friends with benefits.

Humph.

Way to stick to your guns, Reeves.

Step.

There it is again.

Step.

I dig my fingers into my stuffed bunny.

Step. The jingle of Rex’s collar.

Don’t make a sound.

Step.

Don’t move.

Step.

My tummy hurts. I want to throw up.

Step.

Mommy. Come home. Please.

Step.

I can hear him breathing. I know if I open my eyes he will be standing there with his shoulder against the wall, watching me. Waiting.

I squeeze my eyes shut even tighter.

Please, God. If you make him go away, I promise to be a good girl from now on.

Step.

I promise not to sneak the M&M’s hidden in the back of the pantry.

Step.

I swear I won’t talk back and will make my bed every day.

Step.

Pretty please, God. I mean it this time.

The bed dips beneath me. His breath hits my face. The cold metal brushes against my arm.

I know what comes next.

“Emmy.”

I want to throw up.

He moves my hair from my face.

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